Blog

Calming Foods That Are Great for Periods of Stress

Image Source


When we think of food, we tend to think of a source of energy. We think of fuel for our day ahead. Sure, this is the main purpose of the majority of ingredients that we put into our bodies through breakfast, lunch and dinner, but food can do so much more for us too. Right now, many of us are living through pretty stressful times. The world has changed a lot over the past few years, which major events like the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacting our day to day lives hugely. We are also largely living through a cost of living crisis, meaning that many of us are struggling financially. Whatever your stresses right now, there are steps that you can take to get on top of your worries and to feel a sense of calm. Did you know that different foods could help with this? Here are just a few relaxing foods that you might want to incorporate into your diet for a little support.


Green Tea


Many of us find hot drinks and warm drinks soothing when we’re stressed or looking to unwind. A cup of hot drink can feel like a hug, especially during the colder months of the year. If you’re looking for a particularly calming drink, consider green tea. This is rich in an amino acid called tehanine, which has been looked at in scientific and medical experience for its ability to positively impact mood disorders. It has effects that can ease anxiety and can encourage your body to increase its serotonin and dopamine production. Several trials have found that it can really help to alleviate tension.


Chamomile Tea


Looking for a stress relieving, comforting tea, but you’re not a fan of the bitter and acquired taste of green tea? Chamomile tea may be a good alternative. Offering a more floral flavour, chamomile is a herbal remedy that is popular around the world for relaxant properties. If you don’t like the taste of chamomile but want to get the benefits regardless, you may even want to look into chamomile supplements, which deliver thegoodness without the flavour.


CBD Gummies


Have you tried CBD before? This is a calming substance that can really help you to unwind and feel a general sense of wellness. If you haven’t tried CBD before, a great form to give a go could include gummies like Delta 8 Gummies. This is an easy and delicious way to try CBD for the first time, or for those who have been using it for years and like a sweet treat on a day to day basis. Do a little research and speak to a professional in store to determine whether this could suit your needs.


Dark Chocolate


We don’t usually tend to associate chocolate with health benefits, but dark chocolate (in particular) actually has a few. One is stress alleviating. Many people automatically reach for chocolate when stress and researchers have found that the cocoa in chocolate may help to improve mood through how it impacts your gut. Chocolate also tends to help our body emit mood enhancing neurotransmitters. It is a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids, which can have other benefits for your health and wellbeing too!


Egg Yolks


Shop free range eggs and benefit from the relaxing properites of egg yolks. Egg yolks are packed with vitamin D and contain plenty of essential amino acids. They can be prepared in endless ways to make sure that you get an ongoing boost of these vitamins and minerals that can help you unwind without getting bored of the food on your plate. Some studies have found that a particular amino acid found in eggs - tritophan - can actually help to promote healthy serotonin levels.


Fatty Fish


If you eat, there are relaxing benefits to come from healthy, fatty fish too! These fish contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) or two essential fatty acids - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). You’ll find that EPA and DHA can both help your body to regulate neurotransmitters, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy brain function.



Of course, it’s important to remember that there are all sorts of foods that you can incorporate into your diet to assist your stress levels. If in doubt, or if you take other medication that could be impacted by certain ingredients, speak to your doctor before trying anything new out. They’ll be able to guide you in the right direction and provide personally tailored advice to meet your needs.


Photo Gallery

Comments