Include salmon in your diet to fight SAD

The season of SAD approaches. As days shorten and cloud cover increases, seasonal affective disorder looms on the dark horizon. The symptoms of SAD, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:

Depression
Hopelessness
Anxiety
Loss of Energy
Social Withdrawal
Difficulty Concentrating

Treatment for seasonal affective disorder includes light therapy, medication and psychotherapy. Holistic therapies can also help with the symptoms of SAD. Try acupuncture, yoga and massage. Left untreated, SAD can lead to serious problems. If you suspect you have it, see a doctor.

Now, we already know that the right diet can save your life. Almost literally. Fiber lowers cholesterol, antioxidants are good for the heart… Using food to help fight the symptoms of SAD is probably the easiest and healthiest thing you can do for yourself outside a doctor’s care.

Up your intake of foods containing Omega-3 fatty acids:

Salmon
Sardines
Tuna
Mackerel
Swordfish
Lake Trout
Catfish
Halibut
Eggs
Flax – seeds and oil
Walnuts
Olive Oil
Pumpkin Seeds
Kidney Beans
Tofu
Wheat Germ
Leafy Green Vegetables

Eat plenty of protein. Eat dark chocolate and drink caffeinated beverages in moderation. Get enough folic acid and selenium in your diet. You can find them in these foods:

Spinach
Orange Juice
Sunflower Seeds
Whole Grain Cereals

Eat foods high in tryptophan, an amino acid largely responsible for the production of serotonin:

Seaweed
Spinach
Sesame Seeds
Crab
Soy Sauce
Halibut
Pork
Watercress
Eggs
Tofu
Turkey
Rabbit
Soybeans
Mushrooms
Broccoli raab
Asparagus

Make sure you are eating 5 to 6 servings of vegetable and fruits per day, at a minimum. Most importantly, get some exercise. Get it outdoors if you can.