Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a variant of depression that some people may experience in late fall or early winter and disappear during spring and summer. Some of its symptoms are:
- Sadness
- Negativity
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism and irritation
- Loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed
- Low energy
- Little sleep or sleeping too much
- Increased carbohydrate intake and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicidal ideation
Scientists have found that this emotional affective disorder may be due to an imbalance of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for regulating mood. It was also found that, due to the lack of light, the bodies of those who suffer from SAD produce higher levels of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Added to that they do not produce enough vitamin D.
SAD is more common in women (since men produce 50% more serotonin), in young people, in those who live in areas where there is little sunlight, and in people who have a family member with depression.
How can adaptogens help prevent this disorder?
Adaptogenic mushrooms, especially lion's mane mushroom, can be very helpful in preventing SAD and depression. This is possible thanks to substances such as hericenones and erinacins, which have been studied for their effects on brain health, as they help stimulate the growth of brain cells. It was also found that supplements of this mushroom helped improve mental functioning.
In another study, it was shown that those who consumed the lion's mane mushroom had fewer depressive behaviors and had blood markers indicating lower depression due to the anti-inflammatory effects of the extract. Finally, another study conducted in Japan showed that women with health problems, including menopause symptoms and poor sleep quality, had lower levels of irritation and anxiety when introducing this mushroom to their diets.
One way to include these adaptogens in your diet is with 2 products that Mutii Adaptogens has for you: Cream 'n heal, which you can add to your coffee every time you drink it, as its microdoses of adaptogens will make big changes in your health. And of course, with Special Brownies, which puts all the benefits of adaptogenic mushrooms at your fingertips in the form of delicious desserts such as brownies, waffles and cupcakes that you can also consume as many times as you want. Click here and take your well-being to another level.
