Seasonal Affective Disorder: SAD & CBD
WHAT IS SAD?
Depression related to seasonal changes can be in our forecast during fall and in the upcoming winter months. SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression that develops each year around the same time, generally in the cooler months. It is caused by a number of factors including decreased sunlight or Vitamin D, lower serotonin levels in the body, or an imbalance of melatonin in your system. With the changing seasons, the time falls back an hour in October or November each year, and along with it there is a reduction of daily sunlight in some areas, which can cause a disruption to your natural circadian rhythm or biological clock. Some symptoms of SAD are feeling depressed almost daily, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating, feelings of hopelessness, and not enjoying things that you once loved. Additional signs of SAD are low energy and increased appetite for high-carb foods which can lead to weight gain. It is important to recognize the symptoms and take action to prevent potential complications.
This year, an added factor is the added stimulus or possible stressor from elections. Rolling back the clock an hour plus the 2020 presidential election all in the span of 72 hours, yikes! Not to fear, learn how CBD can help below and read Stay Happy This Fall With CBD & Self-Care Practices to see some of our favorite mood boosting tips!
HOW CBD CAN HELP
APPETITE SUPPRESSION & WEIGHT LOSS
In the colder months we tend to reach for carb-heavy comfort foods, to combat feelings of depression. This symptom of SAD can be treated with the use of CBD according to Medical News Today.
It was found that CBD helps to block the CB1 receptors in patients, to help prevent metabolic disorders and support weight loss. In other words, this can help limit overeating and suppress the appetite in individuals who consume CBD, according to this 2018 study.
Added bonus, this study shows that CBD can help burn fat. Results stated that CBD aids in “promoting lipid metabolism. Thus, CBD may be explored as a potentially promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of obesity.”
MOOD BOOSTING
Adding additional vitamins to your diet can be an easy way to naturally boost your mood. The Happy Labs Pick Me Up Pills contains Vitamin B6 which helps regulate your mood, reduces stress and symptoms of depression, and helps to improve brain function. Vitamin B12 is another top ingredient, which provides a natural energy boost, helps your body produce red blood cells, also helps improve your mood, and helps reduce symptoms of depression and memory loss. This convenient pill can add a little pep to your step with 60mg of added caffeine, and has the potential help suppress SAD symptoms.
ANXIETY REDUCTION
With the changing seasons and changing society, anxiety may knock at your door and not go away until you take action. At The Happy Labs we like to first start with natural, holistic options to improve overall well-being. The Chill Pills can be a great solution for anxiety, as added valerian root helps promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, creates feelings of calmness and tranquility, helps improve focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Passionflower also helps to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and sleep irregularities. Researchers from this study found that “the use of CBD significantly reduced the adverse effects of anxiety.”
Our mission is to educate you on the natural properties of plant substances, including CBD. During this season of elections and personal stressors, we encourage you to experience plants and vitamins, as a natural means to boost your mood and live life happy!
*The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. Any products recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease.