Do you ever feel more down or sad during winter?
This isn’t unusual, and there are reasons for this (which means you can do something about them!).
Some of the possible reasons for feeling sad during winter:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Not enough light
- Poor gut health
One of the top reasons is actually a vitamin D deficiency.
We can’t produce vitamin D enough in winter.
And food sources like lard aren’t used enough to make up for the decreased vitamin D production.
Did you know 1 tablespoon of lard can have 2,000 IUs of vitamin D in it?
Assuming the animal was raised species appropriately, of course.
The easiest way to help yourself during the winter months is taking a good vitamin D supplement.
My preference is DV3 from Systemic Formulas, it’s the only one I have consistently seen great improvement with.
But there is more!
For some, the decreased natural light is also tough to deal with.
Consider getting a daylight lamp if this is the case for you!
Just make sure it is one that is proven to be therapeutically effective (sometimes called SAD lamps).
And there is your gut health to consider.
Starting in October with Halloween, there tends to be more sugar and/or alcohol being ingested.
Both of these harm the gut.
The added stress that many experience with the holidays also harms the gut.
So aside from cutting down on sugar and alcohol, probiotics can be a great help.
Did you know there are specific bacteria that are directly involved with the gut – brain axis?
That means those probiotics can actually help improve your mood and let you be yourself again.
Neuro Byome from Systemic Formulas is made specifically to give you a state of well being.
If your mood and gut are fine, then adding in some fermented foods such as sauerkraut or kimchi can be a great way to get probiotics!
And, for me personally, I love drinking teas like holy basil, chamomile, or hibiscus tea.
Drinking tea has something cozy about it anyway, but those three do help with mood, too (and have other great health benefits).
