When most people think of food and stress together, they think of stress eating. However, food can have a positive impact on stress, too. Athletes who are concerned about the effects of stress on their bodies can turn to specific foods to relieve the feeling without deviating from their unique dietary needs.

How Stress Affects Athletes’ Bodies

Stress takes a toll on your body’s natural defenses, especially if you’re in the middle of an athletic training or starting your fitness journey. Consequences include frequent headaches and dizziness, fatigue or insomnia, weight gain or loss without dietary changes, and more frequent colds and infections. The best way to combat stress is to invest in nutritional medicine by eating foods that’ll fuel and relax your body.

What Athletes Can Eat to Reduce Stress

1. Herbal Tea

Holding a warm cup in your hands can feel calming in itself. Slowly sip on decaffeinated lavender, chamomile, or herbal green tea to relax and calm your nerves. In addition to the soothing warmth, each of these teas provides aromatherapy and anxiety-relieving properties.

2. Dark Chocolate

This sweet treat contains antioxidants, which will lower your body’s stress hormone levels. Additionally, the emotional impact that comes from indulging in chocolate may reduce stress. Athletes should consume this sweet treat in moderation to avoid overloading their system with sugar.

3. Fatty Fish

Salmon, tuna, and herring are all known to have heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are important for a healthy brain, which manages your mood and mental health. People who don’t consume enough omega-3 fatty acids may experience a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and overall inflammation. Eating fatty fish or taking fish oil supplements can help fight mood disorders and alleviate stress.

4. Blueberries

These berries provide a tasty snack for athletes who want more antioxidants and phytonutrients, a natural compound produced by plants. Both of these substances fight anxiety by neutralizing damaged, unstable cells called free radicals. Free radicals are cells that are prematurely aged, usually due to high stress, and they can cause chronic health problems.

5. Pistachios

These heart-healthy nuts lower blood pressure and heart rate with their innate doses of magnesium. Magnesium is a natural relaxer that helps your body manage stress by calming your nervous system, loosening your muscles, and stabilizing your mood.

Whether you’re an experienced athlete or new to fitness, healthy eating is an essential part of relieving stress and staying fit. The team at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, offers in-depth, personalized nutritional and medical advice to active members of the Oahu community. Call (808) 521-8170 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about how they can support your athletic journey.