Stressful Eating Habits

Stress and anxiety can be aggravated not only by what you eat, but the way you eat.

Any of the following habits can aggravate your daily level of stress: 

• Eating too fast or on the run 
• Eating at your desk and not enjoying your meal
• Not focusing on what you are eating
• Not chewing food at least 15-20 times per mouthful 
• Eating too much to the point of feeling stuffed or bloated 
• Drinking too much fluid with a meal which can dilute stomach acid and digestive enzymes (one cup with a meal is sufficient) 

These behaviors put strain on your stomach and intestines in their attempt to properly digest and assimilate food. This increases stress in two ways: 

• Directly through indigestion, bloating, and cramping or
• Indirectly through malabsorption of essential nutrients such as magnesium, B complex vitamins, vitamin C and calcium.

Let’s dig deeper into these essential nutrients for further understanding.

Magnesium is crucial for optimal health as it aids with muscle relaxation, maintenance of the heart muscle, neuromuscular transmission and widening of the blood vessels. Deficiency of magnesium can cause:  agitation,  anxiety,  behavioral disturbances, confusion, cold hands and feet, depression, insomnia, and restlessness.

B Complex Vitamins are the spark plugs for our body. They help provide energy by acting with enzymes to convert major nutrients such as carbohydrates to energy forms. They are important for the normal function of the nervous system and are helpful in bringing relaxation or energy to individuals who are stressed or fatigued. A deficiency of certain B vitamins will cause: fatigue irritability, nervousness, depression, insomnia and loss of appetite.

Calcium works with maintenance of electrolyte balance, muscle contractions, nerve transmission, regulation of cell division, hormone secretion and bone and teeth formation. A deficiency can cause: agitation, depression, heart palpitations, insomnia and irritability.

Vitamin C is benefecial to strengthen one’s immune system that indeed is weakened with prolonged stress. Since Vitamin C is not stored in the body it must continuously be supplied in one’s foods regime or supplement protocol to maintain healthy levels. An imbalance in Vitamin C can lead to weakened immune functioning, stroke, scurvy, weakness, anemia, bruising, bleeding, loose teeth, skin aging, inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and macular degeneration.

Remember that stress can slow down digestion and is in itself toxic.

Your health is worth it because You are worth the investment of your time and energy.

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Tags: stress, stress eating