Stressed to the nines?<\/p>\n
Chronic stress<\/a> \u2014 which tends to last several weeks or more \u2014 takes a major toll on the body.<\/p>\n Not only can it manifest as headaches, fatigue, digestive issues and sleep problems, it can accelerate the aging process.<\/p>\n Like an internal smoke alarm that won\u2019t stop blaring, persistent stress damages cells, increases harmful inflammation<\/a> and disrupts key processes that repair the body.<\/p>\n Nicolette Pace, a registered dietitian, chef and nutritionist, reveals foods that can ease wrinkles, bloating and brain fog. Courtesy of Nicolette Pace<\/p>\n Easing that feeling that your body is a volcano ready to burst isn\u2019t always easy. Try starting with your pantry<\/a>.<\/p>\n Long Island registered dietitian, chef and nutritionist Nicolette Pace<\/a> offers suggestions for everyday foods that combat three common signs of stress \u2014 wrinkles, bloating and brain fog.<\/p>\n Take a hard line on wrinkles<\/p>\n Excess sugar is a significant contributor to aging skin because sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen<\/a> and elastin.<\/p>\n Chronic stress can reduce your skin\u2019s elasticity, leading to wrinkles. vladimirfloyd \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/p>\n This process \u2014 called glycation \u2014 yields harmful compounds that stiffen and damage these vital skin proteins, leading to a loss of elasticity, the formation of wrinkles, sagging and other signs of premature aging.<\/p>\n Aside from cutting sugar from your diet, Pace recommends combining complete proteins from sources like beef, eggs and chicken with vitamin C-rich foods<\/a>.<\/p>\n This leads to a \u201cbiological cascade\u201d that creates and fortifies collagen, giving structure and strength to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.<\/p>\n Get rid of that gas-tly feeling<\/p>\n Stress is one of many potential reasons for bloating, which can also be triggered by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)<\/a>, food intolerances and certain medications.<\/p>\n \u201cFoods with enzymatic, diuretic or elimination-softening properties ease bloat and improve regularity,\u201d Pace told The Post.<\/p>\n She suggests ginger, which contains zingibain; papaya, which features papain; and pineapple, which has bromelain, a mixture of proteolytic enzymes.<\/p>\n Bromelain in pineapple boasts anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce irritation in the gut. Pineapple studio \u2013 stock.adobe.c<\/p>\n These enzymes primarily break down proteins into smaller components like amino acids and peptides, which aid digestion, enhance\u00a0nutrient absorption and reduce\u00a0bloating.<\/p>\n Pace also advises consuming celery<\/a>, which has \u201cnatural diuretic qualities while also hydrating GI tissue, softening movement and improving bloat.\u201d<\/p>\n Dew this to lift brain fog<\/p>\n Brain fog<\/a> isn\u2019t a medical condition \u2014 rather, it describes symptoms that affect cognitive clarity, such as difficulty focusing, memory issues and a feeling of mental sluggishness.<\/p>\n \u201cFoods that have shown strong improvement for memory, clarity and focus stem from rich lutein sources<\/a>, commonly promoted for eye health,\u201d Pace said.<\/p>\n