It is estimated that about 75 to 90 percent of visits to physicians are for complaints that are, in some way, related to stress. Stress can affect just about every part of the human body, and plays a big role in worsening the symptoms of a wide variety of other disorders and illnesses as well. Read to see more ways in which stress can affect your health, and why you should take serious steps to manage your stress levels effectively:

• Anxiety influences pretty much every body part, and plays a major role in exacerbating the effects of a wide range of illnesses and health complications.

• Stress can affect you sexually: when you’re feeling stressed, getting engaged in any sexual activity may not be on the top of your to do list.

• When you’re under stress, your muscles contract and become tense, and this may affect your nerves, muscles, skin, organs and bones. Muscles that are constantly tensed can cause some conditions and disorders like muscle spasms, facial or jaw pain, tremors, and cramping. Also, headaches, chest pain and back pain are common conditions that occur due to stress induced tension.

• Stress can worsen diabetes by weakening the patient’s ability to manage the disease effectively. It could also cause the blood to become stickier and weakens the body’s ability to clear fat molecules from body

• Stress frequently leads to an inability to concentrate or complete tasks which could have a significantly deleterious effect on your school or work performance.

Although the negative effects of stress could be quite severe, stress can actually have positive effects if managed properly. Sufficient sleep, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are all important factors that contribute to effective stress management.

A fitness instructor might be able to help you design an exercise plan to help with stress management, and if you would like to hire one, we would be glad to connect you with someone you can trust. Please get in touch with us at:

WhatsApp number: +971565830067 (Just send us code 3498 and we will get back to you ASAP)
Contact Us: Click here to send us your details or fill in the form below.

You can get in touch with us 24/7 and one of our experts will not only give you a free consultation but also help you pick out an appropriate male or female personal trainer to meet your needs. One-on-one personal training lessons are available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and RAK.
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The foods you consume cannot treat depression, but your diet does have significant effects on your mood, energy levels, mental health, and your ability to cope with stress.

Talk to Your Health Care Provider
Be open and honest when discussing your symptoms and feelings. Because depression can have many underlying causes, your doctor should perform a complete physical and also check the following:

• Thyroid. The thyroid gland controls yours metabolism but indirectly affects your mood. An overactive thyroid can make you feel anxious and irritable, while an under-active thyroid can cause sluggishness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, weight gain, and hair loss.
• Iron levels. Low iron stores can alter your mood, cause fatigue and difficulty concentrating, and decrease mental alertness.
• Oral contraceptives. Birth control pills can also shift hormone levels and alter mood swings, depression, and fatigue.
• Sleeping habits. Changes in your sleeping patterns and the quality of your sleep can be closely related to your mood. A lack of sleep can cause many symptoms similar to those of depression.

Dietary Tips for People with Depression

Structure your meals.

Eat at approximately the same times each day and don’t skip meals. Enjoy three well-balanced meals and plan snacks between meals. This will help insure that your body is getting the right nutrients throughout the course of the day.

Eat quality nutrients.

Individuals who are trying to lose weight and have a history of depression must work to eat foods that are good for the body and the brain. Try incorporating more whole foods, fruits and veggies, and healthy fats by starting with this list of super foods.

Eat plenty of calories.

Extremely low-calorie diets alter your metabolism and increase your risk of malnutrition. Eating less than 1,000 calories per day reduces the amount of tryptophan in your body. As a result, serotonin levels drop, which increases symptoms of depression and its chances of recurring.
Cut back on caffeine.

Caffeine acts as a stimulant, making you feel anxious and interfering with sleep patterns. Consume no more than 200- 300 milligrams of caffeine daily.

Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Alcohol and illicit drugs can interact with antidepressant medications and other over-the-counter medications. For many, depression and substance abuse are already closely connected.

Eat plenty of good carbohydrates.

This will increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. High serotonin levels can improve mood and decrease symptoms of depression. At minimum, aim for at least 130 grams of carbohydrates each day. And try to forgo the processed, “white” carbs (white rice, white bread, white flour, etc.) in favor of less processed foods like whole grains, fruits and veggies.

Losing Weight While Dealing with Depression
If you are trying to balance weight loss with depression treatment, the following tips will help you out:

• Inform your health care provider before beginning a diet for weight loss.
• With your doctor’s approval, proceed with a slow-paced weight loss plan, aiming to lose no more than 0.5 pounds each week.
• Follow a balanced diet that meets all of your nutritional needs for protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. A registered dietitian in your area can provide an individualized plan to meet your nutritional needs based on your medical history and treatment therapy.
• Carefully evaluate your mood changes while dieting and seek immediate treatment if you notice any changes.

Depression is difficult for anyone who lives with it. While dietary changes alone aren’t a surefire way to prevent or treat depression, they can help you feel better when combined with the treatment options that your health care provider recommends.