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Wednesday, 02 December 2009 10:35
For many of us, it is difficult to imagine that people can feel SAD or "blue" during the Christmas season. Unfortunately, this is a real problem for over 10% of the American population. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a real condition that is associated with the shorter days and the decrease in temperature that is during the colder months. In many people, this will develop into a subclinical depression that will persist throughout the fall and winter months. Have you ever met that person who is a real grump during this time? I know I have! I've found that they will actually get better if they take the proper steps to improve their condition.
As researchers published in 1984, the seasonal affective disorder cluster of symptoms can include an increased appetite, a significant increase in the need for more sleep and cyclic spells of depression. However, it may also include an increase in anxiety, social withdrawal, weight gain and carbohydrate craving. I am going to address carbohydrate cravings and dopamine/serotonin receptors in a future issue of Daily Dose.
This condition does seem to be much more common in higher latitudes such as the Northern states. There is an also a tendency for this condition to run in families, pointing to a genetic predisposition.
Some of the best theories are associating a disruption in the normal day/night cycle called the circadian rhythm. Once this is shortened by the shorter days, there is a disruption in the serotonin and dopamine concentrations. Melatonin is a metabolite of serotonin and this is also unbalanced. Melatonin balance is very essential to normal sleep cycles.
The first line therapy for this condition is light therapy. There are several different suppliers of lights for this condition. The bright lights in the early morning hours seem to stimulate a normal waking cycle. Researchers have found that the morning light has a more positive effect than the evening lights.
There are many other therapies. If you think you may suffer from SAD, then do your own research or "speak to me on the forum" and I will try and direct you the right way.
I will cover Vitamin D and it's benefits in tomorrow's Daily Dose.
Merry Christmas,
Dr. Michelle Haendiges
Webinars on HEALTH
Full day seminar with Dr. Haendiges on August 4th, 2011. Topics will be all topics that are related to health and wellness. This includes hormones, weight loss and weight gain, obesity, metabolic syndrome, food sensitivities, thyroid imbalances and disorders, and many, many other topics! Register now! You will see the link below! Seating will be limited so please put your name on the list below!
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Dr. Haendiges
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Daily Dose Archives
Doctor's Supplements
Research proves that we do not have all of the essential minerals and vitamins in our food. In fact, we are no longer eating our "designed" diet. As Hunters and Gatherers, we are now only hunting at the grocery store. We consume tons of garbage a year and expect our bodies to operate just fine. I ask you this question: "What is the difference between food and medicine?' If I gave you a cheeseburger straight out of the bag, you most likely would eat it. However, if I handed you 5 pills, even from me, most likely you would not take them! Food is medicine!
Do you ever experience side effects from medicine? Sure, it is possible. Have you ever thought that maybe the reason you don't feel well is because you don't eat well. Would you expect your car to run great if you put in bad gas? Of course not! Then why, might I ask, do you expect "your engine" to run great? It really is kind of silly, isn't it?
Take charge of your health!
Inform yourself! If you want more information then please, send us your email and name. As always, I assure you, your email and name will NEVER be shared! I respect your privacy and I respect your health!
To your health,
Dr. Haendiges