Stress affects the food choices that we make. Good nutrition helps in balancing our stress hormones, relieving stress and boosting our mood. Here are 8 foods to reach out for when you have just about had enough to calm and soothe you.

OATS

Being a complex carbohydrate, oatmeal causes your brain to produce serotonin, a feel-good chemical. Serotonin calms you down and makes you feel good. Oats are also rich in beta-glucan, which help in lowering blood cholesterol level and also help in weight management.

NUTS

Nuts help replenish Vitamin B stores that are depleted in stress. The B vitamins help us manage the fight or flight response in stress. The potassium in nuts also helps keep the blood pressure in check thus reducing the strain on the heart.

SALMON

Eating salmon on a regular basis has been linked to reducing the risk of getting depression because of the omega 3 fatty acids present in it. It can reduce stress and anxiety in individuals when eaten even twice a week.

LEAFY GREENS

Leafy greens contain folate that produces dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is involved in the emotional regulation in the brain thus keeping you happy. Besides folate, magnesium in the leafy greens also helps in keeping us calm and good.

SEEDS

Seeds like the sunflower seeds, flax seeds, watermelon seeds, etc., have stress-reducing benefits. These tiny powerhouses are rich in magnesium that promotes a healthy nervous system. They also are full of tryptophan which is an amino acid that helps in the production of serotonin that helps you feel calm.

AVOCADOS

Avocados are rich in the stress relieving B vitamins, Vitamin C and folate. They also contain potassium that naturally helps in lowering blood pressure. This makes them one of the best foods for relieving stress and anxiety.

MILK

Milk contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid which is a precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is a “feel good” chemical known to promote relaxation in a person. And, milk taken with another carbohydrate will help in the absorption of tryptophan.

LENTILS & BEANS

Being stressed can be detrimental to your nerve health. Lentils and beans are rich in magnesium, folate and potassium which help calm the nerves, reduce anxiety and promote brain health. Researchers have found that eating a diet of processed, sugary and fatty foods increases the chances of stress and depression.

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