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Americans: More Stressed Than E
We are more stressed than we have ever been. According to Gallup’s 2019 Global Emotions Report, about 55% of Americans felt stressed about their lives in 2018. While some stress is normal, and even healthy, chronic stress is connected to a range of conditions. But more than that: From exercise, sleep and eating behaviors, to romantic relationships, family, and work, stress can take a toll on every aspect of our life
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Stress Induces Higher Nutrient Demands
Stress generates greater physiological demands. Our organism needs more energy, oxygen, circulation, and therefore more metabolic cofactors such as vitamins and trace minerals. The irony of stress is that stressed people need a nutritious diet but often crave less healthy food (e.g. junk food, chocolate, or chips) lacking the necessary micronutrients. Poor nutritional choices lead to nutrient depletion – and the lack of nutrients can in turn increase the level of stress.*
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Stress not only influences the quality of food, but also the quantity. When people are stressed, they tend to eat much more (or around 30% of people, less) than they normally would. As a result, stress can also have a serious impact on our weight – and being overweight will be followed by further health problems.**
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Nutrition in Stress Management
The good news is that in many cases, stress is manageable. Mediation, moderate exercise, and good sleep are simple ways to equip the body to combat stress. In addition, a well-balanced diet and several specific nutrients are a great strategy in stress management.*
Anti-Stress Nutrients
Vitamin
Pressures of time and success, as well as the restlessness of everyday life, strain both our nerves and sensations and emotions and lead to stress. In such times it is particularly important to support the nerves in order to maintain one's stress resistance. B-vitamins are vital for energy production, brain chemistry, and neurotransmitter balance, helping us to maintain inner balance. Most of them have a role in the development and maintenance of the nervous system. B-vitamins also help maintain regular blood-sugar levels to help keep energy and mood stable.*
Magnesium
Magnesium is a well-known anti-stress mineral. It is necessary for a variety of functions such as energy production, muscle relaxation, and heartbeat regulation. Stress increases dietary requirements for magnesium. Adequate magnesium levels help counter the effects of stress. They support the functions of the mind as well as of the nerves.*
Potassium
Potassium is also a nutritive stress manager. Due to the increased metabolism levels of a tired and exhausted person, the body generates high amounts of acid. Potassium helps maintain an acid/alkaline balance during stress. Moreover, potassium helps regulate blood pressure and muscle contractions. Low levels in this mineral may cause weakness and fatigue.*
Zinc and selenium
While free radicals and antioxidants are part of your body’s natural and healthy functioning, the increased metabolism levels in someone who is exhausted can lead to an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity (“oxidative stress”). The trace elements zinc and selenium work against oxidative stress by scavenging the free radicals. Furthermore, zinc helps to maintain an acid/alkaline balance during stress.*
Vitamin
Vitamin C can also make an important contribution to stress management. Studies have shown that people, who have high levels of vitamin C in their blood, show less physical and mental signs of stress in response to an acute psychological challenge than people with low vitamin C levels. In addition, a good vitamin C level helps us to recover more quickly from stressful
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