How do I beat the Winter Blues?

December 3, 2018

Beating the Winter Blues Try as we may to keep a positive outlook on life, there’s no denying that our environment affects the way we feel. As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, many of us find ourselves struggling to stay cheerful. This is an understandable shift from the carefree summer months, but if the winter days are feeling heavier than they should, it can also be a symptom of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder is a mood disorder that emerges at the same time each year. For most people, this period of time starts in fall or winter and lasts until late spring or early summer. And while scientists have yet to determine the cause of SAD, many think that hormonal changes are to blame. While it’s easy to understand that less sunshine may give us the blues, you may not know the science behind it. One widely recognized theory is that less sunlight results in less serotonin, an important hormone when it comes to our mood. When your brain struggles to regulate your mood, it can cause feelings of depression, fatigue and weight gain. The Importance of Vitamin D Another major issue linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder is an insufficient intake of Vitamin D. Most people get less Vitamin D in the winter months, but especially those of us who live in the North. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include bone pain, muscle weakness, fatigue and more. Most notably, Vitamin D deficiency is frequently associated with clinical depression symptoms. This important connection between Vitamin D and SAD is often overlooked. Many people choose to grin and bear it when their mood drops in the winter. By finding ways to get more Vitamin D, however, you can fight the effects of SAD and get back to enjoying your life. Where to Get Your Vitamin D Vitamin D can be found in certain foods such as salmon, tuna, cheese, egg yolks and vitamin D-enriched products like milk. However, we need a lot of Vitamin D to be sufficient in it, and that’s often hard to obtain from our diet alone. Before you try to tan in subzero temperatures, you may want to consider a Vitamin D supplement. Supplementation is a great way to get Vitamin D in the winter months. Before you stock up, however, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. MedStudio is a private medical clinic in Minnesota that provides vitamin D testing as well as safe and therapeutic supplementation to ensure your vitamin levels return to their optimal place. For women and men in their middle-aged years of life, taking precautions like these are essential for a healthy future. Don’t let the winter months take over your health and happiness. Vitamin D testing is just one of our many outstanding services at MedStudio, so come see for yourself! Call us today at 952-807-0415 to schedule an appointment or simply learn more.

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