Food can do more than fill your stomach, it can improve your physical health as well as your emotional well-being.
Most of us have been there and experienced that knot in our stomach or whirling head when in anxiety-inducing or stressful situations. Although many take holidays and days off for relaxation, these offer short-term fixes.
If you want a long-term fix for calming your nervous system, turn to food. Here are some food groups that offer amazing benefits.
Choosing whole fruits and vegetables is a better choice than some store-bought plastic-sealed choices, as they contain phytochemicals. Phytochemicals help protect your neuropathways, which can help reduce mental health issues such as stress and anxiety.
Lacking nutrients can result in fatigue and stress, so consuming five a day to hit nutrient levels is wise.
Yes, you can consume chocolate, and it is good for your health. But we’re talking about choosing dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is packed full of flavonoids, which interact positively with neurological pathways and improve brain function. No longer will you need to worry that dark chocolate is bad for you. In fact, it is a great sweet treat to enjoy to improve your brain health and calm the nervous system.
It is also true that dark chocolate can be a great sweet yet blood-sugar-balancing snack as the natural sugar content is low. When consuming snacks, be mindful of the sugar and nutrient content, as you don’t want them messing with your blood sugars, which can impact your nervous system.
Avoiding caffeine and choosing herbal teas is a wise idea if your nervous system is out of whack. Good options include lavender and chamomile, as they promote calming benefits for the mind and body.
If you enjoy coffee or other caffeinated drinks, be sure to consume them after eating them to reduce their impact on the stomach and brain, which are the main organs that induce anxiety and mess with the nervous system.
Your diet should be rich in calcium for many reasons. Not only does calcium enrich bone health, but it also improves brain function.
Low-fat milk and rich yoghurts are the best choices as they fight cortisol, the hormone that heightens anxiety and knocks the nervous system out of whack. Then, you can take control of your nervous system and enjoy a more peaceful mindset.
Try consuming calcium-rich foods at every meal. If you don’t enjoy dairy, various dark leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and collard greens are high in calcium.
Fatty fish is packed with omega 3’s, which can have significant biological effects on the body. What we eat feeds our brains as well as our bodies and science proves that omega 3’s are great for reducing anxiety and depression.
Tuna, salmon, and halibut are great choices. If you don’t consume fish, avocados and flaxseed are packed with omega 3’s and easy to consume with most meals.
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