Healthy Eating Can Lower Your Stress Level – Tips from the Doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care

Stress is a major health disorder that affects millions of people. You might be surprised to learn that there is a link between nutrition and anxiety. Studies show that if you have a healthy, balanced diet, you are less likely to feel stressed than someone who has a poor diet.

To help you handle the inevitable stressful situations you face each day, try incorporating some of the following foods into your diet:

• Oranges – Vitamin C, which is known for its ability to boost your immune system, can also help return your blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels following a tense situation.

• Almonds, walnuts, and pistachios – Loaded with B and E vitamins, almonds can boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios can help lower your blood pressure.

• Dried Apricots – Rich in magnesium, apricots are a natural a stress buster and muscle relaxant.

• Sweet Potatoes – Packed full of fiber and beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A, sweet potatoes can help your body process carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner, and thus satisfy your urge for sweets when you are nervous.

• Dark green vegetables – Broccoli and kale are vitamin powerhouses that can help replenish your body when you feel stressed.

• Spinach – Just one cup provides 40 percent of your daily requirement of magnesium, which can help fend off fatigue and headaches.

• Avocados – According to The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, consuming potassium is one of the best ways to lower your blood pressure, and avocados contain even more potassium than bananas.

• Turkey – Turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan, which triggers the release of serotonin, a “feel-good” brain chemical. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel so relaxed after your Thanksgiving meal, it’s because of the turkey, which has a natural calming effect on those who eat it.

• Salmon – Salmon contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids that not only provide protection against heart disease, but also can prevent the “stress hormones,” cortisol and adrenaline, from spiking.

For additional family health tips, please browse our online series of articles. If you have questions or would like to see a physician, feel free to contact or visit the South Tampa Immediate Care walk-in clinic.