Foods that help reduce stress and anxiety

Stress is essentially a series of hormonal signals in your body that impact your emotions when you're exposed to threats. Control these internal triggers, and you’ll be able to fight it. How? Through healthy food.

Experts believe that a nutritious diet, over time, can help build your defences against stress because your gut health is closely linked to your mental state. Fill your fridge with these healthy pick-me-ups so you always come out strong when pressures rise.

Here is what you need to know about how to overcome stress and anxiety naturally with foods:

Symptoms of stress

Stress is an unavoidable part of today’s hectic life. Everyone responds to stress differently so it's important to know what stresses you out and how to handle it.

The most common symptoms of stress include:

• Irritability
• Headaches or dizziness
• Muscle tension or pain
• Stomach problems
• Chest pain or a faster heartbeat
• Difficulty concentrating or feeling like your mind is going blank
• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry
• Eating disorder
• Sleep disruptions: sleep too much or too little, unsatisfying sleep

 

Foods to eat when you feel stressed out

Some people find stress helpful or even motivating, but if the symptoms of stress are affecting your life negatively, these foods might help you to overcome the situation.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids naturally stimulate serotonin — a happy hormone produced in the gut to boost your mood. It’s usually found in mackerel, salmon and shellfish.

Fatty fish is loaded with the goodness of Omega-3, which is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) provides two essential fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In fact, EPA and DHA help in reducing inflammation and promoting healthy brain function. Also, fatty fishes are also a great source of vitamin D.

If you do not enjoy seafood, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are also an excellent source of fatty acids.

Fibre

A blood sugar crash can induce fatigue, anxiety or brain fog. Balance your blood sugar levels by eating fruits and vegetables packed with fibre so you can productively power through the day.

Nutrient-rich foods like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts can help lower inflammation in the body, which in turn can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Much like vegetables, fruits are also beneficial to your mood disorders. Don’t forget to add apples, plums, and berries to your diet when you feel anxious.

Fermented food

The gut produces the same happy hormones as the brain does. Keep it healthy to lower your stress levels by supplying it with good bacteria from fermented food. Stock up on all your probiotic pick-me-ups — a big jar of kimchi, a tall bottle of kombucha, or small cups of yogurt.

Yogurt and other fermented foods help in brain development and are great for relieving anxiety. Eating yoghurt helps in reducing chronic inflammation, which are responsible for anxiety, stress, and depression.

Dark chocolate

Chocolate helps in instantly lifting your mood and can also avert anxiety attacks if consumed properly. Chocolate feels like such an indulgence that it can be a real treat to simply savour a piece of it, which can help to reduce stress.

Lemon water

Sometimes, it’s the simple things that can solve the biggest problems. Drink more water to reduce stress because dehydration is linked to a higher risk of anxiety, according to multiple studies. Add lemon slices to your water to give yourself a vitamin C boost — also known to ease stress levels.

>>> Relevant reading: 3 tips for sustainable eating at home.

Having an organised fridge that responds to your needs can also be stress relieving. Easily maintain the freshness and taste of your food, and remain cool-headed with the UltimateTaste 900 Refrigerator.

 

The Electrolux UltimateTaste 900 refrigerators are equipped with TasteSealFlex compartment that can easily adapts to the temperature you need. This space offers five temperature presets from -23°C to 7°C, allowing you to expertly store any type of food, from fresh vegetables, to tender meat and fish, or cold drinks and ice-cream.

 

Plus, whenever you need a refreshing drink, our fridges can give you a glass of ice and water at the touch of a button with AutoIce feature.

 

>>> Read more: Refrigerator buying guide

Check out our UltimateTaste 900 refrigerator model below: