Stress Less

Many Canadians suffer from stress. It’s the root cause of numerous health challenges we experience. Finding ways to reduce stress is essential to improve our health and our quality of life.

Symptoms of stress that we commonly experience include poor sleep, sugar and starch cravings, caffeine dependence, poor concentration, low energy, and difficulty increasing our fitness level even when we exercise.

Fortunately, simple dietary and lifestyle changes that reduce the symptoms of stress can easily be incorporated into a long-term health plan. We can begin by modifying
our diet.

Follow a whole food diet

It’s important to eat five to 10 fruits and vegetables a day. We derive a vast array of antioxidants and phytonutrients from fruits and vegetables that we can’t get from any other food source. These antioxidants help fight free radicals that can contribute to the formation of cancer and disease. Consume fruits and vegetables raw or juiced.

Choose anti-inflammatory foods

Studies show that diet plays a role in maintaining normal cellular activities that can reduce chronic inflammation associated with arthritis and cancer. Eating the right types of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates can reduce inflammation.

Fats

Plant sourced omega-3 essential fatty acids are found in walnuts, whole flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, hemp, and chlorella. Other healthy choices include olive oil, grapeseed oil, and walnut oil.

Proteins

Choose nuts, hemp, chlorella, and legumes such as yellow peas and seeds. Eliminate red meat intake as it may trigger inflammation.

Carbohydrates

These should come from whole grains, fruits, vegetables, cereals, hemp, flax, brown rice, and maca. Choose 100 percent whole grain products. They’re a good source of fibre and will help reduce inflammation.

Create a more alkaline environment

When we consume acidic forming food, toxins are produced in the body. Toxins lead to premature aging through cell degeneration. Highly refined and processed foods produce toxins that have a negative impact on the body’s pH balance.

To create a more alkaline environment, choose raw, unprocessed, whole foods that are rich in chlorophyll. Chlorella is a great protein-rich pH booster; it contains almost 70 percent protein yet is highly alkalizing. Leafy green vegetables, lentils, beans, and seeds are excellent sources of alkalizing protein.

Get active

Exercise promotes vitality and youthful energy. Incorporate some exercise into your busy day. Cycle to work, walk on your lunch break, take the stairs, contract your stomach muscles while sitting at your desk. Physical activity is a great stress release.

Simple diet and lifestyle changes can reduce stress and improve your overall health picture.