Stress is a very big part of life for a large proportion of people. Every day of their lives. This is a problem, because stress feeds on itself. You get stressed because you think there is a chance that you might not succeed at a task. This makes you worry, worrying distracts part of your attention away from the matter on hand. With less of your resources, less of you attention on the task, there is obviously less likelihood of you getting it done properly. In acute cases this can result in low self esteem and depression. It is a vicious circle.

But we have such a lot to worry about. The kids' education, the family's diet and health, obesity, dieting, punctuality, finances, bill, taxes, the kids' safety on the streets and on the Internet, international peace, terrorists, the environment, oil prices, global warming ...

There is lots to worry about and the media are not helping by making a catastrophe out of everything. I sometimes think that is better not to listen to the news or read anything but local newspapers. Nobody asked me if I thought it was a good idea to go fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.

We all realize that people have their own ways of dealing with stress. Most people use a permutation of: organization , timetables and the like; exercise, such as training, aerobics or jogging; relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga and massage and socializing, such as a quiet drink in the evening. Nevertheless, there might be another path to try.

Diet. Oh, no, I can hear you groaning, not another blooming diet! Well, I mean diet in the widest sense of the word. Some people believe that certain foods can reduce stress levels while others should be avoided because they elevate them. It is as simple as that.

In general, doctors advocate avoiding stimulants and depressives if you are under pressure. This is because they are mood-enhancers, so they could make you feel worse.

This means avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Similarly with sweet or high-calorie food, because they can give people blood-sugar peeks, which can affect your frame of mind.

Seratonin is a natural chemical produced by the brain which promotes feelings of goodwill. Folic acid and vitamin B are useful in the manufacture of seratonin, so foods that contain these substances are helpful. Asparagus and Brazil nuts are rich in them.

Lean red meat does a comparable job, because it contains high levels of zinc, iron and vitamin B., even although red meat has lost favour with most fad diets.

Dairy products such as milk, skimmed is probably the best choice, and cottage cheese are good for the same reasons, because they contain calcium, antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12.

Red berries are good for providing antioxidants too. Almonds are very good too, because they have magnesium, zinc, antioxidants and vitamins B2, C and E.

It is almost certainly not feasible to eat you way out of depression, but including these foods in your diet on a regular basis, may aid you to keep your spirits up when you come under pressure.