5 Foods That That Are Proven To Relieve Stress

If there is one thing most people have experienced, it’s stress. We’re either managing it with a commitment to self-care or being run by it and trying to hold on, and it’s all very normal.

In fact, the American Psychological Association conducted a survey called “Stress In America” in January that shows Americans, in general, have more stress now than ever before. Their studies show that most people are concerned about police violence, personal safety and the overall state of the country.

Those umbrella topics don’t even cover our individual lives that come with their own uniquely stressful situations.

If you’re like me, then you find comfort in little things, one of them being food, which is fine as long as its done in moderation.

According to Sleep.org, getting enough sleep is also a huge part of keeping stress down.

So, in honor of our love for a great meal and even better sleep, here are five meals that will contribute to sweet rest, less stress, or both.

1. Sweet potato toast

ccording to the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Jaclyn London, R.D., sweet potatoes are a great source of potassium (which regulates your heartbeat according to Web MD) and will help you to relax.

As you can see from the yummy-looking photo, an easy way to munch on sweet potatoes before bed is by toasting slices of it so that you aren’t over-stuffed. The slices are convenient since you can top them with whatever items you have in your fridge that you think compliment the sweet potato.

2. A bowl of blueberries

Keep a low food prep time and just snack on a bowl of fresh blueberries. They are great for reducing stress and have a chemical, valproic acid, that stabilizes your mood.

Blueberries also shouldn’t make you feel too stuffed when you lie down for bed.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt manages stress, but also contributes to healthier skin and stronger bones, according to a Huffpost report. The fun thing about yogurt is not just that it comes in a million different flavors, like the Yoplait root beer flavor waiting in my fridge to be devoured right now.

You can also get creative with how you consume this healthy dessert, by abandoning the traditional cup and trying a fun yogurt bowl stocked with fruit.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great way to beckon sleep, according to Psychology Today. It also relieves stress, so you can easily double up and drop in a few blueberries.

Just be careful with the sugar because it will wire you and then cause a crash, which does not bode well for a good night’s sleep.

5. Salmon

According to Healthy Eating, salmon is one of the best super foods to munch on since it has omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce stress hormones.

So if you want to eat dinner before bed and need something hearty, a single piece of salmon and something green on the side is a nice, light meal that will make you feel good before you head to sleep.

7 Practically Medicinal Foods to Eat for an Upset Stomach

No matter how careful you are with your diet or the number of times you chew your food, stomach upset happens. Because a rumbling tummy is not always preventable, it’s important to have a remedy or two to combat the inevitable belly bloat, indigestion, nausea, etc. And, while we often resort to taking over-the-counter medications to ease stomach discomfort, if there were an all-natural remedy that soothed stomach aches just as well as our favorite antacids, we’d be more than willing to give it a try.

Cue seven foods for upset stomach relief, all of which are completely natural and come highly recommended by nutritionists. From high-fiber oats to probiotic-rich yogurt and anti-nausea ginger, these nutritionist-approved foods aid in digestion and settle the stomach. So what are you waiting for? Scroll down to see the foods you should keep in your kitchen just in case of a stomach ache. For the seven foods that will soothe a rumbling tummy, keep on reading.

Bananas

Farah Fahad, MS, RD, dietitian, recommends reaching for a banana when dealing with a volatile stomach, as it happens to be one of the easier to digest foods. Plus, she says bananas are a good source of pectin, which if you’re dealing with diarrhea, helps to bind the stool.

Tea

Had too much to eat? Fahad says sipping on peppermint tea aids in digestion by calming the stomach muscles, thus processing food faster through the stomach. Another tea that might just help ease your stomach pain is chamomile. Like peppermint tea, chamomile tea relaxes muscles. However, chamomile tea targets the muscles of the intestines, says Fahad, which helps to relieve gas while subsequently easing pain associated with belly bloat.

Papaya

A rich source of proteolytic enzymes, papaya helps along the digestive process, says Fahad. She further adds that some of these enzymes (papain and chymopapain) help to break down proteins and soothe the stomach by promoting a healthy acidic environment.

Yogurt

While not everyone can tolerate dairy, for those who can, Fahad recommends eating organic plain grass-fed yogurt, as it aids in digestion by restoring good bacteria in the gut, thus reducing the uncomfortable feeling of belly bloat.

Ginger

If your upset stomach turns into nausea, reach for some fresh ginger, says Fahad. While the exact anti-nausea mechanism of ginger is not clear, Fahad says some evidence suggests that it inhibits serotonin receptors and exerts an anti-nausea effect on the gastrointestinal system, as well as the central nervous system.

Gluten-Free Oats

A bowl of gluten-free oatmeal is the perfect remedy for an upset stomach, says Isabel Smith, MD, RD, CDN. Not only are oats a good source of fiber, but Smith says they aid in digestion while also helping to bind stools.

Mint

If you experience acid reflux, Smith recommends staying clear of mint. However, if that isn’t an issue, Smith says mint is a great natural remedy for indigestion, as well as belly bloat.