In stressful conditions, many people tend to consume unhealthy food, which negatively affects their health. However, there are foods that help cope with stress and improve mood without harming the body, said lifestyle doctor Ulbosyn Amirkenova to NUR.KZ.
The specialist emphasized that sweets only temporarily raise blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin release, but after a few hours, a person begins to feel anxiety and apathy again.
“To combat stress, foods containing the amino acid tryptophan are beneficial. This unique amino acid can be converted into components that the body uses to produce melatonin and serotonin,” explained Ulbosyn Amirkenova.
According to the doctor, the highest amounts of tryptophan are found in protein-rich foods such as shrimp, crabs, salmon, chicken, and eggs.
In addition, glucose helps in the fight against stress as it facilitates the quicker delivery of tryptophan to the brain for serotonin production. Beneficial sources of glucose include berries and fruits, such as citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit).
“It is also recommended to prefer complex carbohydrates – whole grain products rich in fiber, as they also help increase serotonin levels,” the expert added.
