Fatty fish are healthy comfort food choices for stress which can manifest itself with a myriad of symptoms like unexplained headaches, sore backs, temper tantrums, excessive fatigue, poor sleep and reduced libido.

During stressful periods choosing to cook and eat fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovy and sardines may be one of the best things you can do for your body because of the following ten reasons:

1. Fatty fish can be used as natural medicine for stress because they contain omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids help alleviate mood changes as well as control the levels of stress hormones.

A study reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry revealed that taking 1 gram of fish oil daily decreased multiple symptoms like suicidal ideation (thoughts of committing suicide), feelings of sadness, low libido, sleep problems, and anxiety by 50 percent. These symptoms were associated with depression but they can also be present in a person who is stressed.

2. Fatty fish contain vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid which is used by the body to regulate the function of the adrenal glands which release stress hormones like adrenaline. Pantothenic acid is therefore a vital nutrient for persons dealing with chronic stress.

3. Fatty fish also contain selenium which is important for stress management because it is a potent antioxidant. When a person is dealing with stress, their body produces a lot of free radicals which damage cells and thus powerful antioxidants are needed to reduce this damage.

4. Fatty fish also contain tryptophan. This amino acid is vital for increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain which help one feel calm and alert.

5. Fatty fish like tuna are rich in vitamin B1 or thiamine which is important for managing stress since increasing thiamine levels in the body can result in an improved mood.

6. Fatty fish like anchovies and tuna are rich in vitamin B3 or niacin which is used by the body to make serotonin which is imparts a feeling of emotional well-being.

7. Fatty fish like mackerel and salmon contain vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin. This B complex vitamin is beneficial for stress management because its deficiency is associated with irritability and mood swings.

8. Fatty fish like tuna and salmon are rich in vitamin B6 which is important for the synthesis of melatonin which helps maintain the sleep wake cycle. It is thus vital for those dealing with stress related insomnia.

9. Fatty fish like salmon are also rich in magnesium. This mineral is important for stress management since low levels can result in fatigue and headaches. These may also be present as stress symptoms and thus aggravated by magnesium deficiency.

10. Fatty fish like mackerel and sardines also contain iron. Iron deficiency anemia is associated with symptoms like fatigue and weakness which can also be associated with stress.

Therefore the next time you are dealing with stress, choose to use fatty fish as your stress relief comfort food especially if you are also suffering from depression, acne, eczema, arthritis and high blood pressure since these conditions also treated with omega 3 fatty acids.

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