Today we live in a very fast paced world with many responsibilities.
Having so many things to do and cramming them in to 24 hours can send our stress levels through the roof.
Continued stress can lead to serious health complications therefore, it is important that we remain healthy and eat a well balanced diet.
However, there are popular foods that we eat regularly that can actually increase our stress levels.
The followings foods increase our stress levels and should be avoided or at the very least reduced: Caffeine: This popular stimulant is found in a lot drinks including coffee, tea, cola and high energy drinks.
Caffeine is also found in chocolate.
The long term consumption of caffeine affects the adrenal glands which produces the bodies stress hormones.
Over time these stress hormones obstruct our metabolism which can lead to weight gain.
Alcohol: Many people enjoy drinking alcohol as a way to rewind and relax after a stressful day.
However, stress mixed with alcohol can be a lethal cocktail.
Alcohol fuels the secretion of adrenaline which can lead to adverse factors that include lack of sleep, tension, anxious breathing and bad temper.
Alcohol is actually a toxin which in the in the long term can damage major organs in body.
The liver is particularly affected because its job is to remove toxins from the body.
If the liver is damaged or under stress the toxins that should be filtered out continue to circulate in the body.
Salt: Although salt is essential for our health too much of it can cause serious damage.
High levels of sodium is linked to hypertension, it affects the adrenal glands that can result in unbalanced emotions.
Many processed foods contain unhealthy levels of salt and are best avoided.
Saturated fats: Foods that contain high levels of the bad fat affect our cardiovascular health.
Foods high in saturated fat include junk food, fried food, dairy produce especially cheese and cows milk.
Red meat: This also contains high levels of saturated fat and is also high in protein.
A diet with a lot of red meat can increase your stress levels because it has the effect on increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain which can cause increased anxiousness.
Sugar: Too much sugar in the diet can increase our stress levels.
It plays havoc with our blood glucose levels and adrenal glands.
These results in sudden temporary rises in energy levels followed by big dips in energy resulting in tiredness, irritability and increased stress.