In response to a recent question for the #WondrousMindBlog, I did some research of foods that can effect stress.
Since detoxing, I have been trying to exercise harder and more often, as well as taking a closer look into what I eat and drink.
Dear Anonymous,
Yes, I have been looking at maintenance of the body.
After extensive research, I have found that there are four foods that seems to effect stress the most.
The top four foods which can impact stress the most include caffeine, alcohol, refined sugar and high-sodium foods (MSG).
The saying goes, "You are what you eat," and for the purpose of this post, this seems appropriate.
Stress varies from person to person. Some things may be distressful to some people while pleasurable to others. Nevertheless, we all experience stress in some form, and when we do our body responds as if we are in danger and produces hormones that speed up your heart. This is known as flight-or-flight.
Our body breaks down food into its smallest molecules and turned into tissue and chemical messengers which account for what we are made of. This includes the chemical composition and tissue of our brains. Therefore, foods can definitely alter our feelings of stress and anxiety.
The What's and Why's of it
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant to the central nervous system while also stimulating the secretion of adrenaline. Caffeine can mimic the symptoms of stress, from a chemical standpoint, by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and irritability. It is also known to cause dehydration, in large quantities, and interfere with sleep.
Coffee addicts, don't worry! Research says it's okay to have below 200 mg per day, roughly 1.5 cups of coffee.
Alcohol
Alcohol can have an anxiety-inducing effect in some people, typically the next day. Stress and alcohol "feed" off each other. This happens because of a depletion of many nutrients used to increase chemical messengers in the brain like serotonin. Alcohol also stimulates the secretion of adrenaline.
To you bedtime wine drinkers (cough mom & dad), yes it's true, alcohol is a sedative, but a few sips can exacerbate stress.
Dear college binge drinkers...think about it some more before your Thursday, Friday and Saturday fiestas.
Refined Sugar
Sugar exhausts adrenal glands. Ever heard the saying "What goes up must come down?" Well sugar crashes dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is the chemical messenger that makes you feel good. Excess sugar can create cravings which cause feelings of irritability, mood swings and poor concentration.
To myself, just because the bag of Swedish Fish says "a fat free food," it doesn't make them healthy. Attention all candy addicts, three words, CUT IT OUT (myself included).
High-Sodium Foods (MSG)
High-sodium foods increase blood pressure. Fluid is attracted to sodium, so when consumed in mass quantities you retain more fluid which causes the heart to work more. This can drain your energy and increase stress levels.
Calling all Chinese Food lovers, fact: MSG is found in most Asian foods. This can over-excite certain brain cells causing them to react in a way which creates migraines, stomach aches, fatigue and anxiety.
So what?
My goal is not to tell you never to have these items, but rather bring your attention to them.
Everyone is different and so are our bodies. Just being more aware of these items might lead you to seek out alternatives or substitutes.
For me, my research as brought me to the Paleo Diet.
This diet references our ancestors, during the Stone Ages, through eating wholesome and contemporary foods much like them.
Studies have found that the omission of sugars and sodium specifically in the Paleo Diet, cause lower levels of stress, and promote healthier living.
For me, perhaps the Paleo diet will be my next journey towards managing stress.
kaledo-art
theartofmadeline
dailybridgerton
titsay
dededos
germansingergirl