Vitamin D, especially vitamin D3, is an essential nutrient for your brain. Without it, you can experience a slew of mental disorders and symptoms of cognitive decline, too. Unfortunately, many women are deficient in this key brain nutrient, setting themselves up for depression. So, here are some easy tips to beat the winter blues and help keep your mood up during the winter time.
SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, is a specific type of depression that people experience during winter months marked with darker and shorter days. The lack of sunlight can influence certain hormone levels, such as serotonin and melatonin according to a study published in Psychopharmacology.
Serotonin helps to support a good mood, while melatonin is the sleep hormone, helping to regulate sleep patterns. Both of these hormones can be impacted by the decrease in sunlight. And this leads to lower amounts of energy, lower moods and a craving for carbohydrate-rich foods.
While it’s important to get as much sunlight as possible during the dark winter months, it’s also difficult to do so. Our schedules tend to keep us indoors during the sunniest times of the day.
Nonetheless, you can still support your body’s vitamin D3 levels by consuming certain foods. Dr. Josh Axe, certified doctor of natural medicine, recommends these foods to increase your vitamin D levels:
- Cod liver oil
- Sardines
- Salmon
- Mackerel
- Tuna
And in case you need an extra boost of vitamin D, a high-quality supplement can support you, too. Vitamin Code Raw D3 Supplement by Garden of Life is made with raw, whole foods, without the addition of gluten, dairy, fillers or binders.
While diet and supplements are a good way to keep your vitamin D levels in check, it’s always okay to seek medical help. A licensed professional can help you find the best approach to support your mental health and wellbeing.
