6 daily foods that can increase your stress level

Cortisol, widely known as stress hormone, can have beneficial effects on body health when it is neither too high nor too weak, such as regulation of 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 level And how your body manages stress.

Alcohol consumption directly affects your central nervous system (SNC). Your SNC understands your brain and spinal cord, which control thoughts, emotions, movements and proper functioning of the organs. Alcohol can temporarily increase your cortisol level. Consumption of occasional or moderate alcohol is generally not a problem. However, Excessive alcohol consumption can cause more serious cortisol imbalance.

A 2021 study on 9,000 participants confirmed the link between alcohol consumption and high cortisol levels. However, some studies show mixed results. Additional research is necessary to better understand this link, because other factors related to lifestyle, such as smoking, poor diet 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 into almond flour, and more transformed foods such as chocolate bars.

Ultra-transformed foods are generally based on sugars, starchs and highly refined 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, increasing your body stress. Over time, this can cause weight gain, type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of heart disease.

Eating a sweet treat can help you feel better at the time, because it could temporarily reduce the response to your body stress-This is perhaps the reason why desserts are often considered a comforting food.

Other research suggests the opposite: diets rich in added sugars and fatty foods increase your cortisol levels and stress.

Although additional research is necessary on the subject, a diet rich in fat and sugar exposes you to an increased risk of chronic (long -term) and may have an impact on your mental well-being.

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

Although the quantity of trans fat resulting from the frying can vary depending on the oil, it is often more during frying at higher temperatures and for longer cooking times.

Research has proven that trans fats increase inflammation of low intensity, a form of hidden and long -term inflammation which Night to the body over time.

Like added sugars, sodium -rich foods can 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 leads the body to slow the activity of the stress hormone. However, this system can be disturbed when the sodium intake is systematically 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 linked, 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 disordersincluding depression.

Following a Mediterranean type regime can be beneficial to maintain your equilibrium cortisol levels. It includes a wide variety of anti-inflammatory foods, which can help you increase your resilience when life becomes stressful:

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

Besides your diet, your life choices are also important to take into account to manage your stress. Here are some tips to balance life:

• Aim seven to nine hours of quality and uninterrupted sleep every night.
• Do the exercise regularly, including activities such as walking, swimming and bodybuilding, with adequate rest between the two.
• Include mindfulness and anti-stress activities such as yoga, meditation and holding a newspaper.
• Spend time outside and enjoy nature.
• Limit exposure to strong noises and other stressful stimuli, Especially if it is very sensitive.
• Avoid smoking.