S.A.D. is in Full Swing!

S.A.D. also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder tends to strike right in the heart of the Midwest and other cold weather climates about now! S.A.D. is classified as a mood disorder experienced by people that appear to be normal the remainder of the year. This mood disorder was "officially" discovered in 1984 by a researcher at the National Institute of Health. Some of the symptoms a person with S.A.D. can experience are: upward changes in weight, depressive moods, low energy and motivation, etc. Research has shown that more women between the ages of 20-40 are prone to S.A.D. then men.  Most of the symptoms I have mentioned, are experienced by a large percentage of the population around the holiday season, therefore, it may be hard to discern if these symptoms can be attributed to the season alone, or to S.A.D. Some treatments for people that do in fact have S.A.D. are: pharmaceuticals (I would not recommend going this route, unless severe depression is experienced), light therapy, and/or supplementation with Melatonin/5-HTP/Vitamin D.
Light boxes for light therapy can be expensive, however, one can buy full spectrum bulbs at a health food store or co-op and put them in lamps around the house. If you do decide to purchase a light box, it is recommended to purchase one which has an output of 10,000 Lux and to sit under it for at least thirty minutes daily in order to see positive results. Light boxes aid a person with S.A.D.  by affecting the neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin is permitted with light and inhibited in the brain with darkness.
Serotonin relays information to different parts of the brain, thereby, regulating many vital bodily functions. Serotonin works in concert with Melatonin (produced in the Pineal Gland). Both of these brain chemicals are needed to maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle. Supplementation with 5-HTP can boost Serotonin levels and can be found on line by doing a google search or at your local co-op or health food store. I would also suggest purchasing Melatonin to take in conjunction with 5-HTP as the production of Melatonin is dependent upon correct levels of Serotonin. Another supplement which has proven helpful for a myriad of functions as well as S.A.D. is Vitamin D. Make sure that is D-3 not D-2, as D-3 is more absorbable by the body. More and more research is coming out daily about the benefits of this pro-hormone. I have noticed that I do not get my usual two-four colds each winter since taking D-3. One can ask their practitioner for a serum D-3 test as well. That way, you will now if you are deficient or not and supplement accordingly.