(SAD) is a condition associated
with winter depression as a
result of shorter days and de-
creased amounts of bright sun-
light. This condition appears to
be more prevalent worldwide
as the distance from the equa-
tor increases. While we are all
affected by this to varying de-
grees, only a small percentage
of people fit the specific, com-
plicated medical criteria for
this condition. The rest of us
probably suffer from something
known as the winter blues.
Serotonin, a neurotransmitter
found naturally in the body, is
commonly referred to as a "feel
good" hormone. Low serotonin
levels may be associated with
depression, carbohydrate crav-
ings, obesity, muscle aches,
pains, and headaches. Some
evidence links serotonin levels
with light exposure, which we
certainly receive less of in the
winter months. After serotonin
has performed its function in
the body it has two fates: it is
re-stored in our nerve endings,
or destroyed by an enzyme
known as monoamine oxidase
drugs work either by disallow-
ing the reuptake of serotonin by
our nerve endings (SSRIs) or by
inhibiting the MAO enzyme from
destroying serotonin (MAO-inhib-
itors). The end result is an in-
creased and prolonged amount
of "feel good" serotonin in the
bloodstream. Certain herbs and
natural supplements work in a
similar fashion without the side
effects commonly associated
with antidepressant drugs. For
example the natural supplement
5-HTP has been shown in clini-
cal trials to cross the blood-brain
barrier where it increases levels
of serotonin, melatonin,
dopamine, and other brain
chemicals. In addition, St.
John's Wort has become increas-
ingly popular in recent years,
and is used for a variety of con-
ditions including depression,
anxiety, insomnia, and SAD. Its
major components appear to be
hypericin and pseudohypericin,
but the whole plant is probably
worth a lot more than the sum of
its parts and it contains several
constituents which are currently
under study. Like 5-HTP, this
herb may be found in various
forms and dosages, and I recom-
mend you consult your naturo-
pathic doctor for information on
which formulation best suits
your needs.
One of the most effective thera-
pies used in the treatment of
SAD is the use of light therapy.
For those of us who don't have
the luxury of vacationing to
ter months, bright light boxes
may be purchased which pro-
vide an amount of light simi-
lar to a clear, sunny, spring
morning. You can even pur-
chase "alarm clocks" that
gradually increase the
amount of light in your bed-
room to help simulate a natu-
ral sunrise before you wake.
To help combat the winter
blues spend as much time as
possible in the great outdoors
in the winter, especially
when the sun is shining.
Wolfville Naturopathic Clinic
Inc
189 Dykeland St, Suite 3
Wolfville, NS, B4P 1A3
Phone (902) 542-2939/ Fax
(902) 542-4554
www.geocities.com/wolfvil
lenaturopath