Finally! Natural Relief for SAD Sufferers
by Dave Foreman
This year alone, more than 35 million
Americans will struggle with Seasonal
Affective Disorder, appropriately given the
acronym SAD, a form of depression that usually
begins in autumn and lasts five to seven months
until spring.
According to the National
Mental Health Association,
SAD was first noted as
early as 1845, but was not
officially named until the
early 1980Õs. The most
difficult months for SAD
sufferers are January and
February, and young
people and women are
at a higher risk of suffering
from the disease.
The early loss of sunlight
in the winter appears to
induce chemical changes
in the brain that bring on
depression.When the
days grow longer in
the spring, symptoms
disappear, not reappearing
until the following autumn or winter. Many people
experience seasonal mood changes or other
SAD symptoms and are completely unaware
this condition actually exists.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Modern medicine has one SAD strategy that I fully
support - Bright Light Therapy.This highly effective,
natural remedy consists of exposure to a maximum
10,000 lux, cool-white fluorescent light for 30 to
120 minutes a day.This type of light therapy requires
special lamps that provide up to 20 times the
normal brightness of home or office lighting.
Ask your health care provider to assist you in
selecting the right system for your needs.
SAD
SUPPLEMENTS
Nutritional supplements
can also provide some
added relief for SAD
sufferers.
Low levels of the neurotransmitter
serotonin are
found in a large number
of individuals with
depression and SAD.
Supplements that can
be converted into
the neurotransmitter
serotonin, including
L-Tryptophan and
5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP), may provide
some benefit to those
with SAD. 5-HTP can
easily cross the blood-brain barrier and effectively
increases central nervous system (CNS) production
of serotonin. Since serotonin levels are linked to
the regulation of depression, it is easy to see why
supplementing with a nutrient that supports
serotonin production can be helpful in helping
those with SAD.
My supplement of choice for SAD, in addition to
correctly diagnosed mild to moderate depression,
is St. John's Wort (SJW). Science has shown that
when people took 900 mg of SJW per day, there
was a marked improvement in the symptoms
related to SAD.
GET THE FACTS
If you have been suffering from the winter blues,
seek out a diagnosis from your physician prior
to beginning any natural health program.Your
depression could actually be a symptom of some
other health issue such as heart disease, chronic pain
or even a thyroid condition. It is never a good idea
to self diagnose your health. Get the facts, and
then negotiate with your health care provider
about the treatment options you have or may
want to use. Going natural works, but only when
you use the supplements or natural remedies for
the right condition.
YOUR SAD SYMPTOM
CHECKLIST
Symptoms vary from person to
person, but the more common
complaints related to SAD are:
-
Lack of energy
-
Increased desire to sleep
-
Depression
-
Increased appetite leading to
weight gain
-
Anxiety
-
Difficulty concentrating
-
Irritability
-
Withdrawal; difficulty with
relationships; loss of sexual desire
-
Increase in Premenstrual Syndrome-related
symptoms in women
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