S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

In case you haven’t heard, it has been snowing in Colorado for the past 36 hours.  The forecast says we can expect another 8 hours of snowfall, totaling 20-40 inches depending on the area.

This is the view from my patio. I quickly ran outside, snapped this picture, ran back inside, logged onto United.com and cashed in some of my frequent flyer miles to fly to Tucson Arizona. Seriously, I’m not kidding, after two days of no sunshine I start to whine very LOUDLY.

While some people jump up and down with glee and excitement during these winter weather conditions other people start to get S.A.D. – Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Here’s my list of supplements to help the brain cope with less sunlight, colder temperatures and shorter days during the winter season.

Remember I’m not a doctor.  This is for informational purposes only.  Always check with your doctor before starting or combining new supplements, especially if you are currently taking anti-depressants!

Supplements To Beat The Winter Blues

1. Vitamin B12- the first clinical effects of insufficient B Vitamins are mood changes, insomnia, changes in appetite and sugar carvings.  As a group, B vitamins play an important role both in alleviating depression and in relieving the anxiety and restlessness which often accompanies it.  The mental changes caused by the deficiency of just Vitamin B12 can range from low moods, to a severe depression.

2.  Vitamin D– is actually a hormone and not a vitamin.  Our need for Vitamin D is much higher than we initially thought, with recommendations varying from 2,000-10,000 IU.  Raising levels to the new optimal zone can result in a “sunny” mood, a strong immune system, increased energy and bone health, and decreased feelings of stress, especially those suffering from depression and seasonal affective disorder.

3. SAMe- (known formally as S-adenosylmethionine, pronounced Sammy) is not an herb or a hormone. It is a molecule that all living cells, including our own, produce constantly. It influences the metabolism of the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, both of which help control mood. It also crosses the nearly impenetrable barrier between the blood and the brain, an obstacle that prevents many drugs from acting on the central nervous system. Naturally occurring levels of SAMe in the body are lower in the spinal fluid of people suffering from depression. SAMe is Italy’s most popular anti-depressant.  SAMe can be found in U.S. health food stores.

4. Omega-3 Fish Oil – fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in brain function. Some research has suggested that people who have depression have low blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a fatty acid found in fish oil.

5.  Light Box – light box therapy helps boost the neurotransmitter, serotonin.  Low levels of serotonin have been associated with: alcohol and drug abuse, insomnia, binge eating, chronic pain, as well as seasonal affective disorder. The results of light box therapy have often been dramatic. Bright light therapy is included in therapeutic recommendations of the American Psychiatric Association. Some insurance companies have begun covering it as a medical expense.

References:

Change Your Brain Change Your Life – Daniel Amen M.D.

The Edge Effect – Eric Braverman M.D.

The Mood Cure – Julia Ross M.A.