Vitamins and Stress
We all live with some kind of stress. Whether you are a stay-at-home mother or have a job that keeps you going longer than you feel you can keep up, all of these things cause stress. So how can we help our bodies cope with such stressors? Vitamins and foods that contain such vitamins is a start.
There are two types of stress, physical and emotional. Forumula supplements such as B vitamins with thiamin, niacin and riboflavin, are actually meant for physical stress, not emotional stress. Patients suffering from the acute stress of surgery or injuries need more energy and more nutrients to help them recover. The B vitamins are especially important for injury recovery because they play a key role in energy metabolism, helping patients get more of the energy they need from the foods they eat. These vitamins are found in foods such as whole grains and enriched cereals, lean meats and dairy products.
For emotional stress, taking stress formula vitamins won't help relieve this stress or make you feel any calmer. But, there are other ways to relieve psychological stress.
When we are stressed emotionally our body faces many challenges, these include:
* Reduced levels of important micronutrients like vitamins A, B, C and E as well as minerals;
* Reduced levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine;
* Increased levels of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol;
* Increased metabolic rate
* Increased levels of free radicals.
These biochemical changes can cause headaches, lethargy, irritability, high blood pressure, fatigue. Since vitamins A, B, C and E, are referred to as stress vitamins, they cannot be manufactured inside the body. Their intake in the form of supplement pills should help to minimize the ill-effects of stress. A stress vitamins pill is not a solution to stress.
All those these vitamins need to be replenished in the body, they don't necessarily help you cope with stress in the beginning. To better face emotional stress and help your body move through it
you should first of all get plenty of rest. Eating a nutritious, balanced diet while drinking plenty of fluids with regular exercise is also a great benefit.
Studies have shown that food and stress are linked together. You would be surprised to know that some kinds of food that cause stress. On the other hand, there are also certain foods that reduce stress. What kinds of foods cause stress?
- Many packaged foods contain agents that stimulate or cause stress. The irony is that foods containing people get tempted to consume these foods for various reasons. Some of the food items that are commonly known to cause stress are as follows:
- Caffeine: This is commonly found in coffee, tea, colas and chocolates. Caffeine increases stress levels by stimulating the central nervous system. Excess intake of caffeine will result in hyperactive mood and cause irritation and stress.
- Alcohol: Alcohol, if taken in large doses, disrupts sleep. It will also cause malfunctioning. It has the potential to create interpersonal problems with family, friends and coworkers. This creates plenty of sources for stress.
- Sugar:Sugar may be sweet to taste, but it won't be very sweet for the body. It quickly raises the energy levels in the body in a short-period. But the ultimate effect is negative. This is because the body handles sugar by releasing insulin into the blood to reduce sugar level. Even after the body has handled the sugar intake, the insulin release may persist, and cause a fall in the energy level.
Foods that reduce stress are:
- Proteins: Proteins maintain the body's muscles and strengthen them and this goes a long way in fighting stress. Some examples of protein-rich foods are meat, chicken, fish, eggs, cheese, milk, beans, and soya.
- Carbohydrates: If carbohydrates are taken in unrefined form boost positive energy levels and thus, help to combat stress. Some examples are whole grain bread and pasta, brown rice, vegetables, fruits, etc.
- Potassium: Potassium helps to prevent blood pressure. Corn, potatoes, avocadoes, leeks, fish, natural yogurt, chicken, and bananas have plenty of potassium in them.
- Iron: Iron helps in transporting oxygen via the bloodstream. Iron deficiency can lead to poor intellectual capacity and this in turn weakens the body's stress-response levels. Some foods that are rich in iron are eggs, lean meat, dried fruits, wholegrain cereals, peas and potatoes.
- Zinc and copper: Zinc helps in speeding the metabolic process of proteins. This ensures that proteins are not converted to fat. Some studies say that a lack of copper in the body may harm the heart. Foods like chicken, liver, kidney, oysters, banana, rice, beans, pears, and soy have these minerals.
There is no denying stress in our lives but there are things we can do to help ourselves, so what are you waiting for?
Related Tags: stress, vitamins, iron, vitamin b, copper, zinc, emotional stress, potassium, physical stress, b complex vitamins
R. Fredriksen is the Vice President of Nutrition Dome, a leading provider of Jarrow Formulas, Pioneer Nutritional Forumulas and other quality supplements. For more information, please visit www.nutritiondome.com.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- How to Get Rid of Head Lice, Remove Head Lice
Head lice are tiny bugs that live in the hair of humans. It is common for children to get them at sc - Body Detoxification Methods and Techniques
There are several indications that it is time for someone to detoxify his or her body. The symptoms - Muscle Building Diets
Muscle Gaining Secrets Do you know that the #1 most important principle of fast muscle gain is overl - Should You Buy Skin Care Products With Vitamin C
Its no secret that vitamins are very powerful in keeping our body health because they contain potent - Lose Your Weight Consistently
Are you concerned about your weight regaining after a certain period? Well, it's obvious for you to - Colour and How it Can Affect Your Mood and Improve Your Image
Have you ever thought about why you sometimes want to wear one colour and another day you choose so - How is Tap Water Tested for Contamination?
Have you ever sat and wondered exactly how is tap water tested for contamination? What you really - Is Meditation for Relaxation Only?
Many people use meditation for relaxation, and it is easy to understand why. When you breath deep a - Hair Care and Styles
Feeling like getting a new haircut but Clueless in finding your next haircut. Like to be updated on - Being on a Diet Doesn't Have to be a Bad Experience
<!-- @page { size: 8.5in 11in; margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } --> There are som
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Meridia - Potent Anti Obesity Pill
BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or more is an alarm signal. This puts you in a high health risk category - Stress - Simple Tips to Reduce Stress Quickly & Easily
We all know the word stress and most of us know when we are being stressed, but do you know the symp - Atkins and Diabetes
The Atkins diet principles lay the foundation for a healthy, more balanced way of eating than the st - Physical Therapy Exercises
The procedures of physical therapy are diverse. Physical therapy combines a variety of methods and t - Each One is Immersed in His/her Own World!
The world perceived by us all is not exactly as it appears to be. The reality is this that the mater - Do you Need of Anti-reflective Coating Glasses?
Anti-Reflective Coating is a coating on the lens surface designed to reduce surface reflections and - 2007 My Year of Self-reliance
2007 My Year of Self-Reliance At the close of the year in the western tradition, we tend to ove - Top 10 Tips for a Healthier Home
Kyoto Accord or not, it seems clear that Canadians are preparing to help lead the way in learning to - Does it Matter What you Eat While you are Taking Medicine?
The efficiency of some medicine really depends on what you eat and drink. Some foods can counteract - Considerations for Buying a Home Treadmill
Throughout the years, the quest to achieve a healthier body, mind and spirit has extended to the kin