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Understanding The Link Between Diet And Stress

By: Don Saunders There have been many studies examining the benefits of sound nutrition and, as with many things in life, these studies more often than not contradict each other leaving us wondering where the truth actually lies. In general however there is agreement that a healthy and balanced diet plays an important role in lowering levels of stress.

It is also normally agreed that, where a diet is not very well balanced, supplements can be helpful. As an example, serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain which can induce calm and, in the case of a poor diet, taking a supplement that helps the brain to produce serotonin can help the body to combat stress.

Timing is however also important and, as serotonin levels are normally naturally higher in the morning and reduced in the afternoon, you can help your body by either by taking supplements in the afternoon or by enjoying a late afternoon snack which will help the body's natural production of serotonin. Try a baked potato or some pretzels, both of which are healthy and low in fat.

For some people excessive eating, particularly of high fat foods, is the answer to stress. However, high fat foods tend to inhibit or slow down serotonin levels and so normally have just the opposite effect to the one you want.

Another result of over-eating is that of weight gain and, as a growing number of people are discovering nowadays, being overweight is a sure route to stress and even to depression. The answer is therefore both a sensible and balanced diet and a fair amount of exercise.

Sensible eating and exercise will have the combined benefits of both lowering the production of stress-inducing chemicals within the body and of improving the way you look and feel, which will without doubt raise your mood and provide a sound barrier to stress.

One other thing to watch out for is the habit many of us have of skipping meals. When you are stressed you will usually find that this depresses your appetite and it is very easy to start missing meals. Stressed or not, set yourself a regular routine when it comes to mealtimes and then stick to it.

Also, try to make mealtimes into a 'break' in your day and set your problems on one side while you are enjoying a meal. Use this as a time, specifically set aside for relaxation and to focus your attention on the good things in life. You will assuredly find that when you get up from your meal the world will be much calmer.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

For more information about stress, including such things as stress symptoms, and for a wealth of stress articles, please visit Stress-Relief-And-Anxiety-Relievers.com

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