Vitamin D and Seasonal Affective Disorder

A lack of sunlight can result in a vitamin D deficiency. The associated symptoms are fatigue, weakened immune systems and also depression.

This is why using sun beds has been suggested as a way of treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Research has found that lying in a sun bed for a couple of minutes a day or for a 15 min session around once a week will boost the body's level of vitamin D and relieve the symptoms of said deficiency. One can also try using fish oils, which are also rich in vitamin D, however, the body takes in more vitamin D through the skin than ingestion.

Though I have read about this in many other places, this article in the independent gives a short little overview. I will definitely try this out for a couple of weeks considering I'm currently in desperate need of some vitamin D. For those wanting more information (which I encourage) click here.

Cancer preventing foods?

My mother is always telling me about the latest health food research, so I figured I'd summarise my today's dose of it here for my benefit (bad memory) and for anyone else who is interested. : 







Turmeric or more specifically cucurmin:

Rumour is that this spice acts as an antioxidant, helps stabilise blood sugar levels, destroys certain parts of cancer cells and is anti-inflammatory. For more info click here.

Soursop / graviola / custard apple family:

Apparently fruits in the custard apple and sour sop family help kill off cancer cells. However, health professionals do warn that taking too much supplements could result in movement disorders similar to Parkinson's. I'm sure eating a fruit a couple of times a week is beneficial, especially as it contains both vitamins and minerals but perhaps one should inform oneself further before believing it to be a miracle cure against cancer here.

Papaya leaves: 

Supposedly these tasty looking things also help kill cancer cells due to the compound called acetogenin contained within the leaves. More and more research is appearing about papaya leaves and their cancer killing properties. For more information click here.