Winter is fast approaching and, with the colder weather and darker days just around the corner, many of us are experiencing a dip in our spirits.
More than two million people in Britain are estimated to be affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but there are plenty of steps that can be taken to limit the symptoms.
Making simple dietary changes is one simple way to treat SAD, according to Clare Jones, a nutritional therapist at Octopus House in Manchester.
Ms Jones said that sufferers often have low levels of serotonin, so eating more foods that are involved in the production of serotonin can be beneficial.
"These include fish, turkey, chicken, eggs, oats and beans, which contain good levels of the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin," she told the Manchester Evening News.
The nutritional expert recommends B vitamins, which are required to convert tryptophan into serotonin, and omega 3 fats from oily fish, nuts and seeds to maintain a healthy brain.
"Finally, vitamin D may also be low in winter months and some research has linked low vitamin D with SAD," she concluded.
Roisin McLaughlin, a herbal therapist at the clinic, also pointed out that SAD is accompanied by disturbed sleep patterns.
She advised: "Nervous trophorestorative herbs such as St Johns Wort and Oatstraw enable the nervous system to recover, bringing about a peaceful and restful sleep."
Winter is fast approaching and, with the colder weather and darker days just around the corner, many of us are experiencing a dip in our spirits.
