The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/23825
Don’t get SAD, get magnesium A SAD story Many people suffer from sun- light starvation in winter, which can cause a form of depression that disappears during the spring and summer months. Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, affects four times as many women as men, and is most common in temperate climates where people spend so much time indoors and are unable to get their daily requirements for sunlight. People need the full spectrum of light that comes with sun- shine. It’s vital to life and health. Deprivation of sunlight is not just a winter phenomenon, but it’s most prevelant this time of year. Find the light One way to avoid sunlight star- vation is through full spectrum indoor-lighting. This type of light simulates the full color and beneficial ultraviolet spectrum of sunlight, which promotes healing benefits as no artificial light can. Look for full-spectrum light bulbs at your local health food store, hardware store or light fixtures store. Some individuals require full spectrum light of an inten- sity that is greater than can be provided by a light bulb. These individuals use a high intensity “light box” to get the amount of light they require to be healthy. The mighty D-3 Light therapy stimulates the production of Vitamin D-3, the same type of vitamin D produced by sunlight on skin. Vitamin D-3 is required for proper utilization of magne- sium. Though a person may get enough of the mineral magne- sium from foods such as spinach, nuts and whole-grain cereals, one’s body may not be able to absorb this magnesium with- out the presence of Vitamin D-3. Though it is found in forti- fied milk, those who avoid dairy products due to lactose intolerance may have difficulty getting Vitamin D3 in the winter months. You can also take a vitamin sup- plement containing Vitamin D. _ Lewis Harrison Lewis Harrison is the director of the Harrison Center, a Wellness Education Center and B & B/Spa in Stamford. He may be contacted at LewisHeals@gmail.com. Treatments Although the cause of SAD has not been clinically proven, many treatments seem to have a positive effect on the condi- tion. Some treatments include: Taking a multiple vitaminsupplement containing Vitamin D. Practicing light-therapy. Taking amino acid supplements, which are available in most health food stores and pharmacies. Beat the winter blues by enjoying area events. To submit an event for the Events Scene, e-mail editor@otownscene.com Getting negative ions, which are electrically charged particles produced by most house plants and by special machines that are available at many ordinary appliance stores or online. Magnesium supplementation, which can be found in a multiple vitamin mineral supplement (Get one made without corn, soy or artificial flavors or colors to reduce food sensitivity or allergic reactions). Eat magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, nuts and whole-grain cereal. Jan. 27, 2011 O-Town Scene 15