Balanced nutrition is essential to maintaining overall good health, and can also affect ones ability to cope with stress. During periods of stress you need more of all nutrients. If your body is lacking in nutrients, particularly the B vitamins that affect the nervous system and calcium that the body needs to counteract the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles, your body is not equipped to handle stress effectively.

It is ironic that many people use the excuse of being too busy or too stressed to eat healthy and have proper nutrition. Since every person is unique, nutritional needs vary to some degree. Universally however when the body is under stress, nutrient stores are depleted. If you find yourself experiencing some of the signs and symptoms of stress such as fatigue, irritability, headaches, muscle aches, stomach problems, it may be a good idea to examine your diet to make sure that you are getting the proper nutrients and to make changes where needed including adding supplements if needed. You should choose meals that you enjoy eating and try to eat at a relaxed pace.

Some basic tips that everyone can use for good nutrition to achieve general health and well -being and to be most effective in stress management are:

Don’t skip meals. It is important to start the day with breakfast. It is difficult to eat a balanced diet of all of the things your body needs if you are not eating frequently enough. Also eating more often improves metabolic function.

Avoid too much caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant; it actually causes stress to the body. While the short term effects of caffeinated beverages may seem helpful, and it may not seem like it at the time, the long term affects are harmful to the body.

It’s okay to snack. As long as they are healthy snacks, too often when feeling anxious or stressed people opt for high fat, sugary or salty snacks. Healthy snacks like almonds, peanuts, fruit, yogurt, string cheese, soy nuts or low fat granola will give you the energy you need without all of the harmful effects, as well as helping you to maintain your weight.

A good diet is vital for keeping you healthy and managing stress.