Fighting Stress With Nutrition

Stress can be treated using certain nutrients. Diet plays a vital role in maintaining optimal mental and physical health.

Vitamins

Vitamin B3 or Niacin is vital for metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It influences functioning of cell respirations, nervous system and regulates secretion of gastric juices. Through these functions the vitamin helps in keeping the body active.

Since it is involved with regulation of blood pressure, liver functioning (bile secretion) and hormonal balance; Niacin must be involved in daily diet. Food sources of Niacin include tomatoes, beans, fish milk, meat, peas, cereals and green vegetables.

Research has shown that vitamin B12 (Cobolamin) is an energy boosting nutrient. The vitamin is asked to be consumed as a daily supplement especially to people taking depression related medication. This way they are said to respond better. Natural sources include seaweeds, algae, soya products, eggs, liver and cheddar cheese.

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine is especially required by women. The hormone plays a vital role in managing hormonal balance and the stress related to it. Pyridoxine helps in treating insomnia and troubles of digestive system thus protecting body from internal stress.

Other benefits of vitamin B6 include a healthy skin, optimal production of antibodies and blood cells. Natural sources of vitamin B6 are kidney, yeast, egg yolk, grains and seeds.

Folic acid not just helps in dealing with stress but also aids in deal with mood swings. It is often supplemented along with B-complex vitamins. Natural sources include chickpeas, cucumber, peppers and carrots.

What to Avoid

A diet that mainly comprises of sweet foods, junk foods and packaged produced lead to stress a depression. Packaged foods contain trans-fatty acids which block cells and reduce oxygen exchange leading to fatigue related stress.

Higher the intake of caffeine (more than 700 mg/day), alcohol and daily products (in excess) may also cause stress.

Special Foods

There are certain foods that act as super-foods for stress. These are fish oil, walnuts, brown rice, cabbage, whole-grain oats and Brewer`s yeast. The omega-3 fatty acids present in fish oil and walnuts are powerful antioxidants that aid in revitalization of the entire system.

The folic acid and vitamin B1, B2, B3 present brown rice and brewer`s yeast, vitamin C in cabbage make them vital for well being.