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Most Depressing Week Of The Year For SAD People

22nd January 2007 Print
With experts assessing which date next week is the most depressing day of the year, one thing is certain, it looks set to be a difficult week for the thousands who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

However, help is at hand from nutrition experts who are suggesting that a natural remedy and common sense steps can easily relieve winter depression.

Lack of light due to short winter days is a major factor for SAD as it affects the body’s production of serotonin, a natural chemical made by the body which helps to regulate mood.

Experts now recommend a food supplement, known as 5-HTP (an extract from the seeds of the griffonia plant) as a natural way to boost serotonin levels and mood, along with some other common sense measures to help beat the winter doldrums.

Dr Nick Fazakerley, GP and nutrition expert says:

“Many people suffer in silence from SAD, feeling there is nothing they can do about their low mood at this time of year. Research has shown that 5-HTP can help our own bodies fight these lows naturally alongside other sensible steps like eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise. A 5-HTP supplement offers a natural mood boosting effect and is a useful first step towards tackling the problem of low mood”.

In addition to taking the supplement, there are a number of other simple steps we can all take to combat low mood from the cold winter days:

• Spend as much time as possible outside in natural daylight or naturally bright rooms. Sitting near a window when indoors in daylight may also help

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet with as many colourful fruits and vegetables as possible

• Minimise refined carbohydrate and sugar intake

• Take regular gentle exercise – this also boosts feel-good chemicals known as endorphins in the body

Doctors working with the nutrition company Healthspan have developed a supplement containing pure, natural 5-HTP (griffonia seed extract) together with Vitamin C, zinc and B vitamins which help to convert 5-HTP into serotonin to help tackle SAD. This formulation, known as ‘Happy Days’ helps to gently lift mood, reduce anxiety and maintain a regular sleep pattern.

Healthspan is offering Happy Days at a special low price for the winter months at £4.45 for sixty tablets. Find out more about SAD or order on-line at healthspan.co.uk/SAD.