On the winter days when the sun shows itself less, our body releases less serotonin, bringing along winter fatigue. Both physical and psychological problems can occur with the decrease in sunlight and the decrease in vitamin D levels. Yeditepe University Internal Medicine Specialist gave suggestions to avoid being affected by winter fatigue.

Known as the happiness hormone, serotonin, when combined with oxygen and sunlight, makes a person feel happier and more energetic. However, with the decrease in sunny days in winter, increased air pollution, and the decrease in our oxygen level, the secretion of serotonin is also decreasing; fatigue is increasing. "This situation also causes the immunity to weaken and to get sick more easily," they said.

These Foods Increase Serotonin Synthesis

Serotonin, stating that it is important for the proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and digestive system, reminds us that the biggest support is proper nutrition, and continues: "In the winter months, especially the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits is very important. Because serotonin is synthesized by a substance called tryptophan. The most important source of this substance, which cannot be made in the body, is meat, milk, and dairy products, and winter vegetables and fruits. In particular, vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, spinach, and potatoes are also rich in tryptophan. However, it is possible to increase the secretion of serotonin in our bodies by consuming sufficient amounts of legumes, and especially foods such as cashews, walnuts, nuts, pistachios, and almonds."

Difficulty in Waking Up in the Morning May Be a Sign of Serotonin Deficiency

People with low levels of serotonin may have more depression. Reminding that many antidepressant drugs used today are used to prevent or delay the destruction of serotonin in the body, our specialist said,  "However, we do not have a chance to replace it in the absence of serotonin. For this reason, it is possible to complete the missing serotonin by consuming foods that will increase serotonin secretion intensively and walking in the open air on sunny days. Waking up tired in the morning, and having an energy problem during the day, may be a sign of a serotonin deficiency. The lack of serotonin in a person's body can only be understood by laboratory tests. Therefore, those who experience these complaints must be checked by a physician. Detecting and replacing the missing vitamins and directing them to the right nutrition and sports will relieve the patient."

Herbal Supplements Should Not Be Used without Physician Supervision

They list the herbal alternatives that can be used to both strengthen immunity and relieve fatigue on cold winter days as follows: "Green tea increases mental perception due to the caffeine in its content. In alleviating winter fatigue, ginkgo biloba may be preferred because of its stress-reducing, vitality, and energy-inducing properties. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea, especially after dinner, not only takes the tension out of the day but also facilitates digestion and supports fatigue relief. Benefit from the anti-depression, vigorous, calming effect of Omega 3 in cold water fish and Omega 9 in olive oil. Ginseng can also be used to balance blood sugar and blood pressure, due to its stimulating and invigorating effect and its regulating effect on the body."

Underlining that the herbal supplements used to eliminate the complaints should be used under the control of the physician, our specialist continues as follows: "Because the main reason may be B12, folic acid deficiency or anemia, or it may be the reflection of a different underlying disease. The evaluation of the tests together with a general examination will be much more accurate. Some supportive treatments may be used if the person has normal test results, has no physical problems, and will not interact with any medications."