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Stress levels need to be managed to keep stress hormones like cortisol balanced.
What you eat can affect your stress levels.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants.
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Antioxidants protect cells from damage-causingoxidative stress, an imbalance of helpful antioxidants and harmful molecules known as free radicals.
Some research suggests that stress can lead tomagnesium deficiency.
Be mindful, though, that dark chocolate also contains caffeine, which can increase cortisol levels.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods help promote gut health by keeping the bacteria in the digestive system balanced.
Serotonin also plays a role in the stress response.
Bananas
Bananas are another good source of magnesium, and the benefits that come with it.
Spinach is also rich in magnesium, helping to calm the nervous system and protect against stress.
Green Tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which help protect against oxidative stress.
Green tea contains caffeine.
If you plan to drink it in large amounts, drink decaffeinated green tea.
Salmon is also a source of magnesium.
As with fish, chicken and turkey provide lean protein.
Tofu and beans are goodvegetarian and vegan proteinoptions.
Eggs
Eggs provide protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health.
The presence of choline in eggs also contributes to cognitive health and mood regulation.
Certain foods may also worsen stress and raise cortisol levels.
Tests can be performed to determine cortisol levels in the blood, urine, or saliva.
These include:
Summary
Chronic stress can lead to prolonged periods of elevated cortisol levels.
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