by Victoria Tan Stress is almost everyone’s problem…

It’s likely that you suffer from stress on a regular basis, in spite of your current life stage, and it is not a very peaceful experience. Sometimes it helps you be more alert and ignite spirits to get something done. Chances are your health might be affected if you suffer from a chronic emotional pressure. A host of physiological responses of nervous, immune and endocrine systems are affected, resulting in ailments such as diabetes, inflammation, prolonged pain, cardiovascular and hypertension.

Chronic stress is also a great contributor towards adrenal fatigue, which can be harmful to mental control and releases some symptoms like melancholy, anxiousness and low concentration.

You might try your best to reduce your stress; however, some certain foods unexpectedly have negative impacts on your body. They may even have a reverse effect beyond what you initially thought of.

1. Refined Sugar And Artificial Sweeteners

When people are stressed out, they often stick to confectionery products, such as sweets, chocolate, doughnuts and other sugary foods. Chewing gum is widely chosen when anxiety and nervousness visit us more often. What we don’t know that sugar increases the level of hormone called cortisol. High level of cortisol can also path a way for sleep issues, reduced immune system and headaches. Otherwise, you will get more irritability due to excessive stress-related digestive problems.

Blood sugar rapidly increases due to higher cortisol and insulin promotes the feeling of sugar needs, thereby resulting in health damage. Skip sugar and artificial sweetener intake as much as possible to stabilize your blood sugar levels and stay happier. Your waistline will also thankful for.

2. Spicy Foods

If stress is your everyday problem, then you may be suffering from stress-related digestive issues. It appears to your body through the malfunction of digestive system together with the inability to process food properly.

In addition, stress reduces your metabolism, resulting in food remaining in your stomach longer, which is the reason for acid reflux. If you consume spicy foods, you might aggravate the problem. Instead of eating these red color foods, try to consume greens such as spinach, kale, broccoli and fruits such as oranges, avocados and bananas.

3. Caffeine

Drinking a cup of coffee each morning to stimulate your body function is not an unhealthy habit. However, several cups per day could do a reverse. You are likely to drop yourself in a more stressful zone than you would like.

An excessive amount of caffeine can be a troublesome to your blood pressure. Furthermore, your heart rate increases, eventually resulting in irritation and anxiety. It can also annoy your digestive system, interrupts your full sleep and dehydrates your body, which can be a reason for energy loss and headaches.

Stop overstimulating your body by such taking caffeine products like energy drinks, certain tea types, chocolate and some pain relievers.

Processed Foods

Processed foods and refined carbohydrates might stimulate you by their taste, but they don’t help with stress relief. They have no nutritional value and deliver zero beneficial calories at all. Packaged foods contain great source of sodium, fat and artificial additives that proactively boost your cortisol levels and disable the body’s defense toward stress.

The sodium does not only make you feel extra thirsty, but also retain more fluid. It may also increase blood pressure, enforce your heart to work harder, and enhance blood sugar levels. As a result, it makes you feel more bloated and irritated.