Food and the Stress Connection
By J. A. Young
In times of stress, many people either eat too much or do not eat much
at all. Stress and its connection to food is no, however, quite so
simplistic. In fact, food can play an important role in helping the body
maintain health during times of great stress. On the other hand, some
foods can, unfortunately, add to overall stress and cause health to
deteriorate over time.
During stressful times, it’s easy to forget about maintaining a healthy
balanced diet. Yet, a stressful time is precisely when added nutrition
can help the body cope with the negative physical effects of stress.
Both overeating and eating too little will only exacerbate the negative
aspects of stress. When people feel upset, they tend to crave
carbohydrates and fats that promise a jolt of energy; too many of these
foods, however, will be stockpiled by the body as fat.
Dieticians recommend avoiding sugary foods during times of stress.
Sugary foods such as chocolate may induce an initial feeling of energy,
but this sugar rush is typically followed by a crash—a feeling of
lethargy and fatigue. Since stress walks hand in hand with anxiety, it
is also wise to avoid caffeine, which can increase anxiety and insomnia.
Moreover, alcohol, a depressant, should be avoided during times of
stress.
When stressed, it’s more important than ever to eat balanced meals at
regular intervals. Skipping meals, eating fast food, or eating on the go
will not meet the body’s needs during an emotionally challenging time.
Since stress is linked to an increase in blood pressure, doctors suggest
adding more vitamin C into the diet; vitamin C can help reduce blood
pressure and many foods that contain this vitamin like strawberries and
blueberries are also rich in antioxidants that help ward off disease.
Nevertheless, when experiencing a craving for carbohydrates, reach for
whole grain items. Whole grains are healthy and will also satisfy hunger
for a long period of time; take care not to eat too much, however, as a
very full stomach can induce feelings of tiredness. Foods that are rich
in B vitamins like B6 can also be beneficial during times of stress;
foods like turkey, tuna, and bananas may enhance serotonin production,
which can lead to a calmer frame of mind and diminished feelings of
stress.
Stress, long-term stress in particular, can lead to various health
problems. According to medical experts, stress is linked to heart
disease, cancer, and diabetes. You may not be able to ward away life’s
stresses, but you can help protect your body from its damaging effects
through diet.
