Best Foods For Stress Relief

Stress is increasingly shown to play a significant role in our well-being, and if left unchecked, it can wreak havoc on our health. As we learn this, it is increasingly obvious that we must do something for stress relief and counteract the side effects on our health.

As part of your Kaufmann Lifestyle, stress mitigation is key. This might include stress reduction techniques like prayer, meditation, or quiet time. It certainly should include exercise, which is known to lower stress. But the obvious question is, are there foods we can include in our diet that can help mitigate stress?

Stress Relief Foods for the Kaufmann Diet:

All of these foods are permitted––and encouraged––on The Kaufmann Diet, and all have been shown to have some benefit against stress. 

Artichokes

Artichokes are rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin K––all of which are beneficial against stress. However, artichokes are rich in prebiotics, a kind of fiber that nourish probiotics. Studies indicate that people who eat prebiotic foods might have reduced stress and anxiety. 

Blueberries

Blueberries are considered a superfood, but one of the effects they are thought to illicit is improved mood. Rich in flavonoids (anti-oxidants), blueberries might help prevent stress-related damage in the body, protect the brain and work to prevent depression. 

Broccoli

Broccoli, along with other cruciferous vegetables, might be beneficial against depression. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, magnesium, folate, vitamin B6 and sulforaphane––all of which are thought to protect the brain, fight off depression and offer calming effects. 

Eggs

Eggs are loaded with nutrition, but one particular nutrient might be beneficial in terms of our ability to fight stress: choline. Choline plays an important role in brain health. Eggs are also rich in Vitamin D and tryptophan. 

Fish

Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, contain two nutrients that are thought to fight stress. The first is omega 3 fats, which are known to improve mood and promote brain health. The second is vitamin D, which is crucial for a number of things, notably mental health and the ability to cope with stress. 

Garlic

Garlic is rich in sulfur compounds, which are thought to confer numerous health benefits. Among those is the elevation of glutathione, which is protective against the effects of stress. 

Olive Oil

Olive oil has many healthy benefits, but research has shown it might be beneficial for alleviating an important symptom of stress: high blood pressure. Olive oil might also increase serotonin––the “happy” hormone. 

Parsley 

Fresh parsley is rich with antioxidants, which are known to promote health in numerous ways. Among those is reduction of inflammation, which is a known side effect of chronic stress. 

Turkey

Turkey is high in the amino acid tryptophan, which is known to promote calm and reduce anxiety. 

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt is not only rich in the probiotics that promote a healthy gut––which itself is thought to alleviate stress and anxiety––but two amino acids that are thought to fight stress; lysine and arginine have been shown to lower stress hormone levels. 

Related Recipes:

Artichoke & Spinach Dip

Quinoa Crusted Fish

Choosing a Good Olive Oil

Turkey Meatballs