Alcohol, tobacco, too many sweets, too much rich food… Many people suffer from stress during the Christmas season. Most resort to unhealthy remedies, believing they will calm their frayed nerves. A fallacy! Expert Dr. med. Sarie Ann Haisch explains why we are placing additional strain on our stress nerves with these, and how we can do clearly better.
About the person:
Dr. med. Sarie Ann Haisch is a resident specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy at the Areion Competence Center in Neu-Ulm, specializing in the treatment of stress-associated disorders. Previously, she worked in various inpatient facilities, e.g., the University Hospital of Ulm, the Sanatorium Kilchberg in Switzerland, and the Center for Psychiatry in Ravensburg. She also completed training as a business coach at the CIP Munich. In addition to her therapeutic work, she offers seminars and workshops for companies. Her key topics include burnout prevention, healthy leadership, and strengthening resilience.
Why do we turn to unhealthy food during stressful periods?
Alcohol, tobacco, too many sweets, too much rich food… When we are stressed, many turn to these unhealthy means, thinking they will calm their stress nerves.
This actually works quite well in the short term—sugar gives us a brief feeling of happiness, alcohol or cigarettes allow us to relax for a short time and fall asleep more easily—The problem is just that this effect is very short-lived and our brain immediately demands a "refill"—meaning consumption increases and the effect lasts for shorter and shorter periods.
How does alcohol affect sleep?
This can quickly lead to the development of an addiction, especially with the aforementioned "aids." The second problem is that, with alcohol for example, the initially calming effect quickly turns into even higher activation and inner restlessness—e.g., while falling asleep is easier after alcohol consumption, one is all the more awake a few hours later and cannot find rest.
Furthermore, sleep phases are disrupted, and the body regenerates less. It is also known that the initially euphoric and mood-lifting effect of alcohol quickly reverses, with the mood then shifting toward a depressive state, especially when consumption is regular or a clinically relevant addiction develops as a result.
What happens in the long term with increased sugar consumption?
Long-term increased consumption of highly sugary foods leads to an increased tendency toward depression and anxiety, as well as generally higher stress susceptibility, due to the increase in inflammatory responses throughout the body.
Which foods provide strength?
It is therefore better to think long-term and provide the body with truly helpful nutrients, especially during periods of increased strain, rather than opting for the "short-term reward" of sugar and alcohol. These strengthening foods can be supplemented by choosing certain spices and tea blends, which can also have a positive effect on mood. While there is not yet sufficient scientific evidence for this, positive effects are repeatedly seen in practice.
Which teas, spices, and medicinal plants can support us during stress?
These include, for example, the spices saffron and turmeric, or tea preparations made from St. John's wort, lemon balm, lavender, and rose blossoms, as well as licorice root extracts. St. John's wort preparations are also officially approved as a medicinal treatment strategy for milder forms of depression and have been used successfully for this for years.
Conclusion
During stressful periods, many people turn to unhealthy diets, e.g., with lots of sugar, as well as supposedly calming stimulants like tobacco and alcohol. For the brain, this is poison. For inner restlessness, certain spices like saffron and turmeric help, as well as medicinal herbal teas made from St. John's wort, lemon balm, lavender and rose blossoms, and licorice root extract.
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Mini-series in the online magazine on nutrition, the psyche, and mental health with psychiatrist Dr. med. Sarie Ann Haisch
Together with Dr. med. Sarie Ann Haisch, Medicom will explain the correlation between nutrition and mental health in a mini-series and provide simple health and nutritional advice. This allows everyone to read and apply tips and advice individually. This does not replace a visit to a specialist. It is a good starting point to inform yourself, stay motivated, and find ways to strengthen your mental health through the right nutrition. This is how you actively take care of your own well-being.
• Do you want to read more on the topic? For example, how food influences our psyche and vice-versa?
