It’s very common to experience more stress and episodes of depression during the winter months. Not only is the shift in weather and minimal sunlight a major factor, but holiday parties, gift-giving, and refined snacks can create the perfect storm for feeling moody. Four important tricks for beating back the winter blues are supplementing with Vitamin D and Omega 3 oil, eating the right foods, and moderate exercise.
Vitamin D is actually a hormone that the body creates naturally from food and sunshine. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) is found in plants, and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is created from exposure to sunlight. D3 is the more bio-available form for the body. Scientific research has shown that vitamin D3 supports immunity and may also improve mood. Vitamin D3 deficiency is one of the primary causes of seasonal depression, due to our reduced exposure to sunlight. Supplementing with at least 400 IUs of D3 daily may support a healthy mood during the winter.
Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly DHA derived from oily fish like salmon and mackerel, may also help relieve occasional seasonal depression. Omega 3 fatty acids help form cell membranes and keep them soft and flexible, which allows for better passage of serotonin through cell membranes. Studies have also revealed lower rates of depression in countries where people eat more fish and wild, pastured meat. Alpha Lipoic Acid, or ALA is another omega 3 fatty acid found in nuts and flaxseed oil, but is not as easily converted into DHA or EPA. Fish oil supplements may help boost your mood and ward off depression during the dark and cold of winter.
Consider the food on your dinner plate when trying to boost your mood. Key amino acids can drive serotonin production, which is a crucial neurotransmitter responsible for mood, hunger, and sleep. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, carbohydrate cravings, and insomnia. Foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan are good for depression because tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin production. Complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice and whole grains, are good sources of tryptophan, as are lentils, fish, turkey, and spinach. The body converts tryptophan into 5HTP before becoming serotonin, so consider supplementing with 5HTP if you do not regularly eat foods that are high in tryptophan.
Of course, we all know that exercise is physically good for us, but exercise also has mental benefits. It releases endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that cause you to feel happy and satisfied. Exercise can also help to generate new neurons in the brain, thereby potentially improving memory and brain function. Moving your body provides a powerful outlet for stress, so even if you may not immediately feel happier, you may feel as though you are releasing pent up stress and tension.
Staying happy and healthy this winter also depends on having a strong immune system. Supplementing with powerful medicinal mushrooms when you feel a cold coming on can effectively support immune function. MycoPhyto® Complex contains six potent medicinal mushrooms and additional beta-glucans to enhance immunity. The medicinal mushrooms in MycoPhyto® Complex are grown on a blend of immune-enhancing herbs and organic brown rice. This innovative strategy further enhances the beneficial properties of the mushrooms, resulting in a uniquely potent formula.
MycoPhyto® Complex is an excellent solution for maintaining a healthy immune system, as well as providing active support when you need it most.*
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. EcoNugenics ©