Top Anti Stress Food

What is stress?

Have you ever felt your heartbeat rising at a rapid rate, heaviness on your chest, your throat choked and excessive sweating? This happens because you are stressed. Little amount of stress is good as it gets your work done by giving you a burst of energy. But extensive exposure to stress is quite harmful and may lead to decreased immune function, impaired digestion, inflammation in the body and hypertension.

Scientifically speaking, stress originates from a section of the brain called the amygdala. Whenever the amygdala detects fear it causes the body to enter into the "fight or flight response". When your body is in this mode, the hippocampus and the pituitary gland in the brain cause the adrenal glands to secrete high levels of cortisol. However, this happens before you actually feel the fear providing you no time to judge whether you should be scared or not.


It results in increased heartbeat, hyperventilation, hypertension and pupil dilation. Digestion almost shuts down. You get a burst of energy either to fight the stimulus or run away from it. After the fear response is gone, your body returns to normal levels and you may feel fatigued and exhausted.
In modern times, the hectic schedules and the urgency to meet deadline ensures a steady supply of high levels cortisol throughout the day. Internally it wears your body down and forms the seat of diseases.

Learn mindfulness meditation technique to be free from anxiety and panic attacks

Luckily, there are a number of herbs that have been scientifically proven to reduce stress and cortisol in your body so that it recovers quickly. Below are some of them:
　

Passion Flower

Originally discovered in Peru, Passion flower has excellent sedative properties. It boost GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter which slows down brain activity and brings calmness. As it promotes relaxation, it finds use in treatment anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasm, insomnia, hysteria and asthma. Best part is it's non- addictive and can be used as a replacement of conventional antidepressants. However, overdosing can make you extremely sleepy and affect your routine life.

Valerian

Just like Passion Flower, Valerian root calms the central nervous system due to its sedative properties. Valerenic acid found in Valerian is shown to boost GABA and thus reduce stress, anxiety and improve sleep. It's also used to improve attention, treat epilepsy and symptoms of menopause. It is non-addictive in nature although it is as effective as conventional antidepressants. Care must be taken not to overdose.

Rhodiola Rosea

Rhodiola is a perennial plant found in the high altitudes of the high latitude regions of the world. It's use in the treatment of stress, fatigue and nervous system disorder has been recorded in history. Like all adaptogenic herbs, rhodiola root extract is helpful in alleviating stress and depression, improving brain function, increasing vitality and nourishing the nervous system. The active ingredient in rhodiola is called Rosavins in mostly found in the root of the plant. Hence it is also referred to as the golden root.

Panax Ginseng

The roots, stems and leaves of panax ginseng have been used as traditional medicine since a long time. It is recorded to have antianxiety, antidepressant and cognition enhancing properties Ginseng contains Ginsenosides which boosts dopamine and norepinephrine in the cerebral cortex and improve brain functions.

　

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha by Hari Prasad Nadig

Ashwagandha, an adaptogen has been used in Ayurveda for a long time to improve sexual performance. Recently its anticarcinogenic properties have also come to light. The roots, fruits and leaves of this plant contain antioxidants called polyphenols specially catechin which is a potent antioxidant. Ashwagandha has been reported to decrease cortisol levels by nourishing the adrenal glands and also improve immunity. No wonder it’s called the Indian Ginseng. Since Ashwagandha is pitta aggravating in nature, I always take it with a glass of cold milk.














Please note that it is very important to consult a physician before taking any of these herbs to eliminate possible allergic reactions even though they are considered mostly safe. However, nothing beats meditation in providing relief from stress, depression and anxiety.