Chronic stress can weaken the ability to fight disease. By upping intake of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, it's possible to boost the immune system. Acorn squash and carrots, for instance, are excellent sources of the antioxidant beta-carotene, and citrus fruits provide plenty of vitamin C, another stress-busting antioxidant.

 

Avoid...

 

High-fat foods	Fatty dishes such as meat or cheese and many baked goods thicken the blood, which, in turn, make people feel tired, even lethargic. This is clearly not a good way to reduce stress. Even just one high-fat meal can increase the risk of a heart attack.
Caffeine	Many individuals deal with a stress-induced lack of sleep by turning to coffee, tea, and colas. However, caffeine stays in one's system longer than many realize. Cutting back on caffeine can help with both sleeping problems and jitters.
Sugar	As a carbohydrate, sugar tends to calm people. The problem is that it's a simple carbohydrate, so sugar enters and leaves the bloodstream rapidly, causing those who eat it to, in effect, "crash." On the other hand, complex carbohydrates such as pasta, beans, and lentils serve to soothe without bringing one down.