Seasonal Affected Disorder
Seasonal Affected Disorder, or SAD, as it is commonly known, affects people throughout the winter months. In areas like Canada, where we have long dark winters, and in some places no sun for most of the day, people are most at risk. SAD will often disappear in spring and summer.
Some symptom of SAD are similar t o depression in that people will experience loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, fatigue, and an inability to concentrate along with mood swings. Often time people will have weight fluctuations as well, eating too much, or not felling like eating at all.
As always eating properly, even though a person does not feel like making the effort to make proper meals during this time, is very important. Any white flour products or processed foods rob the body of important nutrients. Eat dark green leafy vegetables and plenty of fruit, whole grains and fermented milk products like cheese and yogurt.
SAD is usually caused by lack of sunlight, which our body turns into vitamin D. Taking 1000 IU or more, depending on what your health care practitioner recommends, will help with this. The B vitamins are also very important as they nourish the nervous system. Adding in extra B 12 with your B-complex will help with fatigue.
Immune function is also impaired with depression, so adding extra vitamin C and Echinacea will help with combating viruses and bacteria. Taking an essential fatty acid, or omega oil, that has evening primrose oil included will help the chemical processes responsible for SAD and depression.
There are also full spectrum light bulbs available on the market, which mimic the sun. It is recommended to sit under the bulbs for 15 – 30 minutes per day to help your body obtain the vitamin D it needs. Studies also show that kids who have these bulbs in their schools will perform better on tests and there is a reduction in hyper activity.
SAD can be helped. I guess taking vacations to sunny places will help as well. I do not suffer from SAD, but going to Mexico or Cuba would be something that would be fun to do each winter! Here’s to booking plane tickets!!
