Increase Intake Of Vitamins And Minerals To Fight Stress

We all know that too much stress is a bad thing. The Canadian researcher Hans Selye discovered that not enough stress is also not a good thing. We need a little stress in our lives to move us forward. It's when that little stress increases to the point where it becomes unmanageable that life becomes difficult.

Many things can cause stress. Even a nutrition deficiency is stressful. When under stress, whether temporary such as a deadline for a work project, or long term such as a divorce or death in the family you can do a lot to alleviate the stress and cope by increasing the amount of vitamins and minerals in your diet. A well nourished person handles stress well.

Nutrients For Stress Management:

Eat more whole grains and protein and cut down on enriched products and caffeine.

Vitamin E:Preliminary studies have shown that vitamin E might aid in normal active brain function, enabling you to think clearly.

Vitamin B complex:If your diet is high in refined carbohydrates and sugars you could be suffering a deficiency of these necessary nutrients. This group of vitamins is needed for optimal function of the nervous system; without them we become jumpy and on edge, not a good combination with stress!

Vitamin C:This vitamin is reduced during stressful episodes. Vitamin C can reduce the effects of the hormone adrenaline, and improve the body's coping mechanism.

Magnesium:Large amounts of this mineral are depleted during times of stress. Low levels of magnesium may contribute to the stress reaction of hospitalized patients and hinder recovery. If you are a Type A personality you likely also have lower levels of magnesium and higher levels of adrenaline.

Zinc: Studies have not shown whether this trace mineral needs to be increased when you are under stress, but a deficiency does interfere with recuperation from illness and may be lost during periods of strenuous exercise.

While no Recommended Dietary Allowances have been established for stress sufferers, a low-fat, high-fibre diet is the better choice. When considering supplements choose one that contains between 100 and 300 percent of the RDA for all vitamins and minerals. Also consider extra C , E, and beta carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. The best sources of course are from a nutrient dense diet.