Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

A Light Approach to Craving Carbs

Ask anyone why people tend to put weight on in winter and they'll generally put it down to the cold.
Frosty mornings and chilly days leave almost all of us reaching for hot, stodgy foods with plenty of sugar and starchy carbohydrates. Yes, we know that after four or five months of tummy-warming indulgence our waistline will have bitten the dust, but who cares so long as we are warm and happy.

There’s obviously good reason for us to want to put weight on in the winter. Before the days of central heating it made sense to add an extra layer of fat to protect us from the cold and it seems that we are still programmed to do so.

But whilst a lot of us blame the cold for our craving for casseroles, it seems that the dark winter days may be the culprit.

Depression due to lack of sunlight over the winter months has been talked about for years. Known as Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD, extensive worldwide research has shown that between 5 and 10% of the population suffers from severe SAD symptoms and a further 25% suffer the milder yet still problematic symptoms known as S-SAD(1) . Many people are aware that it can cause depression, lethargy and disruption of sleep. But interestingly, SAD has also been shown to affect eating patterns, leading to increased appetite and weight gain.

It is thought that the lack of daylight leads to a decrease in Serotonin, a neurotransmitter which is responsible for promoting feelings of relaxation and happiness in the brain. Lack of Serotonin can not only lead to depression but also to cravings for sweet foods and starchy carbohydrates, driving us to the doughnuts and dumplings in a bid to stave off hunger and lethargy.

The good news is that the treatment for SAD is very simple. If SAD is causing your craving for carbs all you may need is a little light therapy.

Light treatment or phototherapy has been recognised as an effective treatment for SAD for many years. The treatment is delivered through a light box, a compact unit which simulates daylight by emitting 10,000 Lux of light. The light box is able to provide adequate light to alleviate symptoms of SAD after only 30 minutes use per day. As UV light does not seem to be essential for alleviating SAD symptoms, harmful UV waves are blocked, ensuring maximum light treatment benefits without the risk of damage to skin and eyes.

Mark Golding, a former SAD sufferer has first hand knowledge of the effectiveness of light therapy.
He says: “I found out about SAD and light therapy after months of feeling tired and demotivated. I bought a light box with the last of my student funds and it only took 3 days for light therapy to have its effect on me. I felt more energised, my mood picked up and I shed 9lbs within the 1st two months. My experience led me to set up my company Goldstaff and produce my own light box, the Britebox. To date, approximately 85-90% of my customers have seen their symptoms alleviated in only 4 to 12 days of use. It is a great feeling to see that I am making something that can help so many people to fell happier, sleep better and eat more healthily –all because of a little bit of light!”

To find out more about Britebox or the causes and symptoms of SAD visit www.britebox.co.uk or call 0800 1388 567.

Ends.

(1) Low, K.G. & Feissner, J.M. (1998). Seasonal affective disorder in college students: Prevalence and latitude. Journal of American College Health, 47, 135-137. Also see Magnusson, A. (2000). An overview of epidemiological studies on seasonal affective disorder. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 101(3), 176-84.


Editorial Contact: Sharon Evans, 32A Stoney Street, The Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1LX
Tel: 07939 285528 / 0115 9 247 127 E-mail : info@visionforce.co.uk

Sales Contact: Mark Golding, Goldstaff Ltd, 21 Main Road, Underwood, Nottingham, NG16 5GP
Tel: 01773 714861 Email: goldstaff.sales@virgin.net Web Site: www.britebox.co.uk