Foods that Can Make Stress Worse
Unfortunately, it is so easy to make stress worse through food. All of that yummy sugar that we become addicted to actually increases stress hormones, but there are a lot of other foods to consider too. Here are some foods that make stress way worse, even as a senior.
- Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Cookies, cakes, soda, and pasta can make your stress way worse than it already is. These are all foods that taste so good but they actually spike your blood sugar which means your body has to make more insulin to bring your blood sugar back down. It can lead to an increase in cortisol, which is also the stress hormone. Even though they taste good at the moment, it is best to stay away from them if you are already feeling stressed out.
- Coffee or Other Caffeine Substance: Caffeine is another one of those things that can increase cortisol levels and it can increase our response systems to stress. Keep in mind that if you drink caffeine later in the day you may also sleep less which can make you feel more stressed out in the long run. Sleep is so important when handling stress in life.
If you need help figuring out ways to redirect your focus or finding the right substitutes, ask home care for more help. They may be able to set you up with a routine that allows you to drink coffee early in the morning but allows it time to wear off before bed. Home care will work with you to find things that feel right for your life.
Foods That Can Reduce Stress
When you take care of your body, you will feel it. Food can impact your physical and mental health, so it is something you should be taking the time to focus on. Here are a few foods and drinks you should consider adding to your diet if you’re feeling stressed.
- Protein: High-quality protein should be added to your daily diet, especially if you are stressed. Protein can help you build amino acids and help your stress response. If you don’t get enough protein, it can impact the hormones controlling your moods!
- Tea: Some teas have caffeine, so you need to be careful about the type of tea you drink and when you drink it. However, if you stick with herbal tea, it can have mood-boosting properties like L-theanine, which can be found in mint teas.
- Probiotics: Probiotics and even fermented foods can have a huge role in how you deal with stress. Your gut makes tons of hormones, including those that give your mood a good boost. You need to keep your gut healthy when you choose to focus on stress and de-stressing.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Philadelphia, PA, please contact the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services today at (267) 766-5218
Better Care Home Health Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Philadelphia, Germantown, Glenside, Elkins Park, Bryn Mawr, Roxborough, Wyncote, Broomall, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Lansdowne, Narberth, Wynnewood, Penn Wynne, Fairmount, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, and the surrounding areas.
Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
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