Some Nutrition tips to help with SAD

“SAD days are over for me!”
A GREY WINTER following a pretty dull summer is a combination which will almost certainly result in an increased level of depression for some people this time of year.

Season Affected Disorder (SAD) is now widely recognized as a cause of depression during the winter months. It is believed that a lack of sunshine reduces levels of the 'happy chemical' serotonin in the brain.

Martin Salvage (pictured), a 59 year-old artist, spent so much time driving in the dark he began to develop symptoms characteristic of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). However, rather than give up on a job he loved, Martin was determined to find a solution...

“I used to teach Art at at a college some 75 miles away from where I live. This would mean getting up at 5am when it was still dark and returning home at 6pm, when it was dark, a daily roundtrip of 150 miles, five days a week, in the dark!”
Light-starved existence

“Continuing as I was it wasn't long before my light-starved existence began to take its toll on my health. I started to feel very lethargic and quite low, which is typical of SAD. I then read about Rhodiola rosea. It wasn't as well known as conventional antidepressants, but the research so far had been encouraging and so I decided to give it a go.”
Rhodiola rosea - A natural mood-booster

The Russian adaptogenic herb, Rhodiola rosea has a considerable fan base for its ability to support the adrenal system in times of stress, boost libido, increase stamina and generally generate a feeling of wellbeing. Active compounds found within rhodiola (rosavin and salidroside) improve the passage of serotonin precursors through the blood-brain barrier. Rhodiola can increase serotonin by 30%.
Martin continues: “Within just a couple of days I felt a difference; I had more energy and wasn't nearly as tired as I used to be, which consequently led to an improvement in my mood. Since my recent retirement, I no longer need to make the 150 mile roundtrip in the dark, instead I paint full time, but I will be taking Rhodiola again as soon as the nights draw in.”

Prozac, St John's Wort and Rhodiola – different actions
We have seen that depression can be due to low levels of serotonin. Prozac is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In simple terms, Prozac effectively puts a cork on the cell, blocking the reabsorption of serotonin.

St John's Wort has a gentler action. It is a MAO inhibitor. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin and therefore the action of inhibiting MAO preserves serotonin levels. Rhodiola effects a balancing action on serotonin by enhancing the production, distribution and uptake of key nutrients essential for the production of serotonin in the brain. Getting outdoors as much as possible on brighter days, adding a vitamin D supplement and, possibly, investing in a light therapy box will also be helpful. It is thought that Rhodiola is most effective when taken alongside a B-Complex.