Food Fight: The Right Choices Can Help Your Mind And Body Combat Stress

The Times (UK):

No, it's not a weird form of PMS, it's psycho-neuro-endo-immunology, and everybody is talking about it. It's the branch of science that examines the impact of psychological factors on the nervous, hormonal and immune systems -- in other words, how stress affects our minds and bodies. Stress, of course, is fashionable right now, and the latest PNEI findings maintain that diet can play a significant part in improving your emotional and physical wellbeing.

If you think about it, we all "self-medicate" during stressful times -- upping caffeine intake to keep wired, stuffing in the sugar for comfort or quaffing wine to calm down. Eating lentils will not solve financial worries, stop the baby crying or repair a broken relationship, but making careful food choices in moments of strength can help your body through times of strife.

Read the whole story: The Times (UK)

Comments

[KellyJadon]

08:24 PM on 08/27/2007

Dr. Pamela Peeke, author of Fit To Live discusses stress in one of her Fascinating FAToids. She says that many of us react to stress as if it's a catastrophe, (ex. missing a deadline) which increases stress hormone response in the body. Going on, Dr. Peeke states that research shows we can learn techniques to halt the catastrophizing, which is better for both the body and the mind.
Quick Hints: "Nothing much is a big deal. Don't expect things to be stress free. Perfectionism equals paralysis. You need a slow release of mini-chills sprinkled throughout your days to be Fit To Live. Stop deferring self-care!" ---from Fit To Live