Stress Tip #2 Nutrition

Love your Brain, Love your Body, Love your Life

When you’re stressed you release high levels of cortisol into the bloodstream of the brain, cortisol destroys glucose, the only fuel the brain has to run on.  Ideally, we want to control our stress, but often our lives don’t allow us this luxury.  We often think about proper nutrition for our bodies, but most of us don’t give enough attention to what our brain needs. Considering the brain controls all body functions, proper brain nutrition is vitally important. If the brain does not get the nutrition it needs it will not function efficiently. Also, stress is the one of the biggest destroyers of memory.

The right foods can help us control our stress and if we can’t control our stress the right foods can help replenish the glucose the cortisol has stollen.

What kinds of nutrients are good for my brain? According to the Franklin Institute our brain thrives on these nutrients:

-Fatty acids from fats are what your brain uses to create the specialized cells that allow you to think and feel.

-Amino Acids from proteins are used to make the neurotransmitters that allow your brain cells to network and communicate.

-Glucose from carbohydrates is the fuel your brain uses to produce energy that moves and motivates you.

-Micronutrients from fruits & veggies are the antioxidants your brain relies on to safeguard it’s cells from damage and dysfunction.

How do we get these nutrients? Here are foods that give your brain the best nutrition for optimal performance.  The nutrients these foods offer: Vitamin B’s, Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, lycopene, Vitamin E, choline, magnesium, polyphenols (antioxidants), zinc, vitamin A, amino acids, flavonols.

Wholegrain foods

Nuts & nut butters - Walnuts, cashews, almonds, pecans

Seeds- sunflower, pumpkin, flax

Berries

Green Tea - freshly brewed

Eggs

Olives & Olive Oil

Avocados 

Fish

Canola Oil

Tomatoes

Broccoli

Red Cabbage

Eggplant

Spinach

Yogurt 

Chocolate - Dark and Milk (in moderation)

Along with good nutrition remember to:

-Stay well hydrated

-Reduce your caffeine intake

-Incorporate fruits and vegetables in each meal

-Eat breakfast everyday

-Eat 3 to 4 small meals everyday

Check back with us every Monday and Thursday for more tips and information on how to have a Better Brain, Better Body and Better Life.