We all know how important it is to stay hydrated in the warmer seasons by drinking enough water throughout the day, and the next step to enhancing your overall hydration; is making sure your electrolyte balance is optimal too. We obtain electrolytes from the foods we eat, and we lose them through sweating or dehydration. You may be familiar with “sports drinks” that contain electrolytes, and that’s precisely why folks consume these – to replenish the electrolytes and hydration lost through high-intensity movement, a dehydrating illness, or just as a preventative to rapid dehydration if they’re outdoors on a hot day. In warmer months, we may become deficient in electrolytes more quickly due to excessive sweating, but we always need an optimal amount of electrolytes no matter the weather

Read More: The Importance of Staying Hydrated 

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are the collective term for a group of minerals that help to maintain cellular fluid balance, support muscle contraction, and help to regulate chemical reactions throughout the body. These include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, chloride, and phosphate. If we are eating a diet rich in these minerals, it is unlikely that we need to supplement with these regularly, however, extra electrolytes are helpful if we’re sweating throughout the day, increasing our exercise, or suffering from an illness that causes diarrhea or excessive dehydration or even if we have an autonomic nervous system illness. Overall, these minerals are essential for balance throughout our body, and we’ll notice quickly if they’re depleted.

Symptoms of electrolyte depletion

• Fatigue or lethargy
• Headache
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Spasms
• Dizziness 
• Tingling or numbness 
• Irregular heartbeats

How to Replenish Electrolytes 

Extra electrolytes are a great thing to have on hand when traveling in case of illness or to keep with you on hikes or outdoor activities. We typically recommend electrolyte powders without extra added sugars, artificial colors, or flavors. You can add these to water and drink throughout a hot or active day to support hydration and stamina or drink afterward if you’re feeling fatigued or dehydrated. Some brands to try include Ultima, Nuun, or Thorne. 

You can also make your own electrolyte drink! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups of water 
• ½ cup orange or grapefruit juice
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt
• 2 teaspoons raw honey or maple syrup 

Add all of the ingredients to a bottle and mix well.

Tending to our mental health is just as important as tending to our physical health, and seeking help and support when needed is crucial to taking care of ourselves. Mental health can fluctuate throughout our lives, and – much like physical ailments – is impacted by our work, families, living situations, diet, community, and stress. When we talk about “mental health awareness”, this helps to reduce the unnecessary and outdated stigma around mental health conditions that millions of people carry with them (often silently and untreated) throughout many years. For most people, at least once in their lifetime, they need mental health support, and fortunately, the accessibility and number of options are growing daily.

In the US alone, it is estimated that one in five adults (over 57 million people) live with a mental illness. This can range in severity from subtle behavioral and emotional disorders to something more debilitating or even fatal. Many things contribute to the onset and severity of mental health conditions including lifestyle and genetics, and the presentation of mental health struggles can vary widely. Just because someone “looks fine” does not make mental health issues any less present.

Read More: Daily Practices to Support Mental Health

Support for mental health can vary widely, including simple daily exercise, counseling, supplements,  medications and outpatient or inpatient treatment centers. Each person has their own needs, and their doctors or therapists can help them find the best solution. On an ongoing, daily basis, here are some general suggestions for supporting mental health that you can do at home:

• Light therapy (especially helpful in the winter months)

• Supplementation with vitamin D (once you have assessed your current vitamin D levels)

• Stress management practices such as yoga, meditation, journaling, and mindfulness

• Pet therapy

• Spending time outside and experiencing nature connection each day

• Maintain a healthy diet. Generally, the Mediterranean diet is an excellent one to follow for gut health and mental health support.

• Daily exercise such as walking, swimming, running, yoga, and stretching

An important first step is starting the conversation. This can be with your doctor, a loved one, or a close friend. If you find yourself struggling with mood or behavior challenges or feeling like your mental health could use some extra tending, consider making an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors. They will have an in-depth discussion with you to review your health history, diet, lifestyle practices, stressors, sleep, and any relevant lab work to help support you in your individual needs. They may also be a great resource for referrals to local therapists or licensed mental health counselors. Don’t hesitate to seek help or ask questions if you feel that you need support maintaining your mental health at any time. The staff and practitioners at Richmond Natural Medicine are available to help and guide you to find a solution that works for you.

