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A person’s mood is often affected by the weather. Sunlight
breaking through the clouds can lift our spirits while a dull,
rainy day can make us feel gloomy. While these shifts in mood
are noticeable, they generally do not affect our ability to cope
with daily life. However, some people are vulnerable to a type of
depression that follows a seasonal pattern. For them, a type of
clinical depression called “Seasonal Affective Disorder,” or SAD,
begins with the shortening days of late autumn and can last
until spring.
SAD is a form of depression that occurs (and recurs) at the same
time each year. It is thought that SAD is related to a chemical
imbalance in the brain caused by lack of light due to winter’s
shorter days. For many, SAD is a disabling illness, characterized
by loss of energy, anxiety, a sense of hopelessness, social
withdrawal, oversleeping, appetite changes, and difficulty
concentrating. A milder form of SAD, often referred to as the
“winter blues,” causes discomfort but is not incapacitating. It is
important to learn about the symptoms, and to know that there
are natural therapies to help people with SAD live a productive
life year round.
Who Is Most Commonly Affected?
SAD affects a variety of people. Seasonal difficulties and an
individual’s ability to cope with them will be different from
person to person. Location plays a key role as to whom this
condition affects. Typically people living in the northern United
States, Europe and Scandinavia are more prone to SAD, due to
less sunlight in the fall and winter months. In the United States
it is estimated that about 6%, or 14 million people, are said to
suffer from this disorder. Beyond this another 14% suffer from
the lesser form of SAD, a.k.a. “winter blues.”
Seasonal changes in mood have not been linked to any particular
ethnic group but it has been shown that SAD is four times
more common among women than men. Generally it has been
observed to affect all age groups, but people between their
twenties and forties appear to be more susceptible.
Causal Factors – thinking outside the box
Genetic imbalances, low light environments, and stress are
three keys known in the development of SAD. The autonomic
nervous system regulates the body’s cycles through hormones
and neurotransmitters. The pineal, the site of melatonin synthesis,
allows the body to relax and sleep. Proper amounts of light
are needed for a healthy, pineal gland. Light therapy has been
the most widely recommended therapy for SAD. The body’s ability
to absorb light requires healthy levels of fats. Vitamin D for
example has been shown to be effective at relieving symptoms
of SAD. Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3) is formed from 7-dehydrocholesterol
(a precursor in cholesterol biosynthesis) when
exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D plays a vital role in hormone
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and neurotransmitter function. Most of the allopathic therapies
suggested in cases of SAD regulate serotonin and dopamine, the
two neurotransmitters closely associated with the autonomic
nervous system. Repairing the causal factors behind the imbalances
through opening the primary pathways of elimination,
healing and sealing the gut (90% of serotonin is made here)
and simple lifestyle changes; such as cutting down on
carbohydrates, eating foods that promote GI health (e.g. high fiber
fruits and vegetables and fermented foods along with a probiotic
such as Flora Synergy) along with a daily exercise plan are keys to a
full and complete recovery.
Natural Support for SAD
Light Therapy:
Light therapy can be a very effective and noninvasive way to
reduce the symptoms of SAD. For many people, sitting in front of a
light box every day is all that is required for full recovery. However,
according to various studies, depending upon time spent
in light therapy, the time of year, the climate and the severity of
SAD, light therapy is effective between 40% – 67% of the time.
Part of this is believed to be a compliance issue (time in front
of the light box can be between twenty minutes to two hours
daily) while some people just do not respond favorably. It also is
important to consider that, in some cases, light therapy may not
address the less visible causative factors behind SAD. For those
33% – 60% who do not achieve results from light therapy alone
or for those who continue to get SAD year after year, additional
Nutritional/Homeopathic support along with lifestyle changes
could be the missing link.
Nutritional/Homeopathic Support:
Core St. John’s Wort: Numerous studies suggest that St. John’s
Wort can promote beneficial effects for people with SAD. Traditional
uses of this herb include depression, low immunity and
nervous disorders.
ReHydration: In addition to its hydrating benefits, ReHydration
contains homeopathic Serotonin, and homeopathic support for
the hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal (HPA) axis.
Adaptopath: Contains a multiplicity of homeopathic ingredients
to promote healthy cell metabolism/energy and assists the body
to “adapt” to the changing seasons.
Phyto-Cal Mag Plus: A dietary supplement containing Vitamin
D to buffer the absence of sunlight. Also contains calming Calcium
and Magnesium with herbal complements for maximum
absorption.
Seratran: A dietary supplement containing 5-HTP, a biological
precursor to Serotonin. Studies have shown that low levels of
serotonin, as indicated above, can lead to symptoms of depression,
food cravings, weight gain, insomnia and anxiety to name a few.
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