But we have such a lot to worry about. The kids’ education, the family’s diet and health, obesity, dieting, punctuality, finances, bill, taxes, the kids’ safety on the streets and on the Internet, international peace, terrorists, the environment, oil prices, global warming …

There is lots to worry about and the media are not helping by making a crisis out of everything. I sometimes think that is better not to listen to the news or read anything but local newspapers. Nobody asked me if I considered it was a good idea to go fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.

We all know that people have their own methods of dealing with stress. Most people use a combination of: organization , timetables and the like; exercise, such as training, aerobics or jogging; relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga and massage and socializing, such as a quiet drink in the evening. However, there might be another avenue to try.

Diet. Oh, no, I can hear you groaning, not another flipping diet! Well, I mean diet in the broadest sense of the word. Some people reckon that certain foods can reduce stress levels while others should be avoided because they elevate them. It is as simple as that.

In general, doctors advocate avoiding stimulants and depressives if you are under pressure. This is because they are mood-enhancers, so they could make you feel worse.

This means avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Likewise with sweet or high-calorie food, because they can give people blood-sugar peeks, which can affect your frame of mind.

Seratonin is a natural chemical produced by the brain which promotes feelings of goodwill. Folic acid and vitamin B are useful in the manufacture of seratonin, so foods that contain these substances are helpful. Asparagus and Brazil nuts are rich in them.

Lean red meat does a comparable job, because it contains high levels of zinc, iron and vitamin B., even although red meat has lost favour with most fad diets.

Dairy products such as milk, skimmed is perhaps the best choice, and cottage cheese are good for the same reasons, because they contain calcium, antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12.

Red berries are good for providing antioxidants too. Almonds are very good too, because they have magnesium, zinc, antioxidants and vitamins B2, C and E.

It is probably not possible to eat you way out of depression, but including these foods in your diet on a regular basis, may aid you to keep your spirits up when you come under stress.

Owen Jones, the writer of this piece writes on several of topics, but is currently involved with work on high blood pressure charts. If you want to know more or check out some great offers, please go to our website at High Blood Pressure Recipes.