What foods help relieve tension?

Nov 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

In general, eating foods such as bananas, nuts, deep-sea fish, milk, and whole grains may help alleviate tension. If you need to relieve stress, you can reasonably incorporate these foods into your diet according to your individual needs. In addition to dietary adjustments, you can also relax both body and mind through techniques like deep breathing and meditation, and engage in moderate exercises such as jogging or yoga to promote emotional release.

Generally, eating foods such as bananas, nuts, deep-sea fish, milk, and whole grains may help alleviate feelings of tension. If you need to relieve stress, you can reasonably incorporate these foods into your diet based on individual circumstances. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Bananas: Bananas are neutral in nature and sweet in taste, rich in vitamin B6 and potassium. Vitamin B6 participates in the synthesis of serotonin, helping to stabilize mood; potassium helps regulate nerve excitability and reduce discomfort caused by tension, such as rapid heartbeat and muscle spasms, making them suitable for consumption during emotional fluctuations.

2. Nuts: Nuts such as walnuts and almonds contain abundant magnesium and healthy fats. Magnesium helps relax nerves and muscles, relieving physical tightness associated with tension; healthy fats support brain nutrition and help calm anxiety. Consuming moderate amounts as daily snacks is beneficial.

3. Deep-sea fish: Deep-sea fish like salmon and cod are rich in Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids. These components help regulate brain neurotransmitters and reduce the secretion of stress-related hormones. Regular, long-term consumption can improve emotional stability and reduce the frequency of tense feelings.

4. Milk: Milk is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, containing tryptophan and calcium. Tryptophan is a precursor for melatonin and serotonin synthesis, helping to soothe the nervous system and improve sleep; calcium enhances the stability of nerve signal transmission, reducing irritability caused by stress. Drinking milk before bedtime produces better results.

5. Whole grains: Whole grains such as oats and brown rice are rich in dietary fiber, which digests slowly and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing mood swings caused by sudden spikes or drops in blood glucose. Additionally, the B-complex vitamins in whole grains participate in energy metabolism, helping to reduce tension caused by mental fatigue.

In addition to dietary adjustments, daily relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help relax the mind and body. Engaging in moderate exercises like jogging or yoga promotes emotional release. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding late nights and excessive caffeine intake can also effectively reduce feelings of tension.

View All

Can chocolate relieve tension and anxiety?

In general, whether chocolate can relieve tension and anxiety depends on the specific situation and requires individual assessment. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Emotions can be managed in daily life through regular exercise, listening to soothing music, and other methods, avoiding excessive reliance on food. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, control intake of sweets such as chocolate, and especially avoid consuming them before bedtime.

View Full Answer

What causes vertebral artery spasm?

Long-term anxiety and stress can lead to sympathetic nerve excitement, causing vertebral artery constriction and spasm. It is recommended to relieve tension through activities such as listening to music and meditation, maintain a regular sleep schedule, and avoid excessive fatigue. Cold stimulation to the neck enhances the vascular contraction response, triggering vertebral artery spasm. Keep the neck warm and avoid staying in cold environments for prolonged periods.