How Stress Affects Nutrition?

Stress can cause a wide variety of health problems, but it can also wreak

havoc on your overall health. The impact of stress on nutrition is one of the

major reasons why stress can be so damaging. During stressful periods,

people often start ignoring their health and begin making unhealthy food

choices. Too much caffeine, not enough water and too many high-

sugar snacks are some of the most common culprits. By learning about how

stress affects nutrition, you can avoid problems and ensure that your

nutritional needs are met.

A major part of managing stress involves making health choices that will

reduce stress levels and help you cope with life’s challenges. If you are

concerned about the amount of stress in your life, spend some time

evaluating your current nutritional habits. In many cases, making just a few

simple changes can help alleviate some of the most damaging effects of

stress.

The Impact of Poor Stress Nutrition

Unhealthy habits can affect your body in a wide variety of ways. While you

may not feel these effects immediately, they can become cumulative over

time. Drinking too much caffeine when you’re burning the candle at both

ends can hinder concentration, reduce sleep and impair motivation. A diet

high in junk foods can create blood-sugar imbalances that can leave you

feeling weak and listless. Eventually, poor stress nutrition can lead to reduced

immunity, making you more susceptible to both minor and major illnesses.

Limit Caffeine and Drink Plenty of Water

When you are coping with stressful event or working too much, you might find

yourself chugging caffeinated beverages to stay alert. Instead, limit your

intake to no more than 2 or 3 caffeinated drinks every day. In place of

caffeinated beverages, try drinking lemonade, ginger ale or just plain

water. Staying hydrated can help increase energy and leave you better

prepared to deals with the challenges in your life. If you find that this simple

switch isn’t enough to overpower you caffeine cravings, consider a self-help

program to get you on track in making healthy decisions for body & mind.

Eat Regular Meals, but Limit Unhealthy Snacks

A loss of appetite is a common symptom of stress, but it is important to sit

down and enjoy a regular meal. Make time for three well-balanced meals each

day, but avoid mindless munching on unhealthy snacks throughout the day.

Refined sugar can leave you feeling run-down, which will only add to your

stress levels. Instead, try a few nutritious snacks such as fruits or nuts.

When you are feeling stressed out, your body’s increased levels of the stress

hormone cortisol may cause you to crave fatty, sugary or salty foods. By

eating regular meals and indulging in a few healthy snacks, you can

effectively manage these cravings.

Stress can make it difficult to make healthy choices. However, an important

part of finding stress relief involves taking good care of yourself and your

body.

Take a hard look at your daily diet, and then look for ways that you can

improve your nutrition. By improving your nutrition, you will be better

prepared to cope with daily stress and tackle challenges at work, at home or

at school. The Midwest Center’s Renew Supplement and will help you develop

a nutritional stress management plan to battle your stress & anxiety.

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