Do not eat these foods when you are stressed

Caffeine
Salt
Sugar
Alcohol

Tobacco and drugs or medication should also be avoided.

Click on the link below to find out why.

I also included a section on what foods should be eaten  in times of stress.


Caffeine:
This is found in coffee, tea, soft drinks (gas), chocolate and some pain killers is a stimulant.
It immediately supply short term energy to the body so reduce tiredness and make the body feel alert.
When people increase their intake of caffeine under stress the following occurs:

1. The caffeine stimulates the secretion of adrenaline causing nervous tension, insomnia and irritability.
2. It is an addictive substance and people can suffer from withdrawal symptoms when they try to cut down caffeine.
3. Caffeine is a diuretic and causes the body to lose fluids which may lead to an imbalance in the bodies chemistry.
4. Caffeine can also cause a rapid heart beat which can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Salt:
Salt is found in high quantities in convenience and prepared foods, it is also a favourite seasoning used during and after the preparation of food by a large percentage of people.
The following occurs because of salt:

1. During stressed periods, the release of adrenaline leads to a retention of sodium and a loss of potassium and an imbalance occurs.
2. A potassium deficiency can cause nervous disorders.
3. Sodium chloride is linked to high blood pressure.
4. High sodium levels can result in water retention (oedema), which can lead to kidney problems and heart disease.

Sugar:
There is large quantities of sugar in high processed foods and prepared convenience foods.
The following occurs because of sugar:

1. We experience an increase in adrenaline production during a large intake of refined sugar.
2. An imbalance is caused in the blood sugar levels and this can weaken the immune system and cardiovascular system.
3. It can affect the insulin function, since sugar stimulates the release of insulin and the insulin metabolize the sugar so the blood sugar levels will drop quickly again.
4. The swing in blood sugar levels, results in bursts of energy and then to a crash in energy levels.

Alcohol:
Used in moderation it can be part of a healthy diet.
Excessive amounts can lead to:

1. Alcohol has a harmful effect on the function of the liver, which take care of the detoxification of waste.
2. In the long term, alcohol metabolism produce a substance called acetaldehyde, this is a poison that damage the liver and brain cells and the heart muscle.
3. Alcohol can cause depression and high blood pressure.
4. The secretion of adrenaline get stimulated.
5. It prevents a range of nutrients to be absorbed that are vital to the cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems.

Tobacco:
Smoking can have an influence on many health problems:

1. Nicotine stimulates the production of adrenaline.
2. Smoking prevents the absorption of Vitamin B and C which we need during stress.
3. Cardiovascular and lung disease.

Drugs / Medication
Drug related nutritional problems include:

1. Anti-depressants can lead to depression and stress when you stop taking them.
2. Diet pills can cause a flight or fight reaction by increasing the heart rate.
3. Sleeping pills aggravate the problem.
4. The increased need for potassium can start when diuretics take it out of the body.
5. Changes in appetite occur because of certain antibiotics and antidepressant agents.

Foods that should be eaten when you are under stress:

1. Fresh fruit and vegetables.
2. Fresh organic food, unprocessed.
3. Grains, nuts and seeds.
4. Fish and lean meat for omega 3 fatty-acids.
5. Increase fibre intake from a variety of sources.
6. 8 glasses of water daily.