If you’re a regular at this blog, then you may have read a post (or two) about SAD.
What is it?
Seasonal Affective Disorder or simply put- your body’s production of the brain chemical
serotonin drops considerably (during the late fall and winter months)and low serotonin
levels can cause everything from depression to sweet and carb cravings.

And if you or a loved one is experiencing SAD, and you want a tip or two on how
to raise your serotonin levels, continue reading to find out more.

Non-food Rxs:
a) Watch a Sitcom-
Are you a fan of comedians doing Stand-up? Or do you prefer a sitcom from the 50’s
and 60’s? If you prefer stand-up shows from Chris Rock or Dave Chapelle or
sitcoms from 5 decades ago, like “Hazel” or “I Love Lucy” it doesn’t matter, just
watch them. Researchers say that laughing for a few minutes each day, increases
serotonin levels by 40% in about 1 month.
They (the researchers) also say that laughter stimulate cells in the brain stem
that produce serotonin.
Important tip:
Youtube.com offers a number of comedians do stand-up, from Rodney Dangerfield
to Katt Williams.

b) Get a Massage-
There’s no denying that a massage does wonders for our souls and moods
and if you live alone and you’re flexible enough, then give yourself one (a massage).
No, not a full body massage, but a foot massage. Giving your feet and hands
some tender-loving rubbing can send serotonin levels soaring by a whopping
175% in less than 2 weeks. The feet and hands have nerve endings, that when
stimulated can lower levels of cortisol, (the stress hormones) and increase
serotonin chemicals in the brain.

The Food Rxs:
c) Look For This Supplement-
If you add the bright spice saffron to certain dishes, give yourself a pat
on the back. And for those who aren’t aware of this brightly-colored
spice, you’re in for a treat. Saffron can boost serotonin levels by up
to 65% within 3 months. A compound in saffron, called Safrana,
protects brain cells against damage that can sabotage serotonin production.
And if the spice is too hard to find or too expensive, look into buying
supplements. A supplement that’s recommended: NAOMI-Saffron Hunger
Control, online at NaomiW.com.
Important tip:
Always check with your personal physician before taking any type of
supplement.

d) A Bowl of Soup-|
There’s nothing better on a cold, dark and windy day than a bowl of soup.
But wait, this bowl of soup not only warms you up, it’ll also raise serotonin
levels. The soup: Clam Chowder.
The fish in this soup- clams, is the star ingredients and they (clams)
boasts more vitamin B-12, than salmon and tuna and that’s important
because B-12 is used by the body to make serotonin.
So, make sure to get adequate amounts of B-12 and really improve
your moods and if you’re not a fan of salmon, clams or tuna,
foods like eggs, chicken, plain yogurt, beef and calf liver, plain yogurt
and cheese also have ample amounts the important B-12 vitamins.
And lastly, for those who have sworn off meat and dairy, (Vegans)
look into getting B-12 from a supplement.

Recipe for Mood-Boosting Clam Chowder-
Ingredients:
4 slices of bacon
1 onion, chopped
2 cans of new potatoes, sliced
3 cups of skim milk
3 Tbs. of Olive oil
2 cans of minced clams (10. oz each)
To make:
In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon, stirring
until crisp, 2 to 3 mins. Add the onion and cook until slightly
softened, (about 4 to 5 mins.)
Stir in the potatoes, 1 cup of water, 1/2 tsp. of salt and 1/2 tsp. of pepper;
bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, simmer, uncovered, 15 mins. Add milk,
oil and clams; cook for a few more minutes and then serve hot, with
crusty bread. Enough for 8 servings.

Sources:
* Canadian Research Team
* Korean Scientists, Alternative Medicine
* Journal Physiology & Behavior

Please make sure to pass this article (and the recipe) on to friends and relatives
who experience dark and depressive moods and crave sweets and carbs during
the Winter months. Share it over at Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram stories,
LinkedIn,Reddit, Tik-Tok, Pinterest and Twitter.

Thank You!