Are you A Sad case?

Are you a SAD case?

 sad woman

Some people can become depressed in the winter months when the days are shorter and darker. This type of disorder is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Women are more likely to suffer SAD than men. People who suffer SAD lose energy , suffer anxiety attacks, gain weight as a result of craving the wrong foods, sleep too much and can have reduced sex drive.

Foods greatly influence the brain’s behaviour. A poor diet is a common cause of depression. The levels of brain chemical called neurotransmitters, which regulate our behaviour, are controlled by what we eat and neurotransmitters are closely linked to mood.

The neurotransmitters commonly associated with mood are dopamine, serotonin and nor epinephrine. When the brain produces serotonin, tension is eased and we sleep better and are less anxious. When it produces dopamine and norepinephrine we think and act more quickly and are more alert.

Adopting the right diet, adding certain nutrient supplements and other techniques can help bring relief to sufferers of SAD and aid them in coping better with the winter blues.

A nutritonal therapist will look at your current diet, negotiate some changes and maybe introduce some supplements that are tailored to you and your individual needs.  Each person is different and therefore have different nutritional needs.  The change is subtle but can be very liberating for sufferers.

Barry Todd
(Nutritional Therapist at the Mind and Body Centre)

Not sure if you suffer from SAD?  Why not fill in our quiz.  if you find that you do then most of our therapists would be willing to have a telephone discussion with you to explain their approach to your condition.  Just call us and we will arrange a call back for you.

Sad Chart

 

Out Like a Light: SAD and Winter Blues