Combat stress with food

Nowadays, stress is a constant in the lives of many people. Whether it arises from personal or work-related reasons, stress affects our mood and health. Fortunately, there are foods that help counteract the effects of stress on our bodies. Generally, when we say we are under a lot of stress, we do not fully understand or simply overlook all the effects it has on our health. In general terms, stress refers to the side effects caused when a person cannot appropriately respond to a situation in their life. This manifests in the body in three stages: the first is an alarm state in which the body produces adrenaline, the second is a resistance mechanism that the body activates to face the problem, and finally, the stage of physical exhaustion arrives. It is very common for a stressed person to react to such situations with food cravings. Unfortunately, the types of foods we tend to consume in these cases (energy drinks, caffeine, fast food, etc.) only aggravate the problem. Read: This drink, in addition to being delicious, will give you a lot of energy. Try it! What kind of foods can I consume to reduce stress? There are certain foods that, thanks to their natural properties, help us combat the effects of stress in the body. Ingredients rich in Omega 3 promote the activity of neurotransmitters, which are related to mood regulation, emotions, and the alternation between wakefulness and sleep. To obtain the necessary levels of Omega 3, it is recommended to consume fatty fish and dairy products. Read: A glazed salmon is what your body is asking for. Are you craving it? The B complex, particularly vitamin B9, activates certain neuromediators that regulate mood. If you experience symptoms such as insomnia or irritability, complement your diet with brewer's yeast, legumes, spinach, and broccoli. Read: Spinach is very versatile. Discover 10 ways to prepare it. Finally, carbohydrates play an essential role in managing stress, as they provide the brain with the energy it needs to function properly. Carbohydrates promote the production of tryptophan in the brain, which is related to the secretion of serotonin, the happiness hormone. Make sure your carbohydrate intake does not come from junk foods, and instead choose bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes. Read: Don't let your rice get mushy! Here’s how to prepare classic white rice. Recommendations: Avoid consuming fast food as much as possible. The ingredients in these dishes and their nutritional levels (for example, sodium content) only worsen the symptoms of stress. Don't skip meals. Try to start the day with a breakfast that provides the necessary energy to work throughout the day and respect meal times; do not wait until you feel hungry. Watch your caffeine intake. While one or two cups of coffee can even be good for health, excessive amounts can have negative effects on both the brain and the nervous system. Read: No more excuses for not eating healthily at the office! You will love these recipes.