Eating your way to: Calm

Eat your way to: Calm

Life’s daily stress can wreak  havoc on your immune system and emotional health. A daily onslaught of stress can lead to heart disease, diabetes, anxiety disorders and even wrinkles. Here are a few dietary tips to help you on your way to calm and wellness.

Anti-oxidants	“eat the rainbow” – colorful veggies and fruits contain antioxidants that can help your immune system and boost you energy, helping you cope with life’s daily stress. Veggies such as Mustard greens, Kale carrots and spinach contain B vitamins that help increase energy and boost metabolism. Fruits such as  blueberries and papaya contain anthocyanins  and enzymes which improve mood and concentration, decrease inflammation and contribute to a better digestion. For an added treat: eat a small piece of chocolate ( 86% cacao) Chocolate has antioxidants and induces a feeling of euphoria in many people.
Omega-3s	Deep sea fish and vegetables contain beneficial Omega-3 fatty acids which are heart protective, mood stabilizing, reduces inflammation in joints and muscles and improves overall blood pressure by lowering triglyceride levels in the body. Sources for omega-3’s are fish oil supplements, deep sea fish such as Salmon, tuna and herring. Vegetable sources are flaxseeds, primrose oil, hemp oil, avocados, most leafy green vegetables and soybeans.
Complex carbohydrates	Carbs have had a bad reputation recently, but complex carbohydrates have been the building blocks of many diets from ancient civilizations till today.  Complex carbs not only provides great energy and building material for our cells, it also increases the hormone serotonin in our systems.  Stress causes the release of dopamine which triggers nervous reactions such as panic attacks, anger, jitteriness and arrhythmia.  Serotonin causes relaxation, feelings of calm and well-being and attributed to better concentration and communication.  Complex carbohydrates are “whole” foods, not processed white flour or corn products.  Examples are brown rice, fresh vegetables and fruits. Eating complex carbs triggers the brain to secrete serotonin and the hormone leptin which makes us feel full, calm and satisfied. Next time you feel stress, grab a piece of fruit and notice the difference in your reactions.