Here Are 3 of the Top Foods to Avoid When You’re Stressed
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Parris Kidd
Why is it that when we get stressed we begin to crave exactly the opposite of what is good for us? For many of us that struggle with stress, as soon as we begin to feel those worries creeping up on us, we would do anything to alleviate it. However, when we’re stressed, we often aren’t thinking very straight, and might make poor food choices that end up hurting us instead of brain-healthy ones that help us reach our goals.
Consider the typical comfort foods: things like gooey mac & cheese, creamy potatoes, and decadent ice cream. These foods are what your brain craves most when it’s stressed, and because you feel so anxious you want to do whatever you can to feel better and figure, “Why not? I deserve it; I just want to feel better…”
But, if you listen to your stressed-out brain, you may end up feeling worse. These foods, because they are high in carbs send your blood sugar on a roller coaster, are what your stressed-out brain craves. They even increase your cortisol (the stress hormone) levels. This only makes it more difficult to calm your anxious thoughts and can cause you to feel stressed and groggy. Additionally, foods that contain sugar, gluten, and casein from dairy can trigger the pleasure center in your brain.
3 Food Groups to Avoid When You Are Feeling Stressed:
1. Wheat-Based Products – (bread, tortillas, etc). They’re truly addictive and are difficult for people to wean themselves from – when carbohydrates are processed in your body they’re immediately broken down to sugar. Gluten also damages your intestinal lining, which can affect the production absorption of serotonin in your body.
2. Corn – Eating corn or corn-based products will only make you more anxious,¹ as it is high in carbs which will increase your blood sugar, and starch, which can leave you feeling drowsy and lethargic.
3. Sugary Processed Treats – This one is tough. You think maybe if I go get a snack from the vending machine, I’ll feel better and have more energy. You go for the Kit-Kat…you deserve a break, after all. However, not long after your chocolate break, you start feeling jittery and feelings of anxiousness return. Then comes the crash; you become lethargic and are unable to focus. To avoid this unhealthy blood sugar roller coaster, opt for healthier options that will help you feel fuller longer.
In addition to avoiding these food groups during times of stress, it’s important to support your body. Stress can drain your energy and important nutrients, help your body replenish those nutrients by putting good in.
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References:
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- Here's Why You Should Exercise Your Brain at Any Age -
- This Is What You Need to Know About the Standard American Diet! -
- What Are the Pros and Cons of Western vs. Eastern Medicine? -
- Why Experts Say You Should Take Vitamin C, Vitamin D3 and Zinc -
