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(NaturalNews) For many of us, a stressful day can send us reaching for a scoop of ice cream or a bar of chocolate. These so-called comfort foods may sweeten our mood for the moment, but in the long term they can cause major damage and make us even more prone to stress. We reach for comfort foods because we are searching for a sense of well-being that comes with a sudden rush of blood sugar and brain chemicals. But this effect is only temporary, and eventually we come crashing down again.

A stressful lifestyle is one of the top reasons for failing to eat right, but an undernourished body is more prone to stressful reactions. Stress itself causes a depletion of nutrients that can only be replenished by natural, healthy food choices. Fighting stress with natural, healthy food stops this ugly cycle. If you nourish your body with the right foods, you'll find it easier to manage stress and make healthy food choices. The next time stress is breathing down your neck, reach for some of this nutritious fare instead of your usual bear claw and you may just find yourself whistling a much happier tune.

Get Fruity

Slice an orange and pop a few blueberries, or go tropical with a papaya or a pineapple. All of these delicious fruits provide antioxidants like vitamin C, which can reduce blood pressure levels and fight the effects of stress. A serving or two of fruit may also help curb those sugar cravings that are common when you're under stress, especially if you eat it with some filling protein and healthy fat.

Eat Your Greens

Your grandma was right: you've got to eat your greens. These are natural sources of B-complex vitamins and folic acid, all of which work to influence mood. Greens like spinach are also rich in magnesium, a stress-fighting mineral that can relax the body and mind.

Go Nuts

A handful of almonds, walnuts or pecans contain a wealth of vitamins and minerals. The magnesium in almonds can be especially calming. Nuts can also stave off hunger and regulate your blood sugar when you can't sit down for a balanced meal.

Try the Catch of the Day

Salmon and tuna may not seem like comfort foods on the surface, but these fish can put up quite a fight against stress. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate stress hormones. Tuna also contains natural B vitamins that combat stress.

Foods to Avoid

On the other hand, what you eat can cause stress if you make the wrong choices. Caffeine, alcohol and sugar are the top culprits of food-induced stress. These send your brain chemicals on a toxic roller coaster that will lead to a short fuse, difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Processed food laden with additives can cause chemical imbalances and deplete the body of vital nutrients it needs to fight stress. It's just as important to avoid these stressors as it is to eat the right stuff.

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Related Articles: • The Honest Food Guide empowers consumers with independent information about foods and health • A Conversation With Larry Trivieri Jr, Co-Author of The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide • The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide: Interview with the Author	Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com Email this article to a friend Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/027042_foods_food_health.html Reprinting this article: Non-commercial use OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. Embed article link: (copy HTML code below): <a href = "http://www.NaturalNews.com/027042_foods_food_health.html">Real Comfort Food: Learn which Foods can Help Relieve Stress</a>