October 17, 2025 | 11:56 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Chronic stress has the potential to impact the body's health over a prolonged period. This can manifest as headaches, fatigue, digestive issues, and sleep disturbances. Furthermore, stress can also accelerate the aging process, marked by wrinkles and brain fog.
Tunc Tiryaki, the founder of the London Regenerative Institute, stated that chronic stress triggers a series of biological responses in the body. This includes the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to inflammation and damage to DNA and cells if produced excessively over a prolonged period.
Furthermore, oxidative stress, when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's ability to repair damage caused by ROS. "Oxidative stress can damage cells, proteins, and DNA, leading to premature aging," as reported by Healthline.
Stress also affects telomeres, which are protective caps at the end of chromosomes that shorten each time a cell divides and are considered a biological marker of aging.
Foods to Alleviate Stress
Meanwhile, registered dietitian Nicolette Pace recommends several everyday foods that can combat three signs of stress: wrinkles, bloating, and brain fog.
First, to diminish wrinkles, she suggests reducing sugar consumption. Excessive sugar intake can lead to skin aging as sugar molecules bind to proteins like collagen and elastin. This process, known as glycation, produces harmful compounds that harden and damage these vital skin proteins, leading to loss of elasticity, wrinkle formation, sagging skin, and other signs of premature aging.
In addition to reducing sugar from one's diet, Pace recommends combining complete proteins from sources such as beef, eggs, and chicken with foods high in vitamin C. Protein can create and strengthen collagen, providing structure and strength to your skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
The next sign of stress is bloating, which can also be triggered by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), food intolerances, and certain medications. Pace says that foods with enzymatic, diuretic, or stool-softening properties can alleviate bloating and promote regularity.
She recommends ginger, which contains zingibain; papaya, which contains papain; and pineapple, which contains bromelain, a blend of proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes primarily break down proteins into smaller components like amino acids and peptides, aiding digestion, enhancing nutrient absorption, and reducing bloating.
Additionally, Pace suggests eating celery, which naturally acts as a diuretic while hydrating digestive tissues, softening bowel movements, and reducing bloating.
Finally, brain fog, a term describing symptoms that affect cognitive clarity, such as difficulty focusing, memory problems, and feeling mentally sluggish. Pace recommends eating foods that contain lutein to improve memory and focus.
Lutein, an antioxidant in the carotenoid family, reaches the eyes and crosses the blood-brain barrier to accumulate in brain tissue. "Foods rich in lutein are spinach, many dark leafy greens, as well as orange/yellow carotenoids like carrots, tomatoes, cantaloupe and sweet potatoes," stated Pace as reported by NY Post.
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