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Best Foods to Fight Stress

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If you're on the go and looking for a quick snack, try some almonds. You might remember the commercials asking people to eat "a can a week. There's a reason. Almonds are powerhouses, loaded with vitamins B and E, magnesium and zinc. Take care not to overdo it, though -- they're also high in fat.

While you are taking care to add stress relievers to your diet, there are a few so-called "comfort foods" that you might be better off skipping. High on that list are items that contain caffeine. It seems like a no-brainer, but how many times have you heard someone say they can't function until they have their morning coffee? Caffeine releases extra adrenaline which only adds to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Avoid foods and drinks with high sugar content. Sodas not only contain caffeine, but they cause a spike in blood sugar levels which increase insulin production and hinder the adrenal glands from properly doing their job. In the end, it leads to the inevitable energy crash that often leaves you feeling worse.

It is also a good idea to skip alcoholic drinks as well. Liquor, wine and beer contain super-sugars that accelerate the effects of drinks with normally refined sugars. That "buzz" may take the worries away for a bit, but the effects are definitely temporary and have consequences.

By no means is the list comprehensive -- there are hundreds, if not thousands, of foods that can quell anxiety and help you better cope with stress. Explore your local grocer or farmer's market and see what else is out there. Remember, the things that cause stress probably won't be going away anytime soon, but a healthy, balanced diet can go a long way toward easing the tension.