Tag: Diet and stress

According to the Cleveland Clinic, chronically elevated cortisol levels can lead to a variety of health issues, including weight gain, high blood pressure, and sleep disturbances. Understanding what foods can spike cortisol is the first step toward managing your body's stress response through diet and making healthier choices for long-term well-being.

According to scientific research, healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to help reduce cortisol levels. The question, 'Does eating fat lower cortisol?' is complex, as the type of fat and overall dietary pattern are the most critical factors influencing the body's stress hormone response.

Studies show that chronic stress can deplete vital nutrients like magnesium and B vitamins, disrupting normal body functions and exacerbating feelings of anxiety. Focusing on what change in diet may be enough to reduce your stress level is a powerful step towards improving both your mental and physical health by replenishing these crucial resources.

According to the USDA, one medium orange provides nearly 100% of the Daily Value for vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. If you find yourself suddenly eating a lot of oranges, your body might be signaling a specific need, though the reasons can be more complex than a simple vitamin deficiency.

According to the Food Research & Action Center, 23% of undergraduate students in the US experienced food insecurity in 2020. This raises a critical question: is food insecurity associated with increased risk of obesity in US college students? The answer is a complex paradox, where limited access to food can, counterintuitively, lead to weight gain and poor health outcomes.

According to research, a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can significantly lower cortisol levels compared to diets high in processed foods and saturated fats. Choosing the best diet for high cortisol levels is a powerful and natural way to manage the stress hormone and support overall well-being.

Chronic stress affects millions and keeping cortisol levels in check is vital for overall health. While some misconceptions suggest high-fat diets, including saturated fats, can help regulate hormones, current research indicates this is not the case. So, does saturated fat reduce cortisol? The scientific consensus points in a different direction entirely.

Research from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) published in 2025 found that a higher Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score is associated with a greater risk of high allostatic load. This evidence clearly suggests that diet plays a significant role in determining the physiological wear-and-tear caused by chronic stress, known as allostatic load.

Some research, including a study on healthy subjects, suggests that consuming very high levels of protein can cause a temporary increase in cortisol secretion. The relationship, however, is complex and depends heavily on the amount, type, and timing of protein intake, as well as individual factors like existing stress and diet composition.

According to a 2023 study published in the journal Nutrients, higher-quality diets were associated with a lower risk of stress and depression. This research highlights the powerful connection between what's on your plate and your overall wellbeing, emphasizing exactly how does diet impact wellbeing in both physical and mental aspects.