We all suffer from feeling stressed from time to time (some people more than others). Here are some foods that you can easily incorporate into your daily food regimen to nourish your body combat the stress response:
- Celery—very cooling and excellent tonic for hypertension. Juice 3 stalks of celery, one green apple, and add one carrot for flavor and you have a lovely soothing juice. Compounds within celery lower the concentrations of stress hormones that cause blood vessel constriction.
- Asparagus-Asparagus is a wonderful food that helps with cleansing the liver and kidneys, thus, improving your bodies response to stress. It is high in the antioxidant enzyme glutathione which helps the liver function at optimal levels. Steaming asparagus is an easy way to incorporate this food on a regular basis (note: it does make your urine smell, so don’t be alarmed J).
- Garlic-there is a reason why this wonderful herb has been used in Italian and Asian cuisines for hundreds of years—garlic contains a detoxifying chemical called allicin, which is responsible for its taste and smell. Chemical constituents in garlic help the body get rid of toxins by aiding the liver and kidneys to further break down and get rid of toxins. It also helps lower blood pressure, which is very helpful in times of stress. A powerful antibiotic and antiviral when used regularly in cooking and eating raw dishes (caution on first date), it boosts the immune system and thus helps the body not function in a “stressed mode.”
- Avocadoes-Avocadoes contain 14 minerals, and their high iron and copper content helps with red blood cell formation and prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Fatigue can be a major symptom associated with stress, so eat an avocado and get a major mineral boost!
- Almonds-rich in magnesium which helps support the adrenal glands during times of stress. Low levels of magnesium can be associated with anxiety, tension, and insomnia.
- Sunflower seeds-rich in B vitamins, especially vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. Evidence suggests that during times of stress the body needs B6 and pantothenic acid to regenerate. Sunflower seeds can be drizzled over salads or eaten by itself.
