Nutrition: Stress and Nutrition
Stop stressing.
By Eric Chen, WAC Nutritionist and Wellness Coach
Fruit and vegetable intake has a direct correlation with the reduction of heart disease, diabetes, and age-related disease. We are also finding out that stress has dramatic effects on inflammation and can even negate the effects of clean eating. In a recent study published by Molecular Psychiatry, findings show that women who claimed to have higher stress—regardless of a clean or fatty diet—showed similar inflammatory responses. Over a lifetime, higher inflammatory markers are linked to an increased risk of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers. While eating clean is a great first step, the next step is to manage stress. Here are a few recommendations on how to lower your stress!
- Yoga and meditation: Use the power of breathing to bring attention to the present instead of worrying about the past or future. Try one of our many classes offered at the WAC!
- Exercise: Physical activity is a great way to get away from the daily grind and put attention toward personal growth.
- Cooking: Time in the kitchen doesn’t have to be perceived as a chore. Instead, cooking and meal prep can be an extremely relaxing activity. Get your whole family involved and turn it into an after school/work group activity you do a couple of times a week.
—Published August 2, 2017