Although stress seems all but inevitable in today’s society, there are 5 best foods for stress relief that can have amazing effects on your body and mind! You can even complement these healthy foods with natural stress-relieving methods such as infrared sauna therapy and exercise. 

Studies have shown that stress can be extremely harmful to the body in many ways ranging from emotional and mental effects such as mood swings, depression, and anxiety to health effects such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and gastrointestinal problems. Reducing your exposure to stress factors and even eating stress-relieving foods can greatly improve your health and overall lifestyle. 

Here are 5 of the best foods for stress relief!

Salmon 

Salmon is a great food for stress relief! When you’re stressed, your body produces an elevated amount of cortisol which can be harmful to the body and is linked to excess belly fat. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3s which, research has shown, can combat the negative effects of stress hormones such as cortisol in the body. Omega-3s also have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce anxiety and depression. Salmon is also a good source of Vitamin D that can help combat depression.

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are an excellent food choice for stress reduction! This food contains many vitamins that are great for your health, especially folate which helps your body produce feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These feel-good chemicals combat the negative effects of stress, helping you feel happier, calmer, and more energetic. Leafy greens are also a great source of magnesium which can regulate blood pressure and even cortisol. A study has shown that magnesium can also fight depression symptoms, leaving you feeling better. 

Turkey 

Turkey is a great food that can reduce stress in the body. The amino acid tryptophan found in turkey is known to have a calming effect and is often the culprit for making you sleepy after a big turkey dinner like Thanksgiving. Tryptophan is eventually converted to the feel-good chemical, serotonin. Serotonin is known to regulate hunger and make you feel happier, combating the feelings of depression and anxiety associated with stress.

Serotonin is also produced when you exercise or enjoy an infrared sauna therapy session. A home sauna kit is a great complementary asset to a healthy food diet, helping you naturally reduce stress!

Tea 

Tea is probably the most common and oldest remedy for stress. Studies have shown that tea, such as green tea and chamomile, can reduce anxiety symptoms by calming the nervous system. This study concluded that green tea plays a definite role in the reduction of oxidative stress in the body, protecting the body from oxidative stress diseases. Tea can also reduce cortisol levels, but it’s important to note that if caffeine is too taxing on your body or frazzles you then you should opt for decaffeinated tea. 

Avocado 

Avocados are an extremely nutritious food option for stress relief! They are rich sources of Vitamin B which has antioxidant properties and is associated with reducing stress by boosting mood and energy. There are preliminary studies being conducted to test just what makes avocados so beneficial for stress reduction and improved cognitive function. Avocados are also a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids that can improve your overall health and promote weight loss by making you feel satiated, reducing the possibility of overeating. 

Overall, incorporating these 5 best foods for stress relief can greatly improve your lifestyle, allowing you to live healthier and happier. Consider adding a gym session or an infrared sauna therapy session to your daily routine to complement the effects of these foods on your overall health and further reduce your unhealthy stress level, so you can continue to live your best life!