In the past few years there have been many studies examining the benefits of good nutrition and, as with most things in life, these studies more often than not contradict each other leaving us wondering where the truth actually lies. Generally however there is agreement that a balanced and healthy diet does have an important role to play in reducing stress.

It is also normally agreed that, where a diet is not particularly well balanced, the use of supplements can be helpful. For example, serotonin is a chemical produced in the brain which can induce calm and, in the case of a poor diet, taking a supplement which helps the brain to produce serotonin can help the body to combat stress.

However, timing is also important and, because serotonin levels are usually naturally higher in the morning and lower in the late afternoon, you can assist your body by either by taking supplements in the late afternoon or by enjoying a late afternoon snack which will assist the body's natural production of serotonin. Try some pretzels or a baked potato, both of which are healthy and low in fat.

For a few people excessive eating, particularly of foods which are high in fat, is the solution to stress. However, high fat foods tend to inhibit or slow down serotonin levels and so frequently have the opposite effect to that which you want.

Another result of excessive eating is that of weight gain and, as a growing number of people are finding nowadays, being overweight is a sure route to stress and even depression. The solution therefore is both a sensible and balanced diet and a reasonable amount of exercise.

Eating sensibly and exercising will have the double benefits of both reducing the production of stress-inducing chemicals by the body and of improving the way you look and feel, which will without doubt raise your mood and provide you with a sound barrier against stress.

Another to watch out for is the habit many of us have of missing meals. When you find yourself under stress you will frequently find that this depresses your appetite and it is very easy to begin skipping meals. Stressed or not, set yourself a regular routine for mealtimes and then stick to it.

In addition, try to make mealtimes into a 'break' in your day and set your problems on one side while you are enjoying a meal. Use this as time, specifically set aside for relaxation and to focus your attention on the good things in life. You will assuredly find that when you have finished your meal the world will be a lot calmer.