According to Alexander, L., LaRosa, J., Bader,H., and Garfield, S. in New Dimensions in Women’s Health discusses how one’s nutrition can affect ones stress level. Certain foods that contain caffeine, alcohol, and sugar are considered to be “food stressors” . On the web site byestress.com gives information about how foods cause stress, which are the following:
· Caffeine e.g. coffee, tea, soda, chocolate
Stimulates central nervous system causing hyperactivity, irritation, and stress
· Alcohol e.g. mixed drinks, beer
Disrupts sleep, impaired judgment, bring about other issue among friends, family, co-workers
· Sugar e.g. “empty calories”
Gives quick spurt of energy which initiates insulin release, which may not cease, therefore causing the “crash” feeling
Not only can these bring about feelings of stress but health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, overweight issues, which will defiantly cause even more stress. One should also be aware how the food is cooked (e.g. deep fried and high temperatures should be avoided) can have an effect on how the food will affect your stress level. However, one should also try to choose the healthier foods which can actually reduce stress such as proteins, carbohydrates, potassium, iron, zinc and copper. However, one should not feel that they need to completely avoid these foods, but do remember moderation is the key.
How do I know I am stressed? byestress.com gives informative information about signs of short term stress on the body includes, fatigue, insomnia, over sleeping, rashes, hives, hair loss. Long term effects can be chest pains, low immune system, and chronic pains similar to arthritis.
For tips on relieving stress you can go to http://www.byestress.com/byestress-articles/stress-relievers.htm
Great informational post. It is sad to say that things that give us pleasure cause us the most stress. That is why "living with our future in mind" is so hard! I agree that people need to know what it is that is causing them stress so they can help deal with it. Stressing about stress seems weird to say but it is so common in our culture!
ReplyDeleteMarlex
ReplyDeleteGabriela said
Marlex I think you write great information about stress, because as I am taking a class and I learned that stress is a big problem to deal. Stress has been a big problem that affects at any person. However, stress can affect at any time and can damage your family, job and other important factors in your life. Also, stress can cause any other type of diseases such as heart attacks, and many other who are related with stress.