Symptoms of the change of season and natural remedies

Fortunately, we talk more and more often about the importance of mental health, whose world day was celebrated recently, on 10 October. Today we explain possible causes and symptoms of the change of season, which in many causes real psychophysical discomfort.

The reasons are not yet completely clear, but it is now clear how the change of season can debilitate and tire the body.

Also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD from Seasonal Affective Disorder) was described for the first time in 1984 by the American psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal. It is a realmood disorderwhich occurs recurrently during the change of season, more frequent in autumn and winter.

The causes are not certain but there are various hypotheses. Some studies suggest that our neurotransmitters involved in the emotional sphere can be influenced by changes in climate, humidity or pressure. Others, that hormone levels are influenced by exposure to light and changes in external temperature. Finally, the change of time should not be underestimated either, as it can cause negative effects on the individual. In fact, in autumn when the days get shorter, people who suffer from SAD develop some symptoms similar to "depressive" ones.

It is well established, for example, that a smaller number of hours of light during the day brings with it negative consequences on the body and mental health. This has been studied above all in the Northern areas of the world which see a drastic reduction in daylight hours in winter, where there is even talk of the so-called "Arctic hysteria".

Let's see in detail what the symptoms of the change of season are and how to combat them.

Causes and symptoms of the change of season

The most frequent symptoms are tiredness, irritability, insomnia, difficulty waking up in the morning. Furthermore, you feel the desire to sleep and eat more (with consequent weight gain) or, on the contrary, a strong lack of appetite, you feel a drop in energy and you have difficulty concentrating and completing tasks. Another important, very frequent symptom is gastric disorders, probably as a consequence of adaptation to new climatic conditions.

Women appear to be more predisposed to developing this mood disorder during the change of season than men. Perhaps because female hormones are more sensitive to environmental changes, but this disorder can also affect the elderly, children and adolescents.

In addition to variations in light and temperature, another factor that can predispose to SAD is stress. Autumn coincides with the return to a more intense work activity, school, or the stress deriving from the demands associated with managing the family: all this can cause even notable symptoms in the most predisposed and fragile people.

How to counteract disorders linked to the change of season?

To counteract the symptoms of changing seasons, simply follow a healthy lifestyle:

A healthy diet that is balanced and includes all the nutrients and micronutrients we need.

Proper hydration. Drinking at least 1.5/2 liters of water a day is essential to keep the body hydrated.

A good physical activity, preferably low-intensity and long-lasting such as walking or cycling. The ideal would be to do physical activity outdoors so that the person is exposed to light, which is one of the main treatments to combat this disorder.

Sleep well, at least 7/8 hours a night. It may help to try to always fall asleep and wake up at the same time, and avoid exposure to strong lights or screens before falling asleep. Finally, avoid drinking exciting drinks or eating heavily at dinner.

Nutrition: natural remedies to prevent symptoms

In this particularly delicate period, it is possible to support the body by integrating some important micronutrients , useful for reducing ailments linked to the change of season.

In this, nutrition plays a fundamental role: when the change of season approaches it may be useful to include foods in your diet that containgroup B vitamins, which support our energy metabolism, such as whole grains and dried fruit. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as rose hips because it helps reduce stress and fatigue or rich in ferro, such as the moringa, the cocoa which also helps the mood a lot or spirulina which has a supporting and restorative action.

Also Maca powder or in capsule it's an excellent adaptogen remedy, a tonic capable of counteracting physical and mental fatigue and, furthermore, increases our body's ability to adapt to stressors of various nature, physical, psychological, work-related, sporting and counteracts the symptoms caused by the change of season.

Also, it may be useful to take prebiotics and probiotics, such as husks psillio, to avoid or minimize gastrointestinal discomfort related to the change of season.

Finally, for correct hydration, use smoothies, teas, infusions or opt for energy drinks prepared exclusively with healthy and 100% natural ingredients that give strength and energy to the body naturally.

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/science/seasonal-affective-disorder