Spring can be a challenging season for those suffering from seasonal allergies. The onset of environmental allergies is high as flowers, trees, and grasses are coming back to life, and we are also getting outside more and more as the weather warms. It is not uncommon for adults to develop seasonal allergies to pollen, grasses, or other environmental triggers throughout their lifetime, often changing from location to location. Some cities are far less prone to heavy seasonal allergies than others, and some seasons even in moderate climates may be unpredictably rough for spring allergies. In fact, Richmond, VA has been named one of the top 5 most challenging cities to live in for seasonal allergies. 

Allergies are essentially the response of a reactive and unbalanced immune system which, sensing an “invader,” goes into overdrive trying to destroy it. The reason we end up with allergy symptoms, like a runny nose and itchy watery eyes is usually due to high levels of histamine in the body. Histamine is released from immune cells that try to protect the body from foreign invaders. When our allergy response is high, our immune system is also operating on a heightened level which is fatiguing for the body to deal with on a daily basis. 

To improve our response to allergies, we must first “stabilize” these immune cells so they are not so quick to release histamine. In addition, we can work to balance the immune system as a whole, so the body is less reactive and more able to tolerate exposure to allergens without having a negative response

While these responses are heightened, we want to actively try to reduce excess inflammation or stress in our bodies. One way to do this is by paying attention to our daily diets. Avoid your known food sensitivities to reduce inflammation especially during the high pollen season. Some common aggravating foods when it comes to allergies include dairy, wheat, chocolate, egg, soy, citrus, peanut, pork, trans-fats, and chemical additives. Aim to eat whole, fresh foods like organic produce and high-quality proteins and fats each day. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water as well.

Read More: Benefits of Air Purifiers in Spring

Thinking Ahead: Practicing Allergy Prevention

Prevention is one of the foundational principles of Naturopathic Medicine. We work with nutrition, lifestyle, stress management, and mindfulness to predict and address certain health challenges. When it comes to allergy prevention, your naturopathic doctor may suggest some of these options:

Include an air purifier in your home, office, and/or bedroom. These can make a dramatic difference in your response to spring allergies when your home is a refuge from the outdoors during peak allergy times. 

Add flavonoid-rich foods (known as ‘bioflavonoids’), such as quercetin, which are the compounds rich in color that are found in certain fruits and vegetables. They act as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in the body, helping to both mitigate damage from chronic inflammation and also preventing further inflammation. Quercetin also works as a stabilizer of cells that release histamine (i.e. it can reduce histamine released in the body), so for particularly helpful with seasonal allergies. For some people they may benefit from quercetin-rich foods include onions, apples, green tea, parsley, sage, grapes, dark berries (blueberry, blackberry), and dark cherries. You can also supplement with quercetin – usually, 1500mg/day for adults is adequate.

Some individuals may also want to consider taking 1 teaspoon of raw, local honey every day throughout the year and/or a good amount of the herb nettles (as a tea or freeze-dried in capsules) during problem months, or for at least 1 month prior to allergy season to prevent or reduce the onset of allergic symptoms. Each person is different and thus the approach may need to be even more person specific. 

Read More: Top 4 Herbs for Allergy Relief 

Recipe: Overnight Nettle Infusion

Take a 1-pint mason jar and add 4 tablespoons of dried nettle leaves. Cover with room temperature filtered water and fill to the brim of the jar. Seal with a tight-fitting lid and give it a good shake. Let sit overnight to infuse. In the morning, strain out the nettle and sip throughout the day for allergy support. Add a squeeze of lemon or a bit of honey to taste.

To get personalized recommendations for your seasonal allergies, request an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors. There is no single way to support allergies, find out what your body needs to get through peak allergy season. Call our office for more information or if you have questions, (804) 977-2634.

https://www.nbc12.com/2022/03/06/richmond-ranked-4th-most-challenging-city-live-seasonal-allergy-sufferers

Richmond Natural Medicine has been offering naturopathic care in Richmond VA and beyond for over 10 years. Our mission is to improve lives within the Richmond community using a holistic, evidenced-based model that provides comprehensive, individualized care through education, collaboration, transparency, integrity, and prevention. This approach is unique to naturopathic doctors, where their approach to health and daily wellness stems from a personalized interest in your whole person – your physical health, mental health, family health, environmental health, and preventative health. 

Unlike most Western medicine, which is disease or symptoms specific within a maze of referrals and specialists, naturopathic medicine looks to take a root cause approach, often working backward to determine how and why imbalance or disease came in the first place. 

