6 Everyday Foods That May Be Raising Your Stress Levels

Cortisol, widely known as stress hormone, can have health benefits in the body when it is not too high or too weak, such as stress, inflammation and immunity. It also helps to manage the way your body transforms food into energy. Certain types of food can affect your cortisol levels And how your body manages stress.

Drinking alcohol directly affects your central nervous system (SNC). Your SNC understands your brain and spinal cord, which control thoughts, emotions, movements and the right function of the organs. Alcohol can temporarily increase your cortisol levels. Occasional or moderate consumption is generally not a concern. However, Heavier consumption can cause more serious cortisol imbalance.

A 2021 study with 9,000 participants supported the link between alcohol consumption and high cortisol levels. However, some studies show mixed results. Additional research is necessary to better understand the link, because other lifestyle factors such as smoking, bad nutrition and lack of sleep can also have an impact on your SNC and increase cortisol levels.

Many foods we consume have a certain type of transformation. However, there is a big difference between simply processed foods, such as almond almonds in almond flour, and more processed foods such as candy bars.

Ultra-treated foods are generally Made with very refined sugars, starchs and fats. Refining Reduces beneficial nutrientsLike fibers, while adding aromas and additives that have little health value.

Eating a lot of ultra-transformed foods can increase your cortisol levels, which puts more stress on your body. Over time, this can cause weight gain, type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of heart disease.

Eating a sweet treat could make you feel better in the moment because it could temporarily reduce the response to your body stress– This may be why desserts are often considered a comforting food.

Other research suggests the opposite – this diet rich in added sugars and fatty foods increases your cortisol levels and your stress.

Although more research is necessary on the subject, a diet rich in fats and charged with sugar presents a greater risk of chronic conditions (long -term) and may have an impact on your mental well-being.

Fried foods generally contain more saturated (unhealthy) fats, especially when cooked with lard or coconut oil. Even the use of healthier options like avocado oil is not ideal, because the The high content frying process can transform some of the fats into trans fatThis can increase your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Although the amount of trans fat that results from the frying can vary depending on the oil, there are often more when frying at higher temperatures and for longer moments of cooking.

Research has proven that trans fats increase low -grade inflammation, a form of long -term hidden inflammation Naming the body over time.

Like added sugars, sodium -rich foods could influence the body’s response to stress. Over time, a diet rich in sodium can interfere with the way the body controls stress hormones. Normally, an increase in cortisol levels slows the activity of stress hormones. However, this system can be thrown when sodium intake is always too high.

Artificial sweeteners can disrupt intestinal health, potentially weaken your immune system and affect the way your body manages stress.

The intestine and the nervous system are closely connected, and the imbalances in intestinal bacteria, which support your digestion and your immune system, can inflammation. This inflammation was linked to a Increased risk of mood conditionsincluding depression.

Following a Mediterranean style diet can be beneficial to keep your cortisol levels in balance. It includes a wide variety of anti-inflammatory foods, which can help increase your resilience when life becomes stressful:

• Legal, such as chickpeas and peanuts
• Lawyer
• Salmon
• Eggs
• Dark chocolate
• Green tea
• Olives
• Greek yogurt

Besides your diet, your lifestyle choices are also important to consider to manage your stress. Here are some tips for the balance between life:

• Aim seven to nine hours of quality, an uninterrupted sleep every night.
• Engage a regular exercise, including activities such as walking, swimming and strength training, with appropriate rest between the two.
• Include awareness of stress such as yoga, meditation and journalization.
• Spend time outside by enjoying nature.
• Limit exposure to strong noises and other stressful stimuli, Especially if this is very sensitive.
• Avoid smoking.