Stress can be caused by a lot of things – from work issues to financial situations.  It’s a normal reaction every human experiences in situations they were not prepared for.  Sometimes, though, stress can be caused by simple situations – such as consuming certain food items that wreak havoc on your body and emotions.

Here are some foods that can cause stress when you eat too much of them:

Caffeine is well-known as a stimulant.  When you’re trying to relax, having a caffeine-boost isn’t the answer to your problem.  You don’t have to eradicate it forever, but try to limit your intake of caffeine if you’re feeling the effects of stress in your life.

Candy is another food item that has potential for causing a good amount of stress. Candy, in most cases, contains quite a bit of sugar. Sugar will give you a temporary boost of energy, but it gives you too much at one time, resulting in a quick crash shortly after.

Once the sugar high wears off, your mood can be irritable from the overwhelming fatigue it brings.  If the sweet treats can’t be avoided, go for sugarless options or treats with a much smaller amount of sugar.

Potato chips are another stress-inducing snack item.  Most potato chips contain a lot of salt, which can make you dehydrated and retain water.  The more uncomfortable you start to feel, the more stress starts to come on. Choose less-salty snacks, like low salt pretzels or even a low salt version of your favorite potato chip.

Another item most people don’t think about is fast food French fries that are high in salt and fried in a lot of fat. The fast food restaurants thrive on their ability to get you the food fast, so the fries aren’t usually given enough time to drain off the excess grease.

The grease can cause stomach or digestion distress, which will most certainly cause stress in those who end up suffering from it. Avoid them as much as possible or limit your intake of them.

Junk food, in general, is considered stress inducing and poor in its nutritional components. When your body doesn’t get enough of the necessary minerals and nutrients it needs, its chances of being able to handle stress are lowered.

Eat yourself into a healthy state instead of toward a stressful one. Watch what you eat and stress will become more of a minor annoyance in your life rather than a pending catastrophe!