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Certain foods can help alleviate weeks of stress

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After weeks of staying at home, dealing with home schooling or wondering things will get back to normal, stress is bound to build up. Stress can play a part in problems such as headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression and anxiety. While the stresses of a POST-COVID world are still lingering, there are some foods that can relieve stress, according to Health.com.

These foods might help to stabilize blood sugar or emotional responses.

h Green leafy vegetables: These vegetables contain folate, which produces dopamine - a pleasure-inducing brain chemical, helping you keep calm.

h Turkey breast: Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps produce serotonin, which helps regulates hunger and feelings of happiness and well-being.

h Oatmeal: Carbohydra­tes can help the brain make serotonin, so opt for oatmeal instead of a doughnut.

h Yogurt: Studies have shown that the probiotics in yogurt reduce brain activity in areas that handle emotion, including stress.

h Salmon: The anti-inflammatory properties in fish with omega-3 fatty acids can help counteract the negative effects of stress hormones.

h Blueberrie­s: The antioxidan­ts and phytonutri­ents in berries help improve your body’s response to stress.

h Dark chocolate: Just a bite of dark chocolate has been shown to reduce your stress hormones, including cortisol.

h Seeds: Flaxseed, pumpkin seeds and sunflower sees are a good source of magnesium, which helps regulate emotions and alleviate depression, fatigue and irritabili­ty.

 ?? JOHN CUMMINGS (OWN WORK) VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS ?? Carbohydra­tes can help the brain make serotonin, so opt for oatmeal instead of a doughnut.
JOHN CUMMINGS (OWN WORK) VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Carbohydra­tes can help the brain make serotonin, so opt for oatmeal instead of a doughnut.

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