More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Winter Blues? Help is Available
Have you been having a hard time getting out of bed? Does winter seem to hit you harder than it seems to hit your friends and relatives? If you responded “Yes” to any on these, there is help.
While it may be common to be more sedate and even lower energy during the colder, darker months, some of us are affected more dramatically than others. When this happens the symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors.
For some it is primarily caused by the shorter days and lack of exposure to sunshine. This is often diagnosed as seasonal affect disorder (SAD). For many, these symptoms can be greatly improved by sitting in front of a light box daily to improve the amount of ultraviolet light exposure and absorption. This treatment also includes increasing the amount of vitamin B, C and D3 normally taken by these individuals according to NIH studies.
For those whose moods do not greatly improve with these treatments, a causal factor could be adrenal fatigue. A good way to find out if you have adrenal fatigue is to have a saliva test. The saliva test is a non-invasive test done to see what the available hormone levels are.
According to NIH studies, stress is the largest factor in adrenal fatigue. When the body is under stress, cortisol and epinephrine production increases, which decreases the immune system's ability to resist microbial pathogens. This response also results in a decrease in beneficial bacteria in the stomach and intestines. The psychological response is often sadness, moodiness, fear and listlessness.
The study found that by reducing stress through guided imagery, hypnosis, and meditation the system reduced production of many hormone stressors. Light box exposure and fortification of the immune system through the use of vitamins and herbs, supported the immune system and reduced the negative response to stressors such as anger, fear, and reduced light levels.
The study concluded that the best support for the “winter blues” was a good diet and exercise regimen, mediation and hypnosis for stress, increased exposure to UV rays, balancing the neurotransmitters with amino acid precursors, and probiotics to improve the stomach and intestinal response to invasive bacteria.
