5 Ways to Beat Winter Blues: Part 3
4) Supplement with vitamin D. In addition to having difficulty synchronizing ourselves with the sun in the colder months, many of us simply don’t get enough sun exposure, leaving us deficient in vitamin D, the “sunshine vitamin”. Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be especially prevalent in people of African descent living in latitudes farther from the equator. The decrease in sunlight at the far north and south latitudes, in combination with the extra melanin in our skin which blocks UV rays and hinders production of vitamin D in the body, puts us in an especially tight spot in the winter months when we hardly see the light of day, and are bundled up when we do. Unlike the above mentioned dilemma, this is one that persists year-round, as urbanization and “civilization” have drastically reduced the amount of direct sunlight exposure that we get in a typical day. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause depression and a host of other symptoms in more severe cases, so it is recommended that you consult your physician to have your blood levels checked to find out if you are deficient. And as always, consult your physician before making any changes to your vitamin regimen.
5) Take Niacin. Niacin, also known as vitamin B-3, is one of the water soluble B-complex vitamins. It’s known for “the flush”, which is not as scary as it sounds. Niacin opens your blood vessels, causing you to feel a rush of warmth at varying durations, depending on how much you take. It aids in relaxation, helping you to fall asleep faster and also reduces harmful cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Niacin has also proven to be an extremely effective treatment for depression. It’s recommended to begin with a small dose of niacin such as 25 mg to be taken after a meal three times a day and slowly build up to larger doses until you experience the flush, then maintain that dose. It’s also recommended to take a regular B-complex vitamin in conjunction with niacin. Because Niacin is water soluble it is unlikely to cause an overdose, especially if used correctly, but if you have any concerns you should consult your physician prior to usage.
Sources:
http://www.doctoryourself.com/niacin.html
