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Neurosurgeon with 33 years of experience shares 6 foods that naturally help body manage stress, maintain balance

Published on: Nov 15, 2025, 14:26:25 IST
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Neurosurgeon recommends 6 foods to help manage stress and maintain balance. (Adobe Stock)
Neurosurgeon recommends 6 foods to help manage stress and maintain balance. (Adobe Stock)

Neurosurgeon Dr Katakol notes 6 foods that naturally help the body manage stress and maintain balance, including tulsi, tamarind, and dahi, among others. 

Your food habits shape your overall wellbeing. If your diet is primarily composed of healthy and whole foods, then it benefits your body; however, if you consume processed foods, it can harm your health, contributing to stress and other diseases.

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According to Dr Prashant Katakol, neurosurgeon with over 33 years of experience, what you eat shapes how you feel. In an Instagram post shared on November 12, he listed everyday foods that can naturally help your body manage stress and maintain balance.

“These simple, everyday foods support your body’s ability to manage stress and find balance, from the gut to the mind. Science and stillness begin from your plate,” he explained. Let's explore the six food items the neurosurgeon recommends.

6 foods to help manage stress and maintain balance

Here are the everyday foods that naturally help your body manage stress and maintain balance:

1. Amla:

According to Dr Katakol, amla is a rich source of vitamin C and should be consumed regularly. The National Institutes of Health shares that vitamin C protects neurons from oxidative stress, induces differentiation and maturation of neurons, and regulates the synthesis or release of neuro-modulating factors, including serotonin, catecholamines, and glutamate.

2. Curd/dahi

Curd, also known as dahi, according to Dr Katakol, contains natural probiotics that are beneficial for our body. A report by Sahyadri Hospitals reveals that curd's antioxidants and proteins promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and maintain a balanced moisture level.

3. Banana

Bananas are a great source of potassium and vitamin B6, Dr Katakol highlights. While potassium is a mineral vital for heart health and blood pressure management, vitamin B6 may be effective in reducing anxiety and other mood disorders.

6 foods to help manage stress and maintain balance. (Google Gemini)
6 foods to help manage stress and maintain balance. (Google Gemini)

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is rich in curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, notes Dr Katakol. A report by ScienceDirect reveals that curcumin has been shown to be effective in treating chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Alzheimer's.

5. Tamarind

Dr Katakol highlights that tamarind is beneficial for our gut health and possesses gut-healthy properties. A report by the National Institutes of Health notes that tamarind has been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, stomach pain, throat pain, and rheumatism.

6. Tulsi

Tulsi, according to Dr Katakol, has adaptogen. A report by the Cleveland Clinic notes that it may help lower blood sugar levels, LDL cholesterol, and inflammation, as well as improve blood pressure.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

  • Krishna Pallavi Priya
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Krishna Pallavi Priya

    Krishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More

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