ANXIETY AND STRESS
Anxiety and stress are different emotional states and are natural reaction to uncomfortable situations. Stress is a normal part of everyday life. Its reactions can result in anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety include muscle tension, nervousness, insomnia, fear etc. Prolonged feeling of anxiety may lead to some disorders. These situations also rob person’s health. Severe health problems like cardiovascular disease, ulcer and blood pressure can arise due to acute and chronic stress.
During anxiety and stress, vitamins and minerals are well utilized. Present nutrition status and intensity and frequency of stress influence loss of nutrients. Vitamin B complex is called ‘stress vitamins’ and psycho nutrients because they affect highly on mental capacity, nervous system and mental functions. During stress some minerals and water-soluble vitamins are lost in urine and perspirations, then under normal conditions. So, in severe stress they are needed more.
Because anxiety and stress can often over stimulate nerves and cause muscles to be tight and tense, in may be helpful to eat foods rich in calcium and magnesium. According to Encyclopedia of Nutrition (2003) high intake of tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine amino acids are recommended for treatment of stress. Tryptophan and Tyrosine amino acids are precursor of feel-good neurotransmitters serotonin and catecholemine respectively. This has shown to reduce effects of stress.
Essential amino acids and vitamin B complex can be obtained from whole grains, milk, curd, millets, rice flakes, sprouts and green vegetables. Sprouted legumes are biologically well–absorbed.
Be aware of food as a source of stress. Today we consume too much sugar, sweets, refined processed foods, coffee, alcohol and nicotine. These foods are low in B vitamins and amino. When chronic stress calls for these nutrients, we feed only empty calories by binging sweets, fries, cola, coffee etc, eventually increasing stress and form addiction.
Take high protein to get amino acids, take three meals, and avoid coffee, sugar and alcohol. Also be careful in choosing soybeans for protein as it can be allergic and add on the stress. |