Naturopathic Doctors 

A naturopathic doctor (ND) is an expert in natural medicine. NDs blend natural, non-toxic therapies with current advancements in the study of health and human systems, covering all aspects of family health from prenatal to geriatric care. They are committed to using cutting-edge medical knowledge and tools to resolve their clients’ health issues, all while maintaining the agility necessary to tailor health solutions unique to each individual client. 

Each state has its own licensing requirements for naturopathic doctors, and currently, Virginia is an “unlicensed state”. This means that naturopathic doctors can provide holistic care for you, however, they are not allowed to diagnose disease, prescribe medication, or provide physical exams. In licensed states, naturopathic doctors with an active license and an accredited degree in naturopathic medicine may perform these services. 

Learn more about Naturopathic Medicine at RNM

Your Naturopathic doctor can support you and your health without physical procedures, medications, or diagnosing by offering guidance and education on several factors:

• Custom botanical medicine including tinctures, provide appropriate and highest-quality supplementation if needed, and suggest homeopathic remedies in alignment with your current health needs. 
• Provide recommendations for supplementation
• Collaborate with all branches of medicine, referring patients to other practitioners for diagnosis or treatment when appropriate.
• Comprehensively reviewing your previous and current health history and lab work.
• Help you connect the dots of your symptoms, and answer questions about how or why things may be presenting. 
• Taking 1-2 hours to listen to your health concerns, provide feedback and education, and create a personalized care plan for short and long-term health goals. 
• Offer suggestions and guidance on proper nutrition, lifestyle, stress reduction, exercise, and mental health that can best support your overall health. 

Naturopathic Wellness & Prevention Services 

One of the things that make naturopathic medicine so special is you don’t need to be actively ill or diagnosed with a health condition to see a naturopathic doctor. They also specialize in general wellness and preventative care to support you in making optimal health decisions every day thus minimizing future health conditions. 

At Richmond Natural Medicine, one of our passions is to help you live a happy and healthy life that is sustainable and works for you. General wellness is all-encompassing because it requires looking at all of the unique factors that make you special. It is also important as a foundation because it paves the way for additional vitality and prevention. Some individuals don’t have a specific health concern, but rather their goal is to maximize their current health. This is what makes natural medicine different: we assess potential future vulnerabilities and also identify your strengths. General wellness through Naturopathic Medicine is one of the best ways to practice preventative medicine for a bright and healthy future

Read More: Perks of a Naturopathic Wellness Visit

Reducing or avoiding sugar in your diet is not an easy task. In the US, the majority of processed and packaged food products you find in a grocery store will have added sugars, and it is not always easy to spot. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sugar is approximately 25-30 grams or less per day. The American Heart Association predicts that the average person is eating more than triple the RDA of sugar on a daily basis. 

This is very easy to do when popular beverages are loaded with added sugars. Things like sports drinks, coffees, sodas, and teas are easy and quick ways to load up on sugar for the day (some coffee drinks from Starbucks or an extra large iced tea can have much more than 25 grams of sugar alone). Then include common food items like pasta sauces, frozen meals, breads, cereals, peanut butters, and fruit jams, any after-meal desserts, or midday granola bars – we can see how fast this adds up!

Why Should You Watch Your Sugar Intake?

Many major health issues including obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease have been linked to the consumption of processed foods and the added sugars found within them. Processed sugar causes blood sugar dysregulation, glucose imbalance, and hyperactivity in both youths and adults. Sugar is a highly addictive food, and the food industry knows this. The profit makers of the food industry are rarely on the same team as public health officials and health care practitioners. Because of these misaligned institutional priorities, it’s important to pay close attention to food labels and to make an intentional effort to reduce sugar intake below the recommended daily intake of 30 grams per day. 

Read More: A Guide to Food-Based Natural Sugars

How to Spot Hidden Sources of Sugar

Processed sugar has over 50 names that can be used interchangeably and this often leads to confusion or seemingly false information when reading a nutrition label. Here are some steps to take to pay attention to the sugar content of your foods:

• Look at the nutrition label. There is a line that states “sugars” and “added sugars”. This amount is only for the serving size of that product. Look at the serving size (at the top of the nutrition label). If the serving size is 1 cup of cereal, and you eat 2 cups, then you have consumed double the amount of listed sugar. 
• Look at the ingredient list. As a rule of thumb, any ingredient that ends in “ose” is a form of sugar or sugar alcohol. Examples include sucralose, fructose, and sucrose. 
  • Try to avoid any sugars that are artificial or highly processed. Check ingredient labels carefully and note all of the different names under which sugar appears. Stay away from these few examples of artificial and processed sugars: Truvia, Aspartame, Equal, Saccharin, Splenda, Sucralose, Sweet-n-Low, turbinado sugar, maltodextrin, dehydrated cane juice, high fructose corn syrup, and erythritol. 
• If something says “sugar-free” it does not necessarily mean it is free or artificial sweeteners. Again, look at the ingredient list and spot added ingredients such as aspartame, erythritol, or maltodextrin. 

