According to a poll conducted in early 2019, stress levels of people living in the United States were much higher than the global average of 35 percent, leaving the U.S. tied for fourth in Gallup’s ranking of the world’s most-stressed populations.
The situation has only worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent report from the American Psychological Association said that while 66% of Americans reported feeling stressed in 2019. Today, 85% say they are feeling a significant amount of stress about the future of the country.
What is worse, however, is the lack of people that are seeking help for mental health issues during the pandemic. A recent study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine reported that the pandemic has contributed to less mental health-related visits to the emergency room. This statistic is troublesome to physicians and mental health experts alike as with the rise in stress levels, health care providers expect more visits should be seen across the country.
Stress is not only bad for your state of mind and happiness, it can also be harmful to your physical health. Short-term stress can lead to headaches, gastrointestinal issues, weight gain, and can be harmful to the immune system making you more prone to illness.
Chronic stress can increase your risk for conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, depression, and anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
However, there are ways that you can change your eating habits which in turn can help you manage your stress levels. Proper diet can counterbalance the impact of stress by strengthening the immune system, stabilizing moods, and reducing your blood pressure.
Important Nutrients for Stress-Reduction:
- Vitamin C: Consuming foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, can reduce stress and boost the immune system. Intake of this vitamin can help lower the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, as well as reduce blood pressure during high-anxiety situations.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can induce the brain to increase serotonin production and stabilizing blood pressure as a way to reduce stress.
- Magnesium:Â Magnesium is essential for avoiding headaches and fatigue. Additionally, increased magnesium intake has been found to improve sleep quality in older adults. Healthy sources of magnesium include spinach or other leafy greens, salmon, and soybeans.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fatty fish and nuts and seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce surges of stress hormones and also confer protection against heart disease, depression, and premenstrual syndrome.
Nova Vita Infusions for Stress-Reduction:
Getting enough sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all the best ways to reduce stress, but sometimes it isn’t enough or even feasible. There are other ways you can reduce stress, and Nova Vita Wellness Centers has a variety of infusions that can help. Everyone is different, which is why it is important to know what works best for you.
Vitamin C: In addition to supporting the immune system in its fight against disease, Vitamin C provides reduction in oxidative stress and mood enhancement.
NAD+: This compound is found naturally in all living cells and plays a vital role in maintaining proper function for the whole body and can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety—leading to a stress-free state of mind.
Myers Drip: The Myers Cocktail remains one of the most popular infusions with a wide range of health benefits. Combining essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium with health-affirming vitamin B and C, this infusion has a long history of revitalizing the mind and body by alleviating symptoms of stress, fatigue, and depression.
