FOOD AND STRESS RELIEF!

The changes associated with stress are:

- Increase in the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol
- Increase in blood sugar and cholesterol
- Increase in the heart rate and blood pressure
- Increase in the respiration
- Accumulation of toxins like carbon dioxide and lactates
- Emotional changes due to alteration in the brain chemistry
- Gastro intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome
- Suppression of immunity

The principle of stress management programs is to reverse all these changes. Among these changes the levels of the already increased hormones cannot be brought down. The stimulus which increases their production can be controlled. All the other changes can be reversed using various stress relief options. One of the simplest options is the dietary changes.


Vitamins for Stress:

# One effective method of stress relief management involves the use of vitamins. Taking in extra nutrients helps to ensure that the body will have adequate amounts in store to combat stress. Among the most important stress vitamins are the B-complex vitamins and the antioxidant vitamins.

# B-complex vitamins are important in stress relief management because one of their primary roles in the body is to keep the nervous system functioning well.

# Deficiencies of B-vitamins are associated with nerve problems and an increase in stress-related symptoms such as depression, anxiety and irritability. The B-complex vitamins work as a team, and supplements should include a balanced formula containing all of them.

# Antioxidant vitamins are important vitamins for stress. Vitamins E and C, both antioxidants, protect the body against free radical damage. When the body is under stress, more free radicals are produced, so extra antioxidants can be of great value in stress relief management. Antioxidants also help to strengthen the immune system, which can be compromised during stressful times.

# Nutritional supplements for stress relief management should contain more than vitamins. Several minerals and herbs are of value in combating the effects of stress as well.

# For example, the minerals magnesium and zinc are often depleted when a person is under stress, and supplements may help to replenish stores and alleviate stress-related symptoms. In addition, herbs can be used to treat a variety of stress-related conditions.