Days are shorter and darker and it can sneak up on us, many people have heard of it, and some may have experienced it.

Naturopathic doctor Jacqui Fleury explains seasonal affective disorder on Global News this morning.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as “SAD” is a form of depression that sneaks up on us in the cooler months of fall.

As winter progresses, the symptoms tend to get worse.

Natural Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder

Typically, we want to start with food because 90% serotonin, also known as our feel-good hormone, is produced our gut. Adding more fat to your morning routine, such as avocado on toast, eggs or adding fat, either butter or MTC oil to our coffee can be useful.

In addition, adding olive oil to our food during the day with stave off the carbohydrate cravings that you might feel when you’re feeling low energy.

Another way to offset carbohydrate cravings is to add fibre rich foods to your diet. Sprinkle chia seeds, hemp hearts or flax seeds on your meals throughout the day.

Adding probiotics in the form of a supplement, or adding sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha to your diet will help with the gut health as well.

Of course, we haven’t forgotten dessert! We suggest dark chocolate with broccoli, you heard right! Brocco Chocco is perfect and delicious and add fibre to your diet. Even one stalk of broccoli, will negate the effects of one ounce of alcohol, which is a depressant. This time of year, amping up your veggie intake can be super helpful.

Signs and Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

  • Depressed throughout the day
  • Tired
  • Lack of motivation
  • Things that typically interest you don’t interest you
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • In extreme cases, thoughts of suicide

Focus on what you can control

  • Implement some of the diet suggestions above
  • Get outside for some fresh air
  • Use bright light early on in the mornings
  • Use a light alarm that simulates the sunrise

If you would like some support getting your seasonal affective disorder or just have a feeling of overall lethargy, please make an appointment, we can help.

Support your gut health and your mood with the Master Your Gut online course.

These are our favourite supplements to support your gut this winter