There have been many studies examining the benefits of sound nutrition and, as with most things in life, these studies more often than not contradict one another leaving us to ponder where the truth really lies. Generally however there is agreement that a balanced and healthy diet plays an important role in reducing levels of stress.

It is also generally agreed that, when a diet is not particularly well balanced, supplements can be helpful. For example, serotonin is a chemical that is produced in the brain which can induce calm and, with a poor diet, taking a supplement which helps the brain to produce serotonin can assist the body in combating stress.

Timing is however important and, as serotonin levels are often naturally raised 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 production of serotonin. Try a baked potato or some pretzels, both of which are low in fat but healthy.

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

yet another side effect of excessive eating is that of weight gain and, as more and more people are discovering today, being overweight is a sure route to stress and even depression. The solution is therefore both a sensible and balanced diet and a reasonable amount of exercise.

Eating sensibly and exercising will have the combined 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 lift your mood and provide you with a sound barrier against stress.

Another to watch out for is the habit of skipping meals. When you are stressed you will usually find that this depresses your appetite and it is very easy to start skipping meals. Stressed or not, try to set yourself a regular routine when it comes to mealtimes and stick to it.

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