Sunless Gloom: Seasonal Affective Disorder, Part I

Seasonal Affective Disorder, aka: "S.A.D," (not to be confused with, but related to, the Standard American Diet, which also uses the acronym "S.A.D."), is the term given to the feelings of gloominess, depression, sadness and melancholy when the sun doesn't shine enough. It's very typical for this time of year, winter, when a ceiling of clouds greets us when we arise in the morning and continues throughout the day, for days on end.

It is amazing to me how a single moment of bright, beautiful sunshine, even if short-lived, perks up the spirits of an amazing number of people. Seasonal Affective Disorder can be more than just gloominess or depression. For some, it can become a serious mental condition.

It is thought to be the result of inadequate amounts of serotonins (the "happy hormones" of the brain). An imbalance of these serotonins can not only affect mood and emotions, but your sleep and appetite as well. Like so many other things that can go amiss in our bodies and minds, S.A.D. is increasingly a problem today, and climbing every year. Long, overcast, cloudy days have existed in the Northwest from the beginning of time (as far as we can tell). So why is it just now a problem, and why are more people suffering the effects of it? And, why do serotonin imbalances exist in the first place?

I alluded to the answer to these questions in the opening sentence. Diet. Our diets are sorely deficient in nutrients, many of which could counteract the feelings of S.A.D., all of which are available in our diets.

First and foremost is Vitamin D. In the Northern latitudes, exposure to enough sun to provide vitamin D is obviously lacking. So, historically, the balance of the needs was provided by the foods eaten - foods rarely consumed today. It is highest in the organ meats, intestines, skin and fat of cattle and other land animals, and from shellfish, oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, kippers, herring, catfish and tuna) and insects. However, oily fish need to feed on phytoplankton and other fish (also eating phytoplankton) in order to store Vitamin D (which is found in their fat, flesh, skin and organs). So modern farmed-raised fish is out. The levels of Vitamin D in cattle is dependent upon the amount of time spent in the sunlight, so commercial cattle, raised in enclosed buildings, will be lacking in sufficient amounts of Vitamin D. Pasture-raised cattle is best for this (and other) reasons.

There are several nutritional and lifestyle factors that make a difference in how you can feel when we have sunless days. In Part II of "Sunless Gloom: Seasonal Affective Disorder" we will address more of the things that can help.

Meanwhile, sign up to attend our upcoming health class, "Natural Solutions to Seasonal Affective Disorder." The class is Wednesday, February 13th at 7pm at Vital Health in CDA. Fee: $10. RSVP: 208-765-1994.

Dr. Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over 34 years of experience. Dr. Carling is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d' Alene clinic. Visit Dr. Carling's website at www.vitalhealthandfitness.com to learn more about Dr. Carling, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles. Dr. Carling can be reached at (208) 765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.