Read More: Nutritionist Thoughts on Sugars & Sweeteners

You can replace added sugars with naturally occurring sugars that are minimally processed. Some examples include honey, fruit, maple syrup, molasses, coconut nectar, coconut sugar, dates, and date sugar. If you are making something sweet at home, try using these food-based forms of sugar in lower amounts, as this will gradually shift your taste buds back to tasting the normal sweetness of foods. It will take time to adjust, but over time will be a more sustainable and health-positive option. 

Learn More: How Sugar Affects the Brain

Having a hard time kicking the sugar addiction? Consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Viktoriya Thompson, ND MSN. Dr. Thompson is a naturopathic doctor with additional training and expertise in nutrition through her Masters in Nutrition. Request an appointment on our website or call our office, (804) 977-2634.

For many women, choosing to be on birth control during any phase of their life can be a challenging decision. Between the pill, intrauterine devices, contraceptive implants ,and natural cycle tracking, you may have curiosities about where to start, or how to shift from one form to another over time. While we are fortunate to have options, there are considerations for each choice that you can discuss with your PCP, ob/gyn or other providers to determine the best choice for you. Many of these birth control options have benefits but as no surprise they do come with side effects, nutrient, and mineral depletions, or simply don’t quite align with the current health or hormonal pattern of the individual, while some options may fit your needs perfectly. Gathering information about each choice can help you make an informed decision to either begin, shift or find other birth control options to match your unique needs. 

Potential side effects to be aware of with oral contraceptives:

• Hair loss
• Loss of libido
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• PMS (including emotional ups and downs, headache, bloating or irregular periods). 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding and/or pelvic pain
• Depletion of essential nutrients including magnesium, B vitamins, folic acid & zinc

In some cases if this is occurring, you may not be the best candidate for oral contraceptives and thus you may need pharmacogenomic testing to determine the best drug therapy for you. Not everyone can metabolize or utilize oral contraceptives the same. Thus we need more tailored options for you as a person.Pharmacogenomic testing can help you discern this.

Read More: An Evidence-Based Update on Contraception

Questions to ask yourself or your providers before choosing or discontinuing birth control

• What are your goals? Is it an effective way to prevent pregnancy? To regulate or support hormone health? 
• What is the health of your current menstrual cycle? Are they regular, irregular, painful, or even excellent? How would you ideally like birth control to affect your menstrual cycles?
• What is the state of your relationship? Some birth control options are more full-proof than others, and the stability of your relationship may be a factor when choosing between long-term and short-term birth control options, or protection from sexually transmitted infections (STI’s). 
• What is the best option for your current health or health history? If you have a history of heart disease, weakened immune system or chronically high blood pressure hormonal birth control methods may not be the best option.  
• How long have you been on a birth control method, and what age did you begin? If your goal is to discontinue birth control, you may or may not have cycle irregularities or unexpected health symptoms post-birth control. Your provider can provide support for you in this process with anything that may arise. 

Read More: The Naturopathic Approach to Women’s Health

Did you know: Richmond, VA is consistently ranked in the top 15 worst cities for seasonal allergies by the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America? It’s no wonder we see quite a large influx of people suffering from severe allergies beginning in the spring nearly every year!

You have probably seen an increase in indoor spaces using air filters or air purifiers during the pandemic, but did you know that incorporating one into your home can also be very beneficial for seasonal allergy support? If you suffer from environmental allergies, keeping your home and workspace as allergen-free as possible can greatly reduce the symptoms of seasonal allergies and may also be of benefit if you live in areas with a high air quality index. 

Air purifiers are small, usually, easily portable devices that filter and clean the air within a moderately sized room. Most small air purifiers filter both particles and gases, allowing them to clean pollutants from the air while eliminating odors as well. These can be placed in any room or office where allergens are present, or where you need to spend long hours either sleeping or working to improve the air quality around you. 

