People with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) experience depression with seasonal changes. It isn’t only in the fall and winter; it’s also the spring. According to the Mayo Clinic, the causes of SAD stem from the reduction in sunlight. This can result in the disruption of the body’s circadian rhythm and balance in melatonin and a reduction in serotonin which may trigger depression.
The book Liver Rescue offers a different perspective. The author Anthony William writes that SAD symptoms are real; it’s that the condition is mislabelled. SAD reflects a saturated liver and dietary choices.
He goes into great detail the many roles and functions the liver plays. One of these is to soak up and store adrenaline. Storage is a secondary method, with safe removal from the body the primary. The liver prevents the adrenaline from circulating, partly because it is a fuel for viruses and partly because of its corrosive effects. Excessive adrenaline is also a stressor on the liver.
According to Liver Rescue, the liver releases some of the stored adrenaline with the changing seasons. It’s a form of detoxing, in preparation for the new season. The amount is especially large for the spring. Perhaps this is why people experience symptoms then. Because adrenaline contains emotional information of the original experience, a person can be re-experiecing emotions from as far back as nine years.
Usually the liver neutralizes adrenaline; however for a variety of reasons, we can overtax and overburden our liver. This compromises its thousands of functions.
To deal with the symptoms, people may be prescribed antidepressants. This can actually worsen the symptoms as an already sluggish and overworked liver is less efficient at dealing with these chemicals. In the book, Anthony William also explains why SAD symptoms are often worst in the late fall and early winter for North Americans. With the colder weather, we make certain dietary changes; we eat heavier foods and less fruit. Also in North America, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas means indulgences in rich foods, sweet foods, and alcohol tend to increase. These are a burden on the liver and are a fuel source for viruses.
If you do struggle with SAD, perhaps try a different approach this year. Here are some suggestions from Liver Rescue. You can also read the sections that specifically address SAD.
Dietary Changes
- minimize or eliminate alcohol (this includes vinegar) which can be a shock to the liver
- go egg-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free or as much as possible; these are all fuel for viruses which can worsen symptoms and further burden the liver
- drink water infused with lemon in the morning to support liver function
- reduce fats, even if from a healthy source such as avocado and try to eat them after lunch time
- enjoy your animal proteins (which is another source of fat) later in the day
- include more healing foods in your diet. These include wild blueberries, apples, fruits in general, celery juice, brussels sprouts, winter squash, and leafy greens. A handy snack to stock up is organic apple sauce. Look for one without any added ingredients.
- as much as possible, choose organic and hormone-free.
- opt for healthier oils (skip corn and canola)
General Changes
- address stress in your life
- reduce exposure to petrochemicals such as plastics, heavy metals, and other burdeners. Look at your personal care products – do they contain perfumes, hairspray, talcum power or conventional makeup? What about plug-in fresheners and scented candles?
- consider non-pharmaceutical approaches for the emotions that come up (remember many of them are from before – have you dealt with past events?). You can try tapping, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Quantum Biofeedback, homeopathic remedies, flower essences, Family Constellation, to name a few.
- consider supplementation to support your liver
The book Liver Rescue opened up new vistas and perspectives on many common conditions. Our liver is responsible for thousands of functions! If you struggle with depression with seasonal changes, have a look at what Anthony William has provided for us. His suggested plans are simple and have helped countless of people.
