Symptoms of fatigue, food cravings, depression, and weight gain leave many to dread the winter months.
These people may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that occurs due to lack of sunshine and resulting Vitamin D deficiency in the colder months when days are shorter and darker.
Sunlight is an important source of Vitamin D. One of Vitamin D’s major jobs is to aid in the absorption of calcium. Therefore, one could be fortifying the body with plenty of calcium, but lack of Vitamin D, as well as a lack of supporting minerals, could cause calcium not to be absorbed and utilized by the body.
Thus, those suffering from symptoms of SAD resulting from Vitamin D deficiency are also more at risk for other diseases and disorders such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and osteoporosis.
As sunlight exposure is the best source of Vitamin D, many are deprived of its benefits during colder weather, when there is a tendency to “hibernate” or stay inside to keep warm. Along with catching the sun’s rays whenever possible, Vitamin D supplementation, in the form of cholecalciferol, may be necessary. Also, many benefit from the addition of full-spectrum lighting in the home.
For more research on the importance of Vitamin D: http://www.cholecalciferol-council.com
For more research on the benefits of full-spectrum lighting: http://www.ottlite.com
Detox Tea
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon powdered cayenne pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Few drops stevia (a sweet herb)
Bring water to a boil and add ginger and cayenne pepper. Simmer for about ten minutes. Strain tea into cup and stir in drops of stevia and lemon juice. Makes one serving.
Give Me Five
Many nutrients are important for proper eye health including:
- Antioxidants (like grape seed extract)
- Beta carotene
- Cayenne
- Vitamins A, B2, C, D, E
- Zinc
