Stress is a factor we all face in our lives. As sad as it sounds, yes, we must live with it. Yet, there are ways to reduce the amount of harm it causes. Obviously, when any kind of stress builds, we become more susceptible to illnesses and diseases. Well, of course, there is a variety of therapies waiting for you to try out, but there’s something you can do every day to manage the harmful side effects. It’s eating healthy foods!

Your body can bounce back faster than you know from acute stress. Unfortunately, chronic stress doesn’t give the body time to recover. According to scientific research, sufferers of chronic stress can easily catch colds, susceptible to high blood pressure or even heart attack. This is why you would want to use the benefits of vitamins and minerals found in food to manage your stress.

Stress makes the body release free radicals that can damage cells and the chances of developing a disease increase. Fruits and vegetables with antioxidants can help. Vitamins C and E are great and they can destroy the free radicals. Fruits like oranges, strawberries, and cantaloupe are great. Vegetables such as broccoli and bell peppers are wonderful as well.

Chronic stress can lower the levels of magnesium, and ultimately this cause headaches and fatigue. Foods rich in magnesium are spinach, salmon and black beans. They can replenish the magnesium and make you feel more energetic. Were you aware of the fact that stress affects the immune system? To boost immunity, eating foods high in vitamin E is recommended. Nuts and seeds are full of vitamin E.

Of course there are foods you should eat, but there are also foods you want to avoid. Beverages such as tea, soda or energy drinks are high in caffeine. This stimulant will increase blood pressure. Remember that sugar should be also avoided. Sugar tends to spike up your blood sugar level and quickly fall. This makes the body release insulin which affects the adrenal glands responsible for regulating stress hormones. So, now you know. Eating a chocolate bar when you feel stressed isn’t the best idea. Go with the healthy choices of nuts, fruits or vegetables.