ASK
BONNIE for November 2002
Question #1:
As a result of my SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), my mood changes
dramatically in the winter. How do I keep happy?
Answer #1:
Lighten up! Lack of light may be the reason. Some individuals dread winter
even though snow and cold weather do not bother them. These people have SAD,
Seasonal Affective Disorder. Neither mind nor body work well.
Light depravation causes both physical and psychological symptoms. Common ones
include:
-Low Energy
-Depression or irritability
-Sleep disturbances
-Cravings for sweet or starchy foods
-Seasonal or menstrual cycle weight fluctuations
-Poor concentration or "foggy" thinking
-Feelings of worthlessness
-Loss of interest in sex
-Decreased productivity
-More frequent migraines
-Infertility
People with SAD often notice that:
-Their mood or alertness changes when light becomes brighter or dimmer
Their symptoms improve if they travel south in the winter (or when they lived
there)
-They have a history of a seasonal depression
Light deprivation symptoms are common among those who live at northern
latitudes, who work the nightshift or irregular hours, who live in cloudy areas
or who are homebound.
How Does Light Affect My Mood?
Scientists have discovered that our brains have a built-in "light
meter" which measures the amount of light our bodies receive and a
biological clock which times the length of the exposure. Our brains act like
solar-powered batteries which run down when there is not enough light. Thus,
symptoms may be worse in January and February even though the days are
getting longer because there is still insufficient light to meet our bodies'
needs.
Light affects our bodies' melatonin and serotonin levels which carry messages to
the brain. Melatonin is produced in darkness to help us sleep. Light suppresses
melatonin secretion and increases serotonin output. In bright light serotonin
helps us feel calm, alert and happy.
Low Light and Low Serotonin Are Linked to Depression, Alcohol Abuse,
Migraines, Bulimia, and PMS.
Research has shown a correlation between low serotonin and depression.
Studies have shown that alcoholics often have low serotonin. Many people get
migraines when serotonin drops, such as when a storm approaches and atmospheric
pressure drops, or at ovulation. Health care practitioners are beginning to use
light in conjunction with medication for bulimic individuals, again to increase
serotonin levels.
Women are especially vulnerable to low light due to changes during the menstrual
cycle. Serotonin levels drop naturally at mid-cycle to allow ovulation to occur.
It then stays lower for two weeks until menstruation starts. Research is
pointing to low serotonin as the cause of classic premenstrual syndrome. With
low light, serotonin drops even lower and PMS Symptoms are similar to SAD
symptoms but recur monthly.
What is the Reported Effect of Full Spectrum
Light?
-Higher energy level
-Happier mood
-Higher productivity and efficiency
-Increased mental alertness
-Easier communication - talking, writing
-Improved immune system functioning
-Improved sleep patterns
-Decreased sugar and starch cravings
If I think I need additional light, what do I
do?
Ask your health care practitioner if scientifically designed and researched
lights would
be helpful. Then call Light for Health at 847-459-4455.
A variety of full-spectrum, radiation-shielded
lights are available:
-Light boxes
-Desk or task lights
-Fluorescent tubes - 2' & 4'
-Screw-in bulbs
The light boxes and desk lights are portable and can be easily incorporated into your lifestyle. You only need to be in front of the light with your eyes open to benefit from it. For example, you might be dressing, exercising, eating, reading or working at a desk.
How do I use lights?
Many people find that working or reading 30 minutes a day near the light box
is sufficient during the fall. You may choose to increase that during the winter
months. Some people work near a light box all day. You will be able to tell by
how you feel. Most benefit from morning light although a few show more
improvement with evening use.
Nutritional Therapies to Help SAD.
B-vitamins (especially 50mg B6, 100mcg B12, and 400mcg Folic Acid daily) and
magnesium (300-400mg daily) are wonderful serotonin boosters. "Feel good
foods" during the long days of winter include avocados, potatoes, homemade
soups, and dairy-free chocolate.
Don't be afraid of the sun...It is life-giving!
Information taken from brochure created by Light for
Health 947-459-4455.
Question #2:
I've noticed I am getting ridges (vertical) in my fingernails. My grandmother
had deep ridges in her nails: she had Alzheimer's and osteoporosis. Are ridged
fingernails associated with any medical condition?
Answer #2:
They are associated with severe nutritional deficiencies (too little B6, B12, and folic acid, which can lead to Alzheimer's), too little protein, too little iron/zinc, poor absorption of nutrients in foods, etc.
It is impossible to know exactly which problem (s) are apparent without a consult looking at bloodwork, genetics, family history, and eating habits.
Question #3:
I would like to know how come there are diets that tell you that in order to
lose weight you cannot combine carbs and proteins and other diets say exactly
the opposite? What am I supposed to believe?
Answer #3:
There has never been a study showing benefits from eating carbs and proteins separately unless an individual has digestive enzyme deficiencies (which can be easily corrected). The human body was designed to eat all types of foods together and digest well (if the foods are "real" and not synthetic garbage being presented as "food." Humans have always thrived eating real foods together.
Can you imagine a caveman 30,000 years ago saying, "let's eat this freshly killed animal, but we need to wait at least three hours before we eat that juicy piece of fruit." Ridiculous! You will lose weight most effectively if you never eat carbos alone (they need to be accompanied y a fat and or protein).
Question #4:
Do you have any advice regarding diet and/or success stories from other ALS
patients you have seen?
Answer #4:
The progression of ALS is very difficult to contain, but my recommendations are similar to those used for clients with multiple sclerosis. I would need to have an appointment with you to go over all the details, but several things are immediately critical...Avoid all Aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal), MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) and its derivatives (autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed proteins, etc.), add one good B-Complex as directed on bottle and take four Metagenics Mag Glycinate (it must be this because you need a highly absorbable form), one before each meal.
Have a happy, healthy day.
|
Past Ask Bonnie entries: 1999 June,
July,
Aug,
Sept,
Oct,
Nov,
Dec, |
|
|
ASK BONNIE appears each month on http://www.nutritionalconcepts.com
© Copyright 2002 Nutritional Concepts, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any page on this website in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice nor is intended to diagnose, cure, mitigate, or treat any disease. For health problems relating to individual needs, consult your physician before adopting any suggestions made by the website.