There is a common saying that goes “food is medicine”, a simple quote, but very true. With the holidays coming this is a good time to review foods that help calm down the nervous system. Who knows, maybe you will end up choosing to add some to your holiday table!
Mushrooms – Reishi mushrooms are your go-to mushroom to provide stress-reducing and calming benefits. Research finds that that the polysaccharides and triterpenoid compounds in these mushrooms are why they are helpful in reducing stress. This mushroom will also aid in sleep, gut health and immune system support. It has been used in ancient Asian herbalism for centuries. You can consume the Reishi mushroom in tinctures and teas as well.
Salmon- A delicious fish that can be helpful in easing anxiety due to the omega-3 fatty acids it contains. The omega-2 fatty acids also have the power to keep our adrenaline levels from spiking up.
Turkey- This staple holiday dish will likely be on your table already, but feel empowered with the newfound knowledge that the tryptophan nutrient within this meat will make you feel so calm that you will want to fall asleep. Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body uses to produce serotonin: the neurotransmitter that regulates sleep….now it all makes sense as to why people feel so tired after their Thanksgiving meal!
Tumeric- Sprinkle on some hard-boiled eggs, drink it as a soothing hot milk or baked with chicken, this spice will help with anxiety due to the curcumin within it. The curcumin has anti-inflammatory agents and turmeric will also aid in producing the vital omega-3 fatty acids.
Beets- Beets are not only gorgeous in color and rich in flavor but beneficial in relieving stress. Beets contain folate which is key because research finds that when people do not consume enough folate it is possible that mental fatigue, insomnia and forgetfulness can take place.
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