Comments on: Dealing with Winter Depression: 6 Questions about Seasonal Affective Disorder https://www.foundhealth.com/blog/dealing-with-winter-depression-6-questions-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/ The official blog of FoundHealth. Wed, 04 Mar 2020 06:35:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Leslie Strovas https://www.foundhealth.com/blog/dealing-with-winter-depression-6-questions-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/#comment-2164 Leslie Strovas Wed, 05 Dec 2012 15:07:56 +0000 http://www.foundhealth.com/blog/?p=1947#comment-2164 Great article. I will use to help educate my patients who are dealing with depression/SAD. An additional thing to consider with regards to depression is the food/mind connection, particularly where food sensitivities are concerned. Prolonged IgG (type of immunoglobulin) immune response to foods can cause systemic inflammation at the cellular level which in turn can disrupt hormonal and neurotransmitter balance and activity, triggering or worsening anxiety, depression and even more severe conditions, such as ADD/ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia. A common food sensitivity is gluten, however, even foods normally considered healthy, such as garlic or onions among many others, can trigger IgG response. Further, hormonal imbalance is integral to low thyroid function which is often implicated in depression and anxiety. If you suffer from depression, seasonal or otherwise, it may behoove you to investigate food sensitivity and thyroid dysfunction. Great article. I will use to help educate my patients who are dealing with depression/SAD. An additional thing to consider with regards to depression is the food/mind connection, particularly where food sensitivities are concerned. Prolonged IgG (type of immunoglobulin) immune response to foods can cause systemic inflammation at the cellular level which in turn can disrupt hormonal and neurotransmitter balance and activity, triggering or worsening anxiety, depression and even more severe conditions, such as ADD/ADHD, bipolar and schizophrenia. A common food sensitivity is gluten, however, even foods normally considered healthy, such as garlic or onions among many others, can trigger IgG response. Further, hormonal imbalance is integral to low thyroid function which is often implicated in depression and anxiety. If you suffer from depression, seasonal or otherwise, it may behoove you to investigate food sensitivity and thyroid dysfunction.

]]> By: Michele, M.Ed. counselor https://www.foundhealth.com/blog/dealing-with-winter-depression-6-questions-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/#comment-1760 Michele, M.Ed. counselor Mon, 19 Nov 2012 22:52:25 +0000 http://www.foundhealth.com/blog/?p=1947#comment-1760 Vitamin D in people is lower in the winter, especially in areas that are overcast. Taking a supplement during this darker time of year often alleviates the depressive symptoms if they are seasonally brought on. I personally have experienced this. Studies on Vitamin D address this, as well. Vitamin D in people is lower in the winter, especially in areas that are overcast. Taking a supplement during this darker time of year often alleviates the depressive symptoms if they are seasonally brought on. I personally have experienced this. Studies on Vitamin D address this, as well.

]]> By: Amy Ahlfeld, Psy.D. https://www.foundhealth.com/blog/dealing-with-winter-depression-6-questions-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/#comment-1716 Amy Ahlfeld, Psy.D. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 06:27:39 +0000 http://www.foundhealth.com/blog/?p=1947#comment-1716 Dr. Cass, Thanks for the correction. Yes- Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, increases the amount of serotonin in the brain when ends up increasing and fortifying these nerve circuits, which contributes to feelings of calm and well-being as well as relaxation and confidence. Dr. Cass, Thanks for the correction. Yes- Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, increases the amount of serotonin in the brain when ends up increasing and fortifying these nerve circuits, which contributes to feelings of calm and well-being as well as relaxation and confidence.

]]> By: Sue https://www.foundhealth.com/blog/dealing-with-winter-depression-6-questions-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/#comment-1666 Sue Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:33:09 +0000 http://www.foundhealth.com/blog/?p=1947#comment-1666 I found this article really useful in distinguishing between SAD and depression, and the use of supplements and herbs to treat them. More recently there does seem to be an increase in the number of women who I meet who are saying they feel down/depressed. I would add Vitamin D deficiency especially when there is little sunlight, to the list of supplements and herbs. I have seen a number of amazing changes in some women's emotions and happiness. I found this article really useful in distinguishing between SAD and depression, and the use of supplements and herbs to treat them.

More recently there does seem to be an increase in the number of women who I meet who are saying they feel down/depressed.

I would add Vitamin D deficiency especially when there is little sunlight, to the list of supplements and herbs. I have seen a number of amazing changes in some women’s emotions and happiness.

]]> By: Hyla Cass M.D. https://www.foundhealth.com/blog/dealing-with-winter-depression-6-questions-about-seasonal-affective-disorder/#comment-1658 Hyla Cass M.D. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 05:06:36 +0000 http://www.foundhealth.com/blog/?p=1947#comment-1658 Great review-- thanks! However, here is a correction: Under Depression and Tryptophan, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, the calming, mood-elevating neurotransmitter, not dopamine, which enhances focus and motivation. I wrote about both extensively in Natural Highs. A separate question was about vegans and depression: yes, B12 deficiency in vegans can certainly lead to depression and cognitive impairment too, since it's needed to make essential neurotransmitters. THere may be insufficient protein in the diet as well. Just a caveat: vegans need to be extra careful to get all the nutrients they need. Great review– thanks! However, here is a correction: Under Depression and Tryptophan, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, the calming, mood-elevating neurotransmitter, not dopamine, which enhances focus and motivation. I wrote about both extensively in Natural Highs.

A separate question was about vegans and depression: yes, B12 deficiency in vegans can certainly lead to depression and cognitive impairment too, since it’s needed to make essential neurotransmitters. THere may be insufficient protein in the diet as well. Just a caveat: vegans need to be extra careful to get all the nutrients they need.

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