The modern lifestyle which incorporates working, taking care of our social lives and looking after the people around us has rendered us unhealthy. Whether it is changes in our health physically and mentally, the pressure in our professional space tends to put us through stress. But what if we said that a part of this stress could be avoided by intaking the right type of food? Do you not believe us? Scroll over to find out more.

Stress not only affects our physical well-being, but it also affects our mental health. This is probably the reason why taking care of our mental health is so essential since if we avoid it, physical symptoms will develop sooner or later. 

The physical symptoms of stress include:

1. Chronic Pain
2. Acne
3. Decreased Immune Response
4. Headaches
5. Decreased Energy
6. Insomnia
7. Appetite Change
8. Depression 

There are a lot of foods that increase blood cholesterol levels. We also intake other types of foods which are not suitable for our health otherwise. For instance, soft drinks contain very high amounts of sugar which are totally unhealthy. We consume a big glass of such soft drinks quickly through the short duration of a movie. Apart from this, alcohol and cigarettes also correspond to bad health. Our busy lifestyle makes us ignorant towards all such mistakes. This is perhaps the reason why we overlook our diet when it comes to stress management.

The good thing is that we can successfully control stress by eating the right food. In this list, we are mentioning a few food options that are great for stress management. This list will also contain some changes in our everyday habits, which will contribute to lesser stress in our day to day lives. So let's get started- 

Herbal Supplements and Teas 

There are some teas and herbs which are widely used and known for their calming effects. These teas reduce the stress that is related to anxiety and even insomnia.

1.  Chamomile: Chamomile tea is available very easily, and it has a wide range of healing properties. It helps in controlling insomnia and gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Mint: Mint tea helps to induce calmness. One can also apply peppermint oil for relaxation.
3.  Barley Tea: barley tea is also known for its stress-relieving properties. It contributes to tryptophan which is an essential amino acid responsible for sleep and synthesis of serotonin in the body.
4. Passionflower: Passionflower is famous for its relaxation properties. It is perfect for people who have generalised anxiety disorders and insomnia. 

 Comfort Food Options

   Not just herbal supplements, but there are some comfort food options as well, which can act as terrific stress-relieving foods.

1. Dark Chocolate: unlike popular opinion, chocolate can be quite healthy. Dark chocolate does not only tastes good, but it also helps to relieve stress at the molecular level. Cocoa beans are known to improve cognitive function and make the mood better. People suffering from anxiety can benefit significantly by intaking dark chocolate.
2. Oatmeal: Oatmeal instils a feeling of calmness by boosting the secretion of serotonin in the body. It also reduces the level of stress hormones, thereby helping the person to manage stress.
3. Nutrients: Instead of looking for food options, one can also increase the amount of stress-relieving nutrients in the diet. A proper diet will be able to counterbalance the impact of stress by reducing the blood pressure and stabilising the mood. Some of these nutrients are as follows:
4. Complex Carbohydrates: There is a big debate as to whether the difference between good carbs and bad carbs is essential or not. But in our case, complex carbohydrates can help to manage stress by increasing the serotonin production inside our body. These carbohydrates are found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
5.  Vitamin C: Vitamin C not only helps in stress management but also gives a boost to the immune system. Consuming foods rich in vitamin C such as oranges and lemons can help to lower the levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone. 
6.   Omega 3 Fatty Acids: All the fatty fish, including salmon and tuna along with some nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, etc. are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the production of stress hormones and are essential for protection against a variety of heart diseases.
7. Magnesium: In a majority of people, fatigue and headaches are observed due to deficiency of magnesium. Moreover, increased magnesium intake improves the quality of sleep in adults. To intake more magnesium in your diet, you can eat more spinach or leafy greens along with soya beans.  

Apart from this, you can also try warm milk before sleeping to do away with any sleeping issues. Incorporating probiotics can help you to keep your gastrointestinal tract healthy, which will eventually help you manage stress.

Eating right can not only help you manage your weight but it also clearly contributes to having a healthier lifestyle that is devoid of any stress. We say it because of the proven scientific basis that corresponds to the importance of choosing healthy food options.