Do you ever feel like the winter just slows you down? You wouldn’t be the first person to answer “yes” to that question. During the winter months, when daylight hours are reduced and temperatures are cold, it is common to feel more tired. Mental health experts estimate that about 5% of people meet the criteria for seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
This type of depression is related to changes in seasons. SAD typically begins around the same time every year, if the person has it. Most people with SAD start to feel symptoms in the fall and continue to experience them through the winter months. SAD drains you of energy and can cause moodiness, sluggishness, or general sadness. It is possible to reduce symptoms of SAD via light therapy, which aims to counteract the lack of sunlight during the winter. Although this therapy can help reduce symptoms, so can several diet tips. Learn about specific food choices that may improve symptoms of SAD.
Reach For Foods Rich In Omega-3s
It is never a bad idea to include more omega-3 fatty acids, or omega-3s, in your diet. They are beneficial for brain health, as they encourage serotonin production. Omega-3s may also aid heart function and inflammation reduction. Some research indicates that omega-3s may reduce symptoms of depression. A meta-analysis from 2019 showed that omega-3 supplementation with at least 60% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at doses of one gram or less helped reduce symptoms of depression. Omega-3 rich foods include walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, avocados, fatty fish, and more.
Embrace Prebiotics
People like to focus on probiotics, which are incredibly beneficial to gut flora, but prebiotics are equally as important for a healthy microbiome. Prebiotics work to feed probiotics, and studies show that they exhibit mood-enhancing effects. Some common prebiotic foods include:
- Leeks
- Apples
- Garlic
- Onions
- Asparagus
- Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes)
- Flaxseed
- Bananas
- Legumes
Eat More Probiotics
There are trillions of microorganisms that make up the gut microbiome. According to research, this community of microbes has close ties to the brain via a network of nerves that travel through what is known as the gut-brain axis. This can play a large role in your overall mood, or mood disorders like depression. Registered dietitians agree that eating more probiotic-rich foods can help increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Not only does this support immune function, but it also influences the production of neurotransmitters and reduces inflammation associated with depression.
Avoid Alcohol
Statistically, spending more time indoors can lead to increased alcohol consumption. It is best to limit your consumption, or completely avoid, alcohol if you want to boost your mood. Alcohol is a depressant that can interfere with gut health, sleep, and the absorptions of micronutrients. All of those things can have an effect on mood, and may lead to other health complications. A 2020 study identified a link between higher levels of alcohol consumption and an increased risk of depression.
Spice Up With Saffron
If you have a little extra income to spare, you may want to splurge on some saffron, which is one of the most expensive spices. Research suggests that saffron offers mood-enhancing properties. In fact, saffron may have antidepressant effects, helping to alleviate symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Saffron also contains croci and safranal, which are active compounds that may influence serotonin levels in the brain.
Prioritize Vitamin D
If you want to boost your mood this winter, don’t try to make it through without vitamin D. Sunlight is the primary source of vitamin D for the majority of people, but it can be difficult to get sufficient sunlight exposure in the darker winter months. Meeting your vitamin D needs through food alone can be challenging. You can focus on fortified foods with vitamin D, such as orange juice and almond milk, or fish like salmon and tuna. Vitamin D is also found in certain mushrooms, depending on how they are grown. Lastly, you can take a vitamin D supplement, but you may need to consult your doctor about the right dose.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
