What is Seasonal Affective Disorder and how can food help alleviate its symptoms?

Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD as it is sometimes referred to, is a state of depression caused by low levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain, which is a direct result of a lack of sunlight.

It's estimated that several million people in Britain alone suffer from the recently discovered disorder. SAD usually occurs during the winter months due to the fewer hours of daylight each day brings. This is why so many people feel down in January and February. December isn't so bad because of the huge impact Christmas has on people's spirits.

Diet can greatly improve SAD because the aforementioned serotonin is made from amino acids called tryptophan. this means you effectively can boost your levels of this serotonin by eating tryptophan rich foods. The best natural sources of tryptophan can be found in fish, turkey, chicken, bananas, milk, eggs, nuts, and avocados.

Similar Food and Nutrition Questions

Is pepper good for you or is it best avoided like its table companion salt?

What is ginkgo biloba and why do people take it as a supplement?

What are the health benefits of garlic and is it worth eating every day?

Click here for the full list of nutrition questions