Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress

Everybody is different, which means that an individual’s dietary needs can differ depending on a variety of factors, including the amount of physical activity and genetics. Some people might find that their bodies respond better to a diet that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, or meat-free. If you’re curious to see what a dietary change could do for your stress levels, let me know and we can talk about it!

Generally speaking, it’s a good rule of thumb to eat plenty of vegetables, drink plenty of water, and eat a wide variety of nourishing foods.

A few things that you might want to limit or avoid include caffeine, sugar, and alcohol.

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system and is technically considered a psychoactive drug. Too much caffeine can have a negative effect on your adrenal system, keep you from sleeping, and generally have a negative effect on your well-being. If you find yourself relying on caffeine for an energy boost, try some alternatives. You can get up and take a walk outside, do a breathing exercise, or drink green tea are some ideas.

Like caffeine, sugar gives you a temporary “high” which often ends in a crash of mood and energy. This stimulant also pushes the buttons of your nervous system, which you’re trying to keep calm!

Lastly, alcohol. While it seems like alcohol can have a calming effect on the body, it actually causes higher amounts of cortisol to be released, which alters the brain’s chemistry in an attempt to reset your body to a “normal” state. On top of that, alcohol disrupts your sleep.

Now, onto the topic of gut health! Research has proven a strong link between the gut and the brain. You might know of this first-hand, like if you get a stomach ache when you feel nervous. A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut. While it can be difficult to decipher which comes first, we know for a fact that there is an intimate connection.

That’s why many people who struggle with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) also struggle with mental health issues—because the GI (gastrointestinal) tract is sensitive to emotions!

Incorporate lots of veggies in your diet, which your GI tract will love!