Top 7 foods for stress relief
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate may be one of the top foods for stress relief because it is rich in antioxidants and magnesium. The antioxidants in dark chocolate, flavonoids, can help to lower inflammation in your body and improve brain function by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and through the release of endorphins. It isn’t clear why magnesium is good for stress relief, but researchers believe it can help through the regulation of neurotransmitters in our brain.
Blueberries
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanin and other antioxidants, and they also contain tryptophan. Anthocyanins are the pigment that give blueberries their color and have been shown to reduce cortisol, monoamine oxidase, aminocholinesterase. Tryptophan, which most people associate with turkey meat, is an amino acid that is involved in the production of serotonin. Many studies show that low levels of serotonin are correlated with stress, anxiety, and depression.
Spinach
Spinach is rich in magnesium, vitamin C, folate, L-theanine, and chlorophyll. Vitamin C works to reduce stress by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, regulating heart rate, and regulation of neurotransmitters.
Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation, lowering cortisol, supporting brain function, regulating neurotransmitters, and improving heart health. Seaweed, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and brussel sprouts are also great vegetarian sources of omega 3’s.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is widely known for its calming properties which are derived from several compounds found in the plant which include: apigenin, bisabolol, matricin, glycine, and several other types of flavonoids. Studies show that apigenin, matricin, and bisabolol, can regulate several different types of neurotransmitters, reduce oxidative damage and inflammation, and can protect brain and nerve cells. Glycine has been shown to do much of the same as the other compounds in chamomile, and it can also enhance sleep.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in magnesium, vitamin E, omega 3’s, L-arginine, and fiber. When a person is in a stressed or highly anxious state the body uses up high amounts of Vitamin E, which can exacerbate both of those conditions if your body already has depleted levels of the vitamin. L-Arginine can help with stress and the consequences of prolonged and heightened stress through the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is involved in the vasodilation of blood vessels, brain and nerve function, learning and memory processing, and stress regulation.
Fermented Foods & Probiotics
Fermented foods and probiotics can both help to improve your gut health and have a positive effect on mood through the gut-brain axis. The gut plays a major role in mood because around 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut along with several other neurotransmitters such as: GABA, melatonin, histamine, acetylcholine. There are many different strains of bacteria in fermented foods and probiotics, but they are thought to improve gut health through the regulation of pH in the intestines (which can help good bacteria thrive and prevent the proliferation of bad bacteria), and producing digestive enzymes which can help you get more out of your food.
If you are looking for a Denver acupuncture clinic for help with stress, or need help with your digestive problems, headaches, pain, psychological conditions, or women’s health issues, contact us today at (720)285-6251 or book an appointment online.
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