Foods that can Inflame Stress

There are many of us who perhaps are unaware of the fact that certain foodstuffs can lead to bouts of stress and anxiety attacks in addition to the other conditions that can be brought on by eating unhealthily.

We are aware of the links between allergies and certain foods and their ingredients but it is also important to look at those foods which, although enjoyable and more-ish, can cause our stress levels to rise.

Caffeine

We look at caffeine as being a drink such as tea or coffee but there are many foods available on our supermarket shelves that contain caffeine. Such foods can, in conjunction with excess amounts of tea or coffee, lead to problems such as an inability to sleep, poor digestion, poor bladder or bowel control and obviously increased levels of stress. One of the most common stress factors is lack of sleep; something that can be brought about by too much caffeine.

Chocolate

Again one of those foodstuffs that many of us enjoy but enjoying it in large quantities can raise our stress levels considerably. Chocolate not only contains caffeine in at least trace amounts but also contains cocoa, which has been linked to anxiety. A few squares of chocolate once every so often can do not harm but large amounts can lead to serious problems.

Alcohols and Foods Containing Alcohols

Many of the dishes we might eat when visiting a restaurant contain alcohol in some form or another. It may be white wine or red wine or even a spirit or liqueur but it is there and depending on the style of food can depend on how much alcohol is contained therein.

This may not be much of a problem you might think but if you combine this with an alcohol intake whilst eating these dishes then you may find that you are consuming well above what doctors and scientists say is the recommended daily norm.

Sugary Foods

Again many of us like desserts and cakes and can say we have a sweet tooth but this desire for sweet things can bring about a whole host of problems. Too much sugar can upset the balance of your blood sugar level and as a result you may find yourself either experiencing periods of lethargy or the complete opposite; periods of almost manic behaviour.

Fast Food

Many of us eat on the move because our jobs and lifestyles dictate that we have to. All of the fast foods that we might eat such as burgers, fries, pizzas, kebabs and the like contain high levels of fat, salt and other preservatives and additives that may upset the delicate equilibrium of our bodies.

It may seem at the time like a good idea to grab something to eat on the move but this can be one of the most common contributing factors to high blood pressure, diabetes, being over weight and also the onslaught of anxiety attacks.

You should in reality visit your doctor once every six months for a check up at which time he or she should check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In addition he or she should advise where necessary on how best to adjust your lifestyle especially if you have a stressful job or stressful home life.

In addition to this however you should not be afraid to ask questions about the condition of your health and also ask them for suggestions as to how to change your lifestyle and diets. He or she may arrange an appointment with a dietician who can suggest a more healthier eating regime and also help identify those foods that are causing the rise in your stress levels.