In times of stress, we reach for comfort foods that create an initial sense of well-being. Coffee gives us energy. Chocolate to make us happy. Sugary treats to ease our nerves. Emotional eating, however, often robs nutrients from our bodies. We eat certain sweets to de-stress, but the irony is that those same snacks end up putting more stress on our bodies.

Stress itself is known to rob nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Being stressed reduced how much protein your body can synthesize and causes you to lose B vitamins which yield energy and Vitamin C which boots immune function. This explains why we are more tired and sick when we are under great deals of stress.

So, if stress is already robbing vitamins, minerals and nutrients from your system, why eat foods that will steal even more? Caffeine takes away B vitamins, Vitamin A, iron, magnesium, and potassium which, in turn, affects calcium absorption. Coffee has some Vitamin C in it, but it is a diuretic, too, so it's important to drink two glasses of water for every serving of coffee you consume. If you add sugar to that coffee or drink sweet soda pop, you lose that Vitamin C as well as even more Vitamins A and B, protein, copper, zinc, chromium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorous!

Even medications can steal from our system. According to Shaklee distributor, Kristy Sibley, Aspirin robs nutrients like phosphorous and steals Vitamin C from us. Birth control robs nutrients like copper, magnesium, zinc and protein. According to Shaklee, Birth control pills also deplete us of Vitamins A and C as well as many B vitamins which are a source of energy and immune function.

Do you swim to relieve stress? You might want to supplement with some Vitamin E after every dip in the pool, because chlorine leaches it out of your skin. Small children should get special attention when it comes to replenishing what is stolen from them, because their brains and bodies are still forming and growing.

Stressful times merit better care of our bodies, yet we tend to make unconscious choices that lead to further self-destruction when we are falling apart. Being mindful of what we put into our bodies will ensure better health and fitness in the long run. When stress, food or medicine robs nutrients from you, look for ways to give back to yourself. Nourish your body. It's the only body you have.

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