Combination of eating the right foods, exercising and meditating can do wonders. Many people cope with their stress by taking medications, this might cause with side effects especially in the long term. Isn't the best way is to help ourselves naturally?

Most of us are under a lot of stress and avoiding it is totally impossible. Most stress are from family issues, finances, job, health problems, friends, neighbors, animals and I can go on and on.

Thank God that there’s a way out!

A combination of eating the right foods, exercising and meditating or prayers can do wonders. Many people cope with their stress by taking medications, this can possibly have a side effects especially in a long term. Why not help ourselves naturally?

Do you know that negative feelings such as when we are angry, frustrated and stressed held in our liver? It’s an organ in our body that is affected when we are going through these negative emotions. Headaches, high blood pressure, hair loss, poor digestion, blurry vision, muscle spasm and fatigue are all symptoms of an imbalance in our liver that caused by stress.

FOODS TO RELIEVE STRESS

1. Dark Leafy Green Vegetables

They are very high in chlorophyll, dark leafy greens help remove toxins from the liver and promote formation of red blood cells. In Chinese medicine, it’s believed that healthy blood leads to a healthy mind. Consume greens like kale, spinach, chard, arugula to salads, juice, and dishes.

2. Sea Vegetables

Sprinkle nori, kelp, wakame, dulse, or kombu on your steamed grains or add to a miso broth. The high level of copper in sea vegetables helps regulate blood pressure. They also contain vitamin B2, which aids in the absorption of other B vitamins that are key to reducing stress.

3. Root Vegetables

Root vegetables nourish yin, which calms the mind and helps you feel relaxed. From beets and radishes to yams and potatoes, there are myriad ways to incorporate root vegetables into your daily diet. Roasting is my method of choice, but I also juice carrots and beets and make a parsnip soup with lentils and leeks.

4. Black Beans

Black beans are high in magnesium, which relaxes the nervous system and balances stress hormones. Once you’ve made a chili with black beans, you’ll forever be a convert.

5. Black Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain a lot of B1, which supports your nervous system and brain function. Sprinkle these liver-enhancing seeds on steamed vegetables or salads.

6. Blackberries

High in iron to make strong blood, consuming blackberries can also lead to a healthy mind. Add summer’s bounty to your smoothies or mix in with coconut or almond yogurt.

7. Tofu

Tofu is great for the liver, and soybeans reduce blood pressure and are high in tryptophan, which is a natural sedative. Add tofu to vegetable curries or over quinoa, another stress-reducing food.

8. Parsley

With its large amount of chlorophyll, parsley also supports liver functionality. Forget using it as a garnish, use it liberally in juices and homemade tabouli.

9. Mung Beans

Mung beans contain isoflavones, which help regulate hormonal activity. Add curry powder, garlic, cayenne pepper, tomatoes, and vegetable broth to a pot of mung beans to simmer.

10. Lemons and limes

Lemon and limes has dozens of health benefits and is a great regulator of blood pressure. Use in salad dressings or add to a glass of water as a morning elixir.

In addition to adding these foods to your health regimen, be sure to get daily exercise, avoid sugar and caffeine, drink ample water, and, if it all possible, simplify your life. Your body will thank you.

By Heather Lounsbury, is one of Los Angeles’ best-known acupuncturists and author of Fix Your Mood With Food.