In the past few years there have been many studies examining the benefits of sound nutrition and, like most things in life, these studies frequently contradict one another leaving us to wonder where the truth actually lies. Generally however there is agreement that a balanced and healthy diet plays an important role in lowering stress levels.

It is also normally agreed that, where a diet is not particularly well balanced, supplements can be helpful. For example, serotonin is a chemical that is produced in the brain which can induce calm and, in the case of a poor diet, taking a supplement that helps the brain to produce serotonin can assist the body to reduce stress.

Timing is however also important and, because serotonin levels are usually naturally raised in the morning and lower in the late afternoon, you can help your body by either by taking supplements in the late afternoon or by enjoying a late afternoon snack which will assist the body's production of serotonin. Try some pretzels or a baked potato, both of which are healthy and low in fat.

For a few people excessive eating, especially of high fat foods, is the answer to stress. However, high fat foods tend to slow down or inhibit serotonin levels and so usually have the opposite effect to the one you want.

yet another result of over-eating is that of weight gain and, as an increasing number of people are finding nowadays, being overweight is a sure route to stress and even to depression. The answer therefore is both a sensible, balanced diet and a fair amount of exercise.

Sensible eating and exercise will have the combined benefits of both lowering the production of stress-inducing chemicals by the body and of improving the way you both feel and look, which will without doubt raise your mood and provide you with a sound barrier to stress.

Another to watch out for is the habit many of us have of skipping meals. When you are stressed you will often find that this depresses your appetite and it is very easy to begin missing meals. Stressed or not, try to set yourself a regular routine when it comes to mealtimes and stick to it.

Additionally, try to make mealtimes into a 'break' in your day and leave your problems on one side while you are enjoying a meal. Use this as a time, specifically set aside to relax and to focus your mind on the good things in life. You will undoubtedly find that when you have finished your meal the world around you will be much calmer.

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For more information about stress, including such things as stress symptoms, and for a wealth of stress articles, please visit Stress-Relief-And-Anxiety-Relievers.com