(1/12/2026) From the Chase Brexton Health Care Nutrition Team
Mind & Body Nutrition
In our 2026 blog series, we will be covering various topics exploring the intersection between nutrition and mental health.
Stress & Your Health
Stress is the body’s response to challenges. While occasional stress can be helpful, long term or chronic stress negatively affects both physical and mental health.
Common Effects of Stress
- Headaches, muscle tension, jaw clenching
- Chest pain or racing heart
- Digestive issues and poor sleep
- Fatigue, weight changes, or blood sugar changes
- Weakened immune system, leading to more frequent colds or flu
- Anxiety, irritability, low mood, depression, and/or trouble concentrating
How Stress Affects Eating
- Increases the body’s need for energy and nutrients (specifically Magnesium, B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and Omega 3 fats)
- May lead to cravings for processed or sugary foods
- Can cause skipped meals or unbalanced eating
- Poor sleep may increase caffeine and snack intake
- Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can increase hunger
- Can cause digestive symptoms: abdominal pain, reflux, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and/or gas
Nutritional Tips to Support Stress
- Eat balanced meals to support energy and immunity
- Include omega 3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds)
- Include complex carbohydrates: (whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice), legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), starchy vegetables (sweet potatoes, corn, peas), fruits (berries, apples, bananas)
- Include magnesium rich foods (nuts, seeds, beans, avocados, bananas, and dark leafy greens)
- Include Vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, kiwi, tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and broccoli)
- Plan meals to reduce daily stress
- Practice mindful eating- slow down and tune in
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