Seasonal Affective Disorder
| Published: 11th December 2007 15:45 |
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD in simpler terms, is thought to be a disabling illness that prevents sufferers from functioning normally unless they have frequent health care. It happens most commonly in winter, and may usually be identified by fluctuations in a person's general mood.
It is believed that the decrease in the hours of daylight might result in an imbalance in the hypothalamus of the brain, which may lead to hormone imbalance, poor appetite, and depression, sleeping problems, mood changes and loss of sex drive.
The changes in levels of the brain melatonin and serotonin are believed to result from the variating levels of light and dark. It is believed that natural remedies may help in restoring the balance of required chemicals to the brain and help in alleviating this condition.
SAD usually commences in mid-September and, in general, affects mostly teenagers, students and young adults.
There are said to be many ways in treating SAD including, anti-depressant medication and counselling.
A weakened immune system is often a symptom that an individual is suffering from SAD. Thus it is said that an improved diet, contain more fruit and vegetables, nuts and pulses, may help to in acquiring the minerals to help prevent illnesses. In addition it has been reported that sufferers eat more oily-fish, such as wild salmon and sardines, to give the body with greater stamina and endurance. It has also been recommended to supplement more Vitamin D, as this is said to fall during the hours of darkness.
Refined carbohydrates are reported to be unbeneficial, thus it has been said that foods such as sugar, biscuits, sweets, rice and corn- based cereals should be cut out of, or reduced in a person's diet. Taking chromium supplements, to help balance blood sugar levels has also been advised.
Alcohol and caffeine are thought to interfere with brain chemistry, so it has been said that these should be eliminated out or limited from ones diet. Herbal tea's such as green tea or mint tea may be consumed as a healthier substitute.
There are specific Supplements that have recommended to be taken, under supervision in order to improve mood. 5 HTP is a protein building block which is believed to be used to produce the feel good chemical serotonin in the brain. St Johns Wort has been advised to help combat SAD where there is a well established clinical depression.
Symptoms of SAD
Lethargy - Inability to continue normal program and feeling fatigue.
Overeating - Consuming more refined carbohydrates and sweet foods, which in turn is said to end in weight gain?
Loss of Libido - A reduction in the interest of sexual activity and physical contact.
Depression - Feeling unwell, guilty and loss of confidence.
Tension - A rise in the level of tension and anxiety, and little tolerance to stress.
Insomnia - Disturbed sleep and waking up in the very early hours of day.
Oversleeping - An increased desire to oversleep and troubles in staying awake.
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