The 4 Must-Have Vitamins for Cold, Dark Winter Months

Have you ever experienced the "Winter Blues"? Aka, experiencing lower moods in the winter season. If so, you're not alone. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that about 4-6% of people may have winter depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and another 10-20% may have mild SAD.

The AAFP also states that SAD is four times more common in women than in men. 

Science shows that the winter blues is linked to lower levels of serotonin, due to lower levels of sunlight in the winter. That's why it's important to supplement with vitamins that help your body produce serotonin and boost your mood. So, if you've been wondering what supplements help with winter blues, you're in the right place! Today we will discuss the 4 supplements that help the most with winter blues.

What causes the Winter Blues?

Studies indicate that people with SAD, especially winter-pattern SAD, have reduced levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which helps regulate mood.

Scientists believe that these lower levels of serotonin are due to less exposure to sunlight in the winter. Why is that?

Sunlight helps our body produce serotonin. Serotonin is produced in the brain from tryptophan, an amino acid found in food. Sunlight helps to increase the production of tryptophan hydroxylase, an enzyme that is needed to convert tryptophan into serotonin.

Additionally, sunlight helps increase the number of serotonin receptors in the brain. This makes the brain more sensitive to the effects of serotonin.

Lastly, sunlight helps regulate the circadian rhythm, or our natural sleep-wake cycle. Sunlight sends signals to the body to suppress the production of melatonin and promote the production of serotonin.

Melatonin is a hormone that makes you feel tired, while serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. When the days get shorter in the winter, we are exposed to less sunlight, which can disrupt the circadian rhythm and lead to lower levels of serotonin.

Why is SAD more common in women?

Women are already susceptible to lower levels of serotonin due to the fluctuating hormones in their menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, or menopause.

In the second half of the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and in menopause, levels of estrogen are naturally lower. 

So with low estrogen, plus low levels of sunlight, it's a double whammy for women in regards to serotonin levels!

This is why it can be so helpful to supplement with vitamins that help your body convert tryptophan into serotonin and boost your mood.

The 4 Must-Have Vitamins for the Winter Blues

These are the 4 vitamins to boost your mood in the winter.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are another crucial factor in supporting your body to produce serotonin.

B vitamins are cofactors for enzymes involved in the synthesis of serotonin. These are tryptophan hydroxylase and 5-HTP decarboxylase.

B vitamins can also help reduce stress! Stress can lower serotonin levels, which we don't want in winter when they are already too low! B vitamins help to reduce stress by promoting the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has calming and relaxing effects. We'll talk about GABA more in a minute!

Mood B Complete was formulated with essential B vitamins like B12 and B6, as well as with zinc and vitamin D. Vitamin D is one that suffers in the dark winter months and impacts our mood as well, and zinc helps increase the body's resilience to stress. So Mood B Complete is an amazing companion for the winter blues!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA may help the brain maintain healthy levels of serotonin and dopamine. EPA helps to increase the release of serotonin from nerve cells in the brain. It does this by reducing inflammatory molecules that block serotonin release.

DHA also helps serotonin work better. It does this by making it easier for serotonin to bind to its receptors on nerve cells.

One study from the University of Pittsburg found that people with higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to experience moderate or mild symptoms of depression. 

Mood Omegas are sustainably sourced from deep sea, cold water sardines and mackerel in Chile, with an added touch of citrus, so there's no aftertaste. Mood Omegas promote healthy cell membranes to reduce brain fog, and lower inflammation for optimal serotonin production.

GABA

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps to calm and relax the nervous system. It also plays a role in mood regulation.

GABA may support serotonin levels by inhibiting the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that can lower serotonin levels. Additionally, GABA has been shown to regulate the release of serotonin.

Mood Chews are formulated with GABA and another amino acid for winter blues called L-Theanine. L-Theanine is known for its "wakeful relaxation" effects. It's been shown in research to improve neurotransmitters like glutamate, dopamine, serotonin and GABA, which can be out of balance for people with Seasonal Affective Disorder.

Psychobiotics

Winter blues is no match for psychobiotics, a term for probiotics that have been shown in research to not only support your gut health, but also boost your mood! By populating your gut microbiome with "good" bacteria, your body is better able to absorb tryptophan from your food, and convert it into serotonin. 

Additionally, probiotics can reduce the activity of serotonin breakdown enzymes, such as monoamine oxidases (MAOs). This allows more serotonin to remain available in the brain.

Mood Biotics were formulated with 6 research-backed strains of bacteria that help boost your gut health, improve serotonin production, and boost your mood.

Bundle and Save $25!

If you're looking for supplements to beat winter blues this season, try the Winter Mood Boost Bundle! Whether you're feeling down, low energy, or lack of motivation due to the cold, dark winter months, this Winter Mood Boost Bundle can help.

It includes Mood B Complete, Mood Omegas and Mood Chews bundled to save you $25.