Increased cholesterol caused by stress occurs when the stress contributes to unhealthy eating habits. If someone is under stress, this person may abandon his healthy eating habits and indulge in consuming foods he desires, rather than foods that are good for him. Many times the foods this person chooses have a high cholesterol content. Just being aware of this fact may help those inclined to eat high cholesterol foods when stressed avoid those foods, but reducing stress in the first place could be more effective. The following information will help you reduce cholesterol by reducing stress.
Step 1
Stress is a state of mind, so do what you can to calm yourself, then note what you were about to eat. If it is something that will raise your cholesterol level, exchange it for a low cholesterol, or no cholesterol food. Also eat vitamin B foods such as brown rice, oatmeal and other whole grains to calm your nerves. Green leaf vegetables contain vitamin B and magnesium, so include lots of green leaf salad in your diet. When you are stressed, you need more protein. Eat good sources such as fish, soy and eggs. Do not consume foods that will negatively affect your nerves. Foods to stay away from include alcohol and tea or coffee that contains caffeine. Consider your action a feather in your hat when it comes to reducing cholesterol and pat yourself on the back. You beat the temptation and are better for it. That thought alone should give you a sense of relief.
Step 2
Have an acupuncture treatment to relieve anxiety associated with post-traumatic stress disorder, if you have this type of stress condition. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health, acupuncture may offer benefits to people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Step 3
Get a massage to alleviate your stress, or find a qualified reflexologist who can give you a reflexology session and balance your system. Reflexology is deeply relaxing and will calm you down. Have reflexology or massage regularly to keep you stress-free, and to help you reduce your cholesterol level.
Step 4
Practice breathing deeply to keep yourself in a calm state by slowly breathing air in through your nose and releasing it after about six seconds. Always look at your goblet as half-full. Make your thoughts positive ones and let the negative thoughts go.
Reference:
References
- NHLBI: What Makes Your Cholesterol High or Low?
- Acupuncture May Help Symptoms of Posttraumatic Str ...
- "Healthy Healing"; Linda Page; 2001