Benefits of Air Purifiers & Air Filtration for Allergies 

• Just as the name suggests, these help to purify the air of environmental allergens and pollutants, lessening environmental triggers that may cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, sore throat, sneezing, fatigue, or headaches. 
• Air purifiers can reduce dust, mold, airborne bacteria, and even pet dander from moderately sized spaces. 
• May improve sleep quality when kept in the bedroom. If your allergies keep you awake during the night, adding an air purifier to your sleeping space can clean and filter the air circulating in your bedroom.
• If you have a regularly used fireplace or wood stove, air purifiers can reduce the amount of smoke and ash throughout the home.

Read More: Combating Seasonal Allergies with Naturopathic Medicine

You can always talk to your naturopathic doctor regarding their suggestions for air purifiers, or look into Consumer Reports for comparing various brands available. Your naturopathic doctor may also give you personalized recommendations for reducing symptoms of allergies in your home or office to use in conjunction with air purifier support. 

At Richmond Natural Medicine, we provide care and education for a wide variety of women’s health issues, and one that we see fairly often is endometriosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that endometriosis affects roughly 10% (190 million) of reproductive-age women and girls globally (1,2). Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing chronic pain and/or infertility along with the development of scar tissue. Unfortunately, the symptoms associated with endometriosis are also symptoms associated with other imbalances, often leading to a long delay between the time painful symptoms develop and a confident diagnosis. 

Symptoms can start to occur at puberty due to the hormonal changes and onset of menstruation which can start to show as irregular or painful and heavy. Many young females have different and possibly irregular cycles at menarche (first period), so it will commonly take a few cycles to understand and observe true abnormalities to the menstrual cycle. Some women will deal with the period abnormalities for years and only when they are trying to conceive will they notice if fertility is an issue and that is when many diagnoses are made

Symptoms of Endometriosis:

• severe and chronic pelvic pain
• dysmenorrhea (severe and frequent menstrual cramps)
• dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• dysuria (painful urination)
• abdominal bloating and nausea
• infertility 
• fatigue

Endometriosis is commonly an estrogen-dominant condition that presents with uterine lining tissue located on other organs outside of the uterus and has symptoms of heavy, painful menses and infertility. Diagnosis may include ultrasound and a minor surgical procedure called laparoscopy. Endometriosis can have a hereditary component making it more likely to occur if a family member on either side has had it.

The Naturopathic Approach to Endometriosis 

Naturopathic doctors will  look into the root of the concerns and not just the symptoms as they happen to present themselves. They may start with the basics of establishing a diet that promotes appropriate blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. Starting by addressing diet and lifestyle can help to establish a strong framework on which they can stack improvements. This step isn’t always the same for everyone as we all have different nutrition needs, but the common goal is to reawaken your body’s response to food in order to support a more balanced hormonal picture.

The liver is one of the main organs that process hormones and with age and overloading on the liver (with medications, caffeine, alcohol, etc.), we have a more difficult time metabolizing hormones- especially when they are in excess within our bodies. This can lead to a worsening of symptoms including irregular cycles, hair loss, and acne. Naturopathic doctors can support liver pathways, commonly with supplements, herbs and nutrition suggestions, to promote good hormonal metabolism.

The main goals in endometriosis are to reduce inflammation, promote liver detox pathways, and decrease overall estrogen load.

A good starting point for reducing inflammation is, again, through diet and lifestyle because if the gut is inflamed and unhappy, it will start to show in other aspects of our health. There are many foods that can cause or worsen inflammation such as processed foods, trans fats, sugar, etc., and since symptoms of endometriosis tend to worsen with inflammation, it is important to eliminate those culprits to allow for healing of the gut and lessen symptoms such as pain, weight gain, or heavy periods.

Improving the liver’s detox pathways is important in helping to process high estrogen levels. A part of this is, of course, decreasing overall estrogenic activity, but also supporting the pathways through which estrogen is metabolized out of the body. Unfortunately, we are constantly surrounded by exogenous estrogens in our environment, food, and products, and making little lifestyle changes to avoid these pathways as best as we can help to support lowering your body’s overall estrogen load

If you are struggling with a diagnosis of endometriosis, or need support with hormone balance and women’s health, consider consulting with Dr. Viktoriya Thompson for a personalized approach to finding balance

References: 

1. Zondervan KT, Becker CM, Missmer SA. Endometriosis. N Engl J Med 2020; 382:1244-56
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

Skin health can be one of the more mysterious and frustrating health concerns we face throughout our lives. With inconsistent symptoms and a plethora of triggers, it can be hard to figure out what exactly is causing a skin condition and how to address it. Dermatology and management of skin health can be complicated, and very rarely are they just “skin deep”. Especially in seasons where allergic reactions are high (hello spring!), we see quite a few folks with seasonal skin issues. 

