Stress and nutrition

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a tendency to identify stress with nervous tension, but stress is not only a reaction to unpleasant experiences or conflicts but also a general adaptation syndrome. All factors (of the external and internal environment) that affect homeostasis cause a stress reaction that is implemented in several stages. And anxiety, the purpose of which is to mobilize resources, is an important stage of this process. It is necessary to maintain homeostasis and adapt the body to new conditions. The ability of the body to properly allocate reserves and adapt to stress is called stress resistance. In case of prolonged stress, anxiety becomes pathological leading to adaptive reserve depletion, and, consequently, stress resistance decreases and vulnerability to any stressful factors increases. Could nutrition reduce anxiety and increase stress resistance? What adaptation mechanisms are damaged by regular improper nutrition? In this article, we tried to answer these questions. Regular consumption of certain foods creates favorable conditions for adaptation, reducing the burden of the stress consequences. A healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise, rest and the development of positive coping skills, can significantly change the ability to adapt, increase stress resistance and minimize the stress effects.