5 ways to Prevent Seasonal Depression this Winter

Amanda — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 16:10:00 +0000

Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD) is a condition that occurs in over 60% of Americans. It is commonly referred to as seasonal depression because it tends to occur during certain months of the year – most commonly during the winter hence the term “Winter Blues”. With seasonal depression you may experience some of the following symptoms:

fatigue, weight fluctuations, irritability, conflicts with others, lack of motivation, cravings for carbohydrates, and difficulty concentrating.

If you are ready to say goodbye to your symptoms of SAD, try applying some of these tips to your daily lifestyle

1. Sun lamp

A lack of sunlight and brightness outside is the main cause of “gloominess” for many of those with SAD. Try buying a sun lamp in order to bring more light into your life and boost your mood. You may find yourself feeling more energetic!

2. Eat well

In order to improve your energy levels, try to cut back on caffeine and white flour. You will find that you enjoy a more natural energy boost from a better diet when you quit your coffee drinking and snacking habits. In addition, eating healthy means that your body is getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals it requires. Pick up some vitamin supplements if your eating habits aren’t great – Vitamin B6 and B12 are natural antidepressants.

3. Take a breather

Clear fresh oxygen is crucial for stabilizing mood. Try taking a quick 15 minute daily walk in order to boost your mood – bundle up so you don’t freeze in the cold weather!

4. Stress Management

Learn to control your stress levels in a meditative and relaxing way. Wind down at the end of a long day doing something you enjoy such as reading, exercising, watching TV or taking a bath

5. Exercise

Exercise is important for physical health – but it is just as important for mental health. When we exercise our bodies release endorphins which are hormones that affect our mood in a positive way. The more you exercise, the happier you will feel!

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Foods that Fight Depression

Amanda — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:02:00 +0000

Amino Acids – Amino acids are essential for the body to make neurotransmitters which send signals to the brain and affect your mood. Some amino acids make serotonin which is a feel good chemical.

Foods with Amino Acids: Turkey, cheese, fish, almonds, chicken, avocadoes, bananas and beans

Vitamin B6 & B12 – These vitamins also help the body make neurotransmitters. If the body does not receive enough vitamin B, serotonin levels will drop. Vitamin B12 helps make SAM-e. Some studies have shown that when levels of SAM-e drop, symptoms of depression become noticeable.

Foods with Vitamin B6: beef, tuna, bananas, turkey, chickpeas
Foods with Vitamin B12: clams, oysters, chicken, crab, salmon, turkey, tuna, milk, eggs

Magnesium – those who suffer from depression usually have lower magnesium levels. Magnesium is crucial for the formation of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Magnesium treatment may also help anxiety and insomnia problems associated with depression.

Foods with Magnesium: oat bran, halibut, spinach, barley, beans, and artichokes. Taking an Epsom salt bath will also increase magnesium levels.

Omega 3 – Omega 3 boosts oxygen levels in the blood increasing the body’s ability to convert amino acids into neurotransmitters. Studies have found that those with a lack of Omega 3 acids have less of a capability to send feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and nor epinephrine to the brain.

Foods with Omega 3: salmon, sardines, tuna, flax seeds, and walnuts.

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CanDrugStore Health Blog» vitamin B12

5 ways to Prevent Seasonal Depression this Winter

Foods that Fight Depression