What You Eat - Combating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)

Individuals who commonly feel depressed and lethargic during the cold and bleak winter months and those who's symptoms disappear in the springtime may well be suffering from the SAD disorder. A depressive condition, resulting from the chemical effects of light deprivation upon the brain, SAD predominantly affects women residing in northerly climates. The vast majority of sufferers start to feel much better following one or two weeks of light inducing therapy. This practice involves additional exposure to natural sunlight or high-intensity bright white light for around a half an hour period each day. Research has shown light treatment to be far more effective than anti depressive drugs which have commonly been prescribed to treat individuals suffering from the seasonal affective disorder.

It has long been identified that sufferers often exhibit food cravings requiring sugar rich foods to make them feel better for a limited period. Scientists have surmised that consuming sweet foods may well trigger the release of the same mood altering chemicals as exposure to sunlight or bright white light. It was shown that once light therapy is introduced the craving sensations for sugary foods dramatically reduced.

If you consider you are suffering from the SAD disorder try to satisfy your carbohydrate cravings by consuming pasta with light sources, pulses, fresh vegetables, beans and breads rather than high sugar sweets, biscuits and cakes. Do not be tempted to consume excessive amounts of alcohol to combat your current state of mind, given this only serves to worsen the depression. Make a point to take up an increased amount of outdoor pursuits and if you are employed in an office environment see whether or not you can move your workstation nearer to a window. Better still, if feasible, get yourself away from the winter months by taking a winter holiday in sunny location.

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