During the spring, skin issues like eczema, bumps, itchy skin, rashes, and general redness are worse with environmental triggers like pollen. If you notice that your skin feels extra irritated or inflamed this time of year, here are some spring tips for healthy skin:

Spring tips for healthy skin

• When outdoors, wear lightweight, long sleeve and long-pants clothing to reduce skin exposure to sun and irritants. 
• Add an air purifier to your home and keep windows closed if your allergies flare in the spring. 
• Drink plenty of water! Hydrating helps every detoxification pathway and supports skin health and elasticity. Nettle tea is also a gentle antihistamine that is wonderful to enjoy this time of year!
• Soothing topicals like aloe gel or a chamomile compress can be helpful for dry, itchy, or redness on the skin. (Note, if you purchase an aloe leaf topical gel, make sure it is alcohol-free. The pure aloe leaf also works well!)

Read More: Skin Care 101 with Dr. Ferreira

Some of our basic treatment strategies for dermatology issues and skin health concerns include food intolerance assessments, individual-centered nutritional guidance, supplemental nutrients, homeopathy, biotherapeutic drainage, herbal medicine, patient-specific homeopathic remedies, stress management, hydrotherapy, detox support, and appropriate skin care recommendations.

Dermatology issues and skin health concerns that Richmond Natural Medicine can help with:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Acne
• Hidradenitis suppurativa
• Atopic dermatitis
• Candida

Our naturopathic doctors take a close look at the root cause, rather than just offering temporary topical treatments. You can rest assured that your ND will always prioritize a review of the contributing factors that can lead to dermatology problems in order to develop a solution that works from the inside out. Richmond Natural Medicine’s Naturopathic doctors will get a sense of your overall health, with a focus on your digestion, hormone balance, emotional health, and your health history leading up to the start of any dermatology issue.

As we enter the midseason of winter, our practitioners often see signs and symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a common behavioral and emotional response to the darker, colder, and more isolating time of the year. For most, SAD can begin in the autumn and last through the beginning of spring. Millions of people each year experience SAD, and it occurs more frequently in women than men, especially those with underlying depression or bipolar disorder. However, anyone can be susceptible to the changes in the seasons and depending on where you live you may experience this repeatedly or very occasionally. 

Common Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder:

• Feels tired, lethargic, and “low” throughout most of the day
• Losing interest in activities that previously sparked curiosity
• Feeling lonely or sad but lacking interest in being social 
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks 
• Craving carbohydrates, overeating / comfort eating, and weight gain. 
• Over-sleeping or defaulting to sleeping and napping when feeling depressed or sad. 

Read More: Seasonal Affective Disorder Diagnosis & Treatments 

SAD Prevention & Tips

Fortunately, the change of the season is predictable, and if you have experienced SAD before, or anticipate the effects of winter on your mental health, here are some tips to support you during this winter season:

1. Light Therapy – being exposed to a special light source each morning for about 30 minutes has been shown to be supportive of easing symptoms of SAD for roughly 40%-60% of people. This helps to mimic the experience of sunrise, support our circadian rhythm, and improve our mood throughout the day. 

1. Mental Health support – seeking counseling during the winter months can be extremely helpful during the times when you feel low, despondent, depressive, or despondent. A counselor can also monitor your symptoms to make sure SAD is not progressing into full depression, which may require separate treatment. 

1. Check your vitamin D – Vitamin D plays a critical role in so many body processes, including our energy, mood, metabolism, and immune function. Monitor your Vitamin D levels closely in the early and mid-winter and supplement as needed and recommended by your health care providers to keep this within an optimal range. 

Read more: Essential Roles of Vitamin D

1. Routine of comforts – during the winter months, set up 2-3 “anchors” during your day that you know bring you comfort and joy, and stick to these as essential self-care routines. This can be taking a short walk outside, enjoying afternoon tea away from your devices, calling a friend or loved one to check in and talk, making art of crafts at the end of the day, cooking a delicious meal to nourish yourself, reading your favorite book or magazine…anything that you know brings you peace or comforts with no residual feelings of guilt. 

Read More: Herbs for Seasonal Depression

If you are experiencing symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, or need extra support nourishing yourself this winter, contact our office to make an appointment with one of our naturopathic doctors. They will take the time to create a custom care plan for you, and educate you on steps you can take to reach your health goals this year.