Six foods that will naturally reduce your cortisol levels will help you manage your stress

Unmanaged stress levels have an adverse effect on long-term health, increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and mental health issues including anxiety and depression. They also interfere with everyday functioning and productivity. While a certain level of stress is necessary for healthy functioning, too much of it might impair the immune system and bodily systems. An essential hormone, cortisol controls your body’s reaction to stress, blood pressure, blood sugar, and sleep-wake cycle. Excessive stress may result in an overproduction of cortisol, which can lead to a number of health problems. (See photos: Proven methods to increase feel-good brain chemicals)

Establishing routines and structures may help control emotions, reduce stress, and decrease cortisol levels. Additionally, certain meals have the ability to lower stress hormones, improving mood and general well-being.

Prolonged high cortisol levels may impair immunological function, encourage weight gain, raise blood pressure, mess with blood sugar, lower bone density, and have an adverse effect on mental health, perhaps resulting in problems like anxiety, depression, and insomnia. For general health and wellbeing, cortisol levels must be kept in balance, according to nutritionist Juhi Kapoor.

MEATS TO DECREASE CORTISOL
According to Kapoor, the following nutrients and the foods that contain them may help control cortisol levels:

1. Vitamin C: You may reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation by eating a bowl of juicy, delectable citrus fruits such as broccoli, bell peppers, and strawberries. Make sure to consume these nutrient-dense meals first thing in the morning.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids: By calming the brain and central nervous system, these vital nutrients may significantly reduce mental stress. It may be found in walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and fatty fish (mackerel, salmon).

3. Magnesium: Excessive amounts of mental or physical stress may cause the body’s magnesium levels to drop. An essential element for controlling cortisol levels and the stress response is magnesium. Foods high in magnesium, such as whole grains, cashews, almonds, and spinach, must be consumed.

4. Zinc: If you have ongoing stress problems, you should take zinc on a daily basis since it effectively reduces the symptoms of sadness and anxiety. Beef, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and oysters all contain it.

5. Probiotics: Research indicates that in addition to reducing stress and anxiety, probiotics may improve mood and cognitive performance. They may be found in kimchi, sauerkraut, kefir, and yogurt.

6. Complex carbohydrates: They help reduce stress and are useful in regulating blood sugar levels. Whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats contain them.

If you experience stress on a regular basis, including these minerals in your diet might help control your cortisol levels.