Naturally Gluten Free Blood Oranges, full of vitamin C, can help keep stress at bay!
“Christmas is My Favorite Time of Year!”
We hear this sentiment frequently; however, it doesn’t always match the expression of those saying it.
Shoppers rushing through crowded shops aren't always oozing holiday cheer.
Those furrowed brows we sometimes see confirm research findings from the National Institutes of Mental Health reporting holiday time as the most stressful time of year.
With all the parties people are obligated to cram into their already-busy schedules; the presents they feel they need to buy, even in a deflated economy; and the pressure of forced peace and happiness this time of year, that research finding isn’t surprising.
It’s not that we don’t enjoy having fun with friends or giving and receiving gifts. The problem is attributed to the pressure of dealing with the added responsibilities and expectations this time of year can bring.
These not-so-merry stressors of the season can do more than merely turn us into the Grinch! STRESS can wreak havoc on the digestive system, especially for those with Celiac disease, Gluten Sensitivity or Intolerance, or digestive disorders.
Shoppers rushing through crowded shops aren't always oozing holiday cheer.
Those furrowed brows we sometimes see confirm research findings from the National Institutes of Mental Health reporting holiday time as the most stressful time of year.
With all the parties people are obligated to cram into their already-busy schedules; the presents they feel they need to buy, even in a deflated economy; and the pressure of forced peace and happiness this time of year, that research finding isn’t surprising.
It’s not that we don’t enjoy having fun with friends or giving and receiving gifts. The problem is attributed to the pressure of dealing with the added responsibilities and expectations this time of year can bring.
These not-so-merry stressors of the season can do more than merely turn us into the Grinch! STRESS can wreak havoc on the digestive system, especially for those with Celiac disease, Gluten Sensitivity or Intolerance, or digestive disorders.
How Does Stress Affect the Digestive System?
Stress affects every system in our body. The digestive system is no exception.
Some negative effects stress can have on digestion:
* Contractions in the digestive tract are slowed (think of the muscle contractions needed to move food through the digestive tract)
* Chemical secretions necessary for digestion are slowed (Our bodies produce special chemicals to break down food we eat in order for nutrients in those foods to be absorbed.)
* Blood flow to the digestive tract is slowed (this means reduced nutrient absorption into the bloodstream)
* Stress can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to increased risk of infection
In the case of short-term stressors like a visit to the dentist, a big exam at school, or a meeting with the boss, we may have mild symptoms like:
* Acid reflux
* Indigestion
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
These are usually brief episodes, subsiding once the stressful event ends.
Prolonged stress that continues to build, such as stress during the holiday season, can lead to more serious and lasting effects. This is particularly true for those with Celiac disease or other immune or gastrointestinal disorders.
The good news is, we can use our gluten free diet to help us combat holiday stress and its negative effects!
Some negative effects stress can have on digestion:
* Contractions in the digestive tract are slowed (think of the muscle contractions needed to move food through the digestive tract)
* Chemical secretions necessary for digestion are slowed (Our bodies produce special chemicals to break down food we eat in order for nutrients in those foods to be absorbed.)
* Blood flow to the digestive tract is slowed (this means reduced nutrient absorption into the bloodstream)
* Stress can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to increased risk of infection
In the case of short-term stressors like a visit to the dentist, a big exam at school, or a meeting with the boss, we may have mild symptoms like:
* Acid reflux
* Indigestion
* Nausea
* Diarrhea
* Constipation
These are usually brief episodes, subsiding once the stressful event ends.
Prolonged stress that continues to build, such as stress during the holiday season, can lead to more serious and lasting effects. This is particularly true for those with Celiac disease or other immune or gastrointestinal disorders.
The good news is, we can use our gluten free diet to help us combat holiday stress and its negative effects!
Using Your Healthy Gluten Free Diet to Help Beat Holiday Stress
I firmly believe we can heal our bodies through diet.
Reducing stress and its negative effect on our bodies is no different. Certain foods contain vitamins and nutrients that can actually reduce stress on a biochemical level! What’s fantastic is these stress-reducing super foods are also naturally gluten free! Let’s take a look at a few...
Reducing stress and its negative effect on our bodies is no different. Certain foods contain vitamins and nutrients that can actually reduce stress on a biochemical level! What’s fantastic is these stress-reducing super foods are also naturally gluten free! Let’s take a look at a few...
Tasty (Gluten Free) Ways to Fight Stress
Naturally gluten free stress-fighting foods are ideal for the holiday season because many of them are in season now. That means they are fresh, available, and affordable!
5 Naturally Gluten Free Stress-Busting Foods:
1. Apricots
High in magnesium, which is a natural muscle relaxant; dried apricots make a terrific sweet snack. They are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and perfect for on the go snacking while out doing that holiday shopping!
2. Carrots
Raw carrot sticks can provide an active physical way to reduce stress. Many of us munch away when our stress levels build. That makes sense because research shows chewing can reduce certain stress hormones. Instead of chips or sweets, reach for low-fat antioxidant rich roots to reduce hunger, stress, and waistline during the hurried holidays!
