When you are under stress, the body consumes more nutrients and so it is vital to eat well even though that may be the last thing you feel like doing.  

Stress can induce all manner of symptoms in our bodies including nervous indigestion, high blood sugar, irritability, tiredness and depression.  One way of dealing with stress is to limit the amount of harmful stress we are exposed to.  Sometimes, this is not possible and in this case, it is essential that we have all the coping mechanisms in place that we possibly can.

During stress, the body requires energy to perform the fight or flight response. The foods we eat should provide this.  Healthy bodies contain everything necessary for dealing with stressful situations.  However, if we are not eating a healthy diet, there will be deficiencies in certain nutrients and our bodies will not only be unable to cope with the added impact of stress, the effect of the stress will be compounded.  Check out the article on food and stress here.

Caffeine - help or hindrance??

American Research has shown that caffeine is the 'drug of choice' for 80-90% of people.  Many falsely believe that caffeine relaxes and calms when in reality, caffeine is a stimulant and excessive consumption results in restlessness or nervousness and effects can include a racing heartbeat, tremors, sleep disturbances and nausea - many of the symptoms associated with stress.

Try herbal or fruit teas as a substitute to your normal tea of coffee - and don't forget chocolate contains caffeine too!

This gentle herbal tea will really help you relax...

1/2 teaspoon of dried St John's Wort, Vervain and Liquorice with a handful of fresh borage flowers.

Place in a teapot and add boiling water.  Steep for 10 minutes and strain into a cup, sweeten with honey as required.

The proven mind-body plan to beat chronic fatigue and stress related illness.

If you are stuck in a rut of ill health, exhaustion and low self esteem, then this is the book for you!  Liz Tucker, GMTV's Stress Doctor, reveals her three part plan that will free you from stress, illness and lethargy - and let your body say 'yes' again.  £6.99