Trucker Health - STRESSED? Try a Banana

There are plenty of things that raise our stress levels, but what can be done on the road to reduce stress?

I read a report recently that says a banana is the answer. Seems that bananas are high in potassium which is used up by our bodies when we are stressed and a banana replaces that potassium thus helping to relieve stress. They are also high in B vitamins which help calm our nervous system. The article states that bananas contain sucrose, fructose and glucose along with a dose of fiber which is said to give us an almost instant burst of energy. Bananas are used by athletes to boost their energy level before participating in an event. Huh! Perhaps some of those steroid users should have just eaten a banana.

Bananas are said to have other qualities that are desirable too. They are said to help control our weight by reducing cravings, sooth ulcers, eaten regularly will help prevent strokes, heal the effects of heartburn, help overcome constipation and also help with PMS because the contain vitamin B-6 which prevents mood swings.

I don't know if a banana will really do all that is claimed, but I think I'm going to try some and see what happens. I think I'm also going to have some on hand to give to some of the people about me that cause me to have stress in the first place. I know a dispatcher that should probably eat two or three everyday. And when I get home, I've got an idea – I'll eat one just before I get there and bring some to my loved ones. "Hi honey, I'm home – I brought you a banana."