Diet, Activity Affects Chemical Behind Wintertime Depression

Summary

---

Serotonin is a brain chemical, a neurotransmitter or "messenger" that affects sleep, appetite and mood. Low levels of it, or an imbalance between serotonin and other hormones, may result in depression, food cravings and/or a lack of quality sleep. Poorly structured eating and sleep habits can negatively influence otherwise normal serotonin levels as well.

Whatever the cause, it is not unusual for people with low levels of serotonin to find themselves looking for an energy boost, such as drinking caffeinated beverages, or having cravings for refined, processed junk foods such as sugary snacks or potato chips.

See the full content of this document

Extract

---

Diet, Activity Affects Chemical Behind Wintertime Depression

These short-term fixes don't address the underlying problem and usually only perpetuate it, leaving the person with feelings of being in a slump or "crashing" a short time afterward.

Once the slump...

See the full content of this document

---