Is there a natural painkiller?
Is there a natural painkiller?
To the question of whether there is a natural remedy to calm the nerves and relax, the answer is yes. In addition to the classic infusions, there are relaxing foods like the ones you will see below that can help you feel more calm and relaxed.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate
It contains magnesium, a mineral with relaxing properties, as it helps reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. In addition, it is a muscle relaxant and helps you fall asleep. Of course, you should choose a chocolate that has at least 70% cocoa.
Blue fish
Blue fish
Blue fish, such as sardines, salmon or tuna, provide a large amount of omega 3 fatty acids; some fats that, according to a study published in the journal Diabetes & Metabolism, help reduce the release of cortisol. Its lack, on the other hand, causes nervousness and lack of concentration.
Pistachios
Pistachios
According to a study published in the journal Hypertension, pistachios reduce physiological responses to stress such as blood pressure or heart rate. And they are a source of potassium and magnesium, two minerals necessary for the nervous system to function well, and of vitamin B6, which is involved in the production of serotonin and dopamine.
The eggs
The eggs
Eggs are rich in tryptophan (especially the yolk), which is why they promote the production of serotonin, known for its relaxing effect. But in addition, tryptophan is also essential for the synthesis of melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall asleep.
The bananas
The bananas
There are several reasons why the banana is ideal to combat nervousness. It is one of the foods richest in potassium, a key mineral for the nervous system. And it's also a great source of tryptophan and vitamin B6, which supports the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Legumes
Legumes
Foods with a low glycemic index, such as legumes and nuts, are relaxing because they slowly release your sugar into your blood and thus do not cause anxiety.
Whole grains
Whole grains
Whole grains, such as rice, also have a low glycemic index. It does not cause spikes or drops in blood sugar, which could lead to anxiety in the long run.
Dairy
Dairy
Dairy products, like eggs, red meat and fish, are rich in phenylalanine, which stimulates the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes a feeling of well-being.
The chicken
The chicken
Foods rich in tryptophan, such as chicken, oily fish, eggs, nuts or dairy products, stimulate the production of serotonin, the wellness hormone.
All the foods you have seen can help calm your nerves or anxiety. The key is to include nutrients in your diet that reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Foods that fight stress
- Foods with a low glycemic index (GI). They are the ones that slowly release your blood sugar. Because if the GI is too high, there are sharp spikes and drops in blood sugar, which in the long run can affect adrenal metabolism and cause anxiety. They are foods such as nuts, legumes, whole grains, etc.
- Foods rich in phenylalanine. Phenylalanine stimulates the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that causes a feeling of well-being. You find it in red meat, dairy, fish, eggs …
- Foods rich in tryptophan. Such as chicken, oily fish, eggs, nuts and dairy, since this stimulates the production of serotonin, the well-being hormone.
Products to avoid or reduce
- The sugar. Its abuse can damage the adrenal glands and produce a state of constant anxiety.
- The salt. Excess sodium can alter potassium reserves, a key mineral for the proper functioning of the nervous system.
Foods that stress
And even if you are attacked, do not rush to eat anything to calm yourself because some of the most common, such as sweets, cheeses, sausages or pastries, can make you even more on your nerves. Discover the foods that you should not eat if you are stressed.
