Vitamin D plays a major role on our mental health. Even if we have sunshine in the Northwest, we are not getting adequate amounts of Vitamin D because of our angle of the earth to the sun. So we need supplements. Vitamin D3 is important to take every day and get your levels checked every year. My naturopath says 2000 IU a day is safe for kids, Canada even recommends 4000 IU a day for kids. But for my kids, I just let them take either 1000-2000 IU's a day.
Cod Liver Oil- We just started taking cod liver oil because it was included in the basket I won a few months ago. It is strawberry flavored, but all I taste is fish, and it's not the good tasty fish either. Just a teaspoon a day. Taking it everyday is important to reap in the benefits. I have not tried fermented cod liver oil, but I wonder if that is an even better product. The brand we are currently using is Nordic Naturals.
Full Spectrum Lightbulbs- For the majority of the year, we have cloudy, rainy days. When it's gloomy outside, it can make us feel gloomy inside. Full spectrum lights give us that natural daylight feeling. You can get "happy" lights in the form of a light box or light bulbs. Light boxes can be very expensive for the really good quality. My husband was at Bed Bath & Beyond and found the Verilux HappyLight for $39.99. It's probably not the best of choices, but is more inexpensive than most light boxes. It's very bright and you are suppose to have it in front of you, within 2 feet. Another option is to use full spectrum light bulbs. These are more expensive than your average light bulbs, especially the flood lights, but they are much brighter. Here is a link to some I found: Full Spectrum Solutions. I plan to order some of these light bulbs to test out the difference. Only problem is, they don't work with dimmer switches. Our loft, where we homeschool, has recessed can lighting on a dimmer switch. That is where I would want the full spectrum light bulbs, so I think it's probably simple enough to change out the light switch. Maybe? That would be my husband's job. :) |
| Verilux HappyLight 6000 |
Amoryn- This is a natural herbal supplement for people who have anxiety, panic attacks, and/or depression. I found out about this product after my husband had his panic attack on the airplane. Amoryn contains 5-HTP ( brain uses it to make serotonin), Hyperforin (reuptake inhibitor for our brain's natural "feel good" chemical messengers), and Rhodiola Rosea (increases our seratonin activity by 30%). This is a product you take every day and it takes up to 2 weeks to start working. There are no side effects and no withdrawal symptoms. Their website has loads of information.
Seredyn- This product you take when you are actually having anxiety or panic attack. It helps relieve the symptoms and improves mood. You would only take this as needed. It is a natural supplement, unlike prescription drugs. Check out their website for more info.
Another option is go to the snow. The reflection of the sunlight off the snow is beneficial in helping us obtain some of that Vitamin D and enhances the natural sunlight. (According to my chiropractor)
This time of year is when our sugar intake is highest. Sugar plays a role on our mood and too much of it can affect us negatively. So try to eat healthier, especially foods with Omega-3's. Taking these natural supplements might help. I can't guarantee it because I'm not a doctor, but doctors have said so.
Food does play a major role in our mental and physical health, so do the best you can by incorporating more organic fruits and vegetables, less processed foods, and less sugar. We all know this, we just have to actually do it. Good luck!!
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Have some other options who want to get rid of SAD without medical treatment:
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