3. Oranges
We all know vitamin C-rich oranges are terrific immune boosters! Did you know vitamin C also helps reduce certain stress hormones and keeps blood pressure in balance? Even better, this winter fruit is readily available and affordable during the holidays!
4. Salmon
Research on omega-3 fatty acids in salmon reveals not only do healthy fats in this fish stave off heart disease, they also keep stress hormones from becoming too elevated.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Dig in for seconds of sweet potato casserole this holiday season! This naturally sweet treat is full of beta-carotene, vitamins, and fiber. All of these help our digestive systems process foods properly. Sweet potatoes are so satisfying that they also combat stress-induced over-eating.
Of course, there are many other stress-reducing super foods. I’ll be showcasing more of them over the next few weeks. In the meantime, why not treat yourself to a few gluten free recipes using this week’s 5 Naturally Gluten Free Stress-Busting Foods?
5 Naturally Gluten Free Stress-Busting Foods:
1. Apricots
High in magnesium, which is a natural muscle relaxant; dried apricots make a terrific sweet snack. They are low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and perfect for on the go snacking while out doing that holiday shopping!
2. Carrots
Raw carrot sticks can provide an active physical way to reduce stress. Many of us munch away when our stress levels build. That makes sense because research shows chewing can reduce certain stress hormones. Instead of chips or sweets, reach for low-fat antioxidant rich roots to reduce hunger, stress, and waistline during the hurried holidays!
3. Oranges
We all know vitamin C-rich oranges are terrific immune boosters! Did you know vitamin C also helps reduce certain stress hormones and keeps blood pressure in balance? Even better, this winter fruit is readily available and affordable during the holidays!
4. Salmon
Research on omega-3 fatty acids in salmon reveals not only do healthy fats in this fish stave off heart disease, they also keep stress hormones from becoming too elevated.
5. Sweet Potatoes
Dig in for seconds of sweet potato casserole this holiday season! This naturally sweet treat is full of beta-carotene, vitamins, and fiber. All of these help our digestive systems process foods properly. Sweet potatoes are so satisfying that they also combat stress-induced over-eating.
Of course, there are many other stress-reducing super foods. I’ll be showcasing more of them over the next few weeks. In the meantime, why not treat yourself to a few gluten free recipes using this week’s 5 Naturally Gluten Free Stress-Busting Foods?
Gluten Free Sweet Potato Biscuits
These tender biscuits are also dairy free, soy free, nut free, and egg free!, with a rich buttery taste (without the butter!) and sweet potato and cinnamon flavor throughout!
These tender biscuits are also dairy free, soy free, nut free, and egg free!, with a rich buttery taste (without the butter!) and sweet potato and cinnamon flavor throughout!
My Gluten Free Sweet Potato Fritters make a terrific side dish or appetizer that even the kids will love!
For another healthy side dish that will get the kids to eat their veggies, try my Gluten Free Oven Baked Carrot Fries!
This Week’s Trivia Question... Answered!
The Question: What COLOR should you be seeing when holiday stress makes you see RED?!
The Answer: ORANGE! Orange-hued foods like Apricots, Carrots, Oranges, Salmon, and Sweet Potatoes are all top stress-fighting foods and all are naturally gluten free!
Of course, a little of THIS is still OK, too!
The Answer: ORANGE! Orange-hued foods like Apricots, Carrots, Oranges, Salmon, and Sweet Potatoes are all top stress-fighting foods and all are naturally gluten free!
Of course, a little of THIS is still OK, too!
Gluten Free Dairy Free Fudge for the holidays!
~g~
Check out more of my gluten free recipes to see how tasty living gluten free can be!
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Up Next on GlutenFreeGigi.com...
~~~ Something special for the holidays! ~~~
~~~ Something special for the holidays! ~~~
SUNDAY, I have something special for you! With Christmas just around the corner, I’m posting some of my merriest gluten free goodies just for you each week throughout December and into the New Year! Don’t miss these special holiday recipes and ideas!
~g~
Thank you for taking time to visit!
Remember, my mission here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is to share my experience and knowledge to help you navigate your gluten free life with ease and confidence!
Come back often for the most recent gluten free recipes and information each Tuesday and Thursday.
I’m glad we’re sharing the journey!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Remember, my mission here at GlutenFreeGigi.com is to share my experience and knowledge to help you navigate your gluten free life with ease and confidence!
Come back often for the most recent gluten free recipes and information each Tuesday and Thursday.
I’m glad we’re sharing the journey!
xo,
Gluten Free Gigi
Don’t take my word for it... Check my sources!
Medical News Today
Mayo Clinic
Brody, S. (2002). Vitamin C Minimizes Response to Psychological Stress. Psychopharmacology,159:319-324.
Mayo Clinic
Brody, S. (2002). Vitamin C Minimizes Response to Psychological Stress. Psychopharmacology,159:319-324.
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