Stress
is a dreaded word these days. So much so, that we have authors write thick
books about it, we have businesses running in the name of stress therapy and
medications to curb stress sell loose!
So,
why does this article state that Stress
is good?
Let’s
understand Stress first and how it affects our body.
Stress
is a reaction to a certain situation and the body’s way of making you more
alert and ready to take on a challenge. When a stressful situation hits (like a
dog comes running in front of our car), we need an extra spurt of energy to
counter these situations. The brain directs your adrenal glands located right
above your kidneys through a combination of nerve and hormonal signals, to
release a surge of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline increases
your heart rate, blood pressure and energy supply. Cortisol increases sugar and
glucose in the blood. This is a natural response and is helpful in situations
like when one has to apply emergency brakes, or run for life when a fire
breaks. Have you ever noticed how after
such incidences we usually stop for 5 minutes and breathe till we feel normal?
That is to get the body regulatory back on Track.
So Stress is
a natural way for our body to adapt to certain situations and hence is good.
But,
today’s lifestyle demands us to be on a high alert ALL THE TIME. Whether, it’s
from our workplaces, or handling children or family issues and most of the
times all of them combined! There is no time to STOP AND BREATHE till we feel
normal.
The
human body is designed to experience stress and react to it appropriately.
Stress can be positive and negative. However, when the stress continues for
continued time with no relaxation it leads to a situation called distress resulting in chronic illness.
Foods
helps tame stress and a healthy diet can counter the impact of stress, by
shoring up the immune system and lowering blood pressure.
Carbohydrates: For a steady supply of
the feel good chemical, serotonin, consume complex carbs like whole grains,
breads, oatmeal etc.
Vitamin C: It helps strengthen your
immune system and curb stress levels. Ensure sufficient intake of foods such as
oranges, lemon and the likes.
Magnesium: A deficiency in this
mineral triggers headaches and fatigue leading to an increase in stress. Make
sure to have sufficient green leafy vegetables especially spinach.
Omega 3 fatty acids: This essential fat can
be obtained from fish and flax seeds. It helps protect against heart diseases,
mood swings, depression and thus helps in preventing stress.
Nuts: A handful of nuts such as almonds,
pista and walnuts helps protect us against heart diseases, lowers cholesterol,
prevents inflammation in arteries and protects against effects of stress.
Raw veggies: Crunchy raw vegetables
help ease stress by relieving a clenched jaw and keep tension at bay.
Everyone
needs a little stress to perform well, but too much stress or tension disrupts
the body’s regulation.
Apart
from the diet, try getting a good night’s sleep, get musical, laugh your heart
out even if you’re alone, breathe deeply, exercise and stay active.
About
the author
I am Mahima Setia, a clinical nutritionist,
fitness expert and a seasoned corporate banking professional. With a vision to
create a difference to the service of nutrition and health consulting by
marrying today’s consumer’s habits, lifestyles and needs to relevant and doable
health advice – both scientific and emotional, I decided to follow my passion
for Good health both personally and for the consumer at large.
Having
earned advanced certifications in Nutrition and fitness studies, I have been
consulting for 3 years and look forward to each day as another milestone
towards better health for both me and my clients. I advise on better nutrition,
weight management, incorporating physical activities in daily life, dealing
with clinical conditions, mindful eating and fat loss.
Personally,
I have been a national level swimmer, love to dance and read books.
“Eat
healthily, sleep well, breathe deeply, and move harmoniously.”
