Fixing up the winter blues naturally...

Its winter time, it’s cold, it’s dreary, the sunshine hides behind the clouds and the icy cold winds force us inside for most of our days. Seasonal depression or the even more extreme seasonal affective disorder (SAD’s) is common in Australia and other parts of the world during the winter months. Symptoms experienced may include cravings for carbohydrate rich foods, unexplained weight gain, feeling the need for excess sleep, lack of energy and of course a constant low mood.

So how can we prevent this Naturopathically?

The simple first step is to get your Vitamin D levels tested. Studies in the New England Journal of Medicine show that low levels of Vitamin D have been attributed to depression. For optimal health having levels around 110nmol/L is ideal. If your levels sit below this get out into the sunshine sensibly and see your Naturopath or Doctor for a supplementation program. Remember, your body cannot make Vitamin D through glass (for example if the sun shines through your car or office window), it cannot make Vitamin D if you have sunscreen on and if you have darker skin you need longer exposure to the sun to make Vitamin D as opposed to fairer skinned people.

The food you eat should also be looked at as medicine, because it is. Foods containing an amino acid called ‘tryptophan’ can naturally increase our feel good, happy hormone called serotonin. Tryptophan is broken down and converted in the body to serotonin. Some of these tryptophan containing medicinal foods include organic cottage cheese, fermented tofu, bananas, turkey, seafood (which is in abundance on the Eyre Peninsula, so take advantage), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and legumes such as beans, peas and lentils.

In terms of lifestyle exercise needs to be regular, seeing a counsellor you trust regularly can be extremely beneficial and avoiding dietary stimulants such as alcohol, coffee, sugar and recreational drugs is a must. Limit technology use, get adequate sleep, practise positive thinking and take time to get outside in the sunshine and breathe in the fresh sea air.

If you would like more personalised Naturopathic or Nutritional advice on depression or any other health concern appointments may be made with Tessa via email at eyrenaturopath@outlook.com or through her website www.eyrenaturopath.com

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