The #1 Eating Habit to Reduce the Effects of Stress as You Age, New Research Finds — Eat This Not That

As you grow older, stress can make a real sacrifice to your health. Thankfully, there are lifestyle choices you can make to reduce your adaptive load (the scientific term for the negative effects of stress on your body). There are classic techniques for combating stress, such as taking a deep breath and practicing mindfulness, but the food you eat can also play a role.

in fact, A new study found that maintaining a healthier diet was associated with a lower adaptive load.

in the investigation, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and NutritionResearchers surveyed data from more than 5,000 US adults and analyzed dietary quality information from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey compared to allostatic loading measured by various biochemical markers. bottom. They found that for adults over the age of 31, the higher the dietary quality score, the lower the probability of high adaptive load.

Carrie Gabriel, a registered dietitian based in Los Angeles, California, states that the food you eat can affect your stress levels not only in the long run but also in the short run.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

“Eating a balanced diet not only supports a healthy immune system, but also provides the extra energy needed to cope with stressful life events,” she says. .. “For example, omega 3 fats and vegetables can help regulate cortisol levels when incorporated into a balanced diet. Take the time to eat, pay attention to your diet, and chew slowly to get the right diet. Please digest it. “

She says that some foods and beverages, such as caffeinated beverages and sweet snacks, can cause stress, and complex carbs help stabilize blood sugar levels, which in turn keeps you calm. It says it will be useful.

However, Michigan-based registered dietitian nutritionist Colleen Kristensen of Grand Rapids warns against being overly worried about the particular food you are eating.

“One thing about this study is that it doesn’t even include how obsession with eating a healthy diet can harm us,” she says. increase Instead, eat this!.. “When we follow a restricted diet, even in the name of’health’, this can increase the level of stress perceived as cortisol in a person. “

She warns against imposing restrictions on your diet and instead takes a more holistic view of your health, considers lifestyle factors like sleep quality, and manages your stress Find a way.

For more information on this subject, be sure to check out these sneaky signs that you are overly stressed and what to do about them, experts say.

Clara Olshanski