BRIGHT Idea Drives Down Depression?
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 24, 2023
I call it “default mode.” It’s when we run into friends, and everyone greets each other with big smiles as we swap pleasantries.
But next time you see someone you know, stop and take a closer look. Because sometimes, BEHIND those smiles, there’s a hidden battle raging.
And maybe that SAME battle is being covered up by your OWN smile.
I’m talking about depression, of course.
We’re taught early on to cover up feelings… ESPECIALLY when we’re feeling down. So by the time we reach adulthood, we’re MASTERS at it.
In fact, many of us keep our depression so hidden we forget what it feels like to not have it weighing us down. But a new study is shining a bright ray of hope onto hidden depression in seniors.
Because researchers have uncovered a simple, natural solution that could slash your depression risk leaving you with a GENUINE smile.
And this prescription won’t cost you a dime.
The golden years are always spun as the time in our adult lives when we FINALLY get to be truly foot-loose and fancy-free.
With full-time work and raising kids behind us, we’re now supposed to enjoy the fruits of our labor.
We’re told that it will be all sunshine and rainbows when we reach retirement age.
But the reality is depression can cast a long and dark shadow over any one of our lives, REGARDLESS of our age or stage in life.
And sadness can show up uninvited at ANY time, threatening to dull everything around us.
Depression is a mix of emotional, mental, and physical symptoms, which can include…
- feeling sad,
- being fatigued,
- having trouble focusing,
- appetite changes,
- sleep issues, and
- a lack of motivation.
If you’re a senior who battles depression from time to time, you’re in good company. In fact, millions of older adults are in the same boat.
But more importantly, new research reveals a remedy that can dial down your risk so you can start feeling like yourself again.
And you don’t even need a doctor to get your hands on it. Because THIS prescription is a daily dose of NATURE. Yes, you simply need to step outdoors into the sunshine.
The new study published in the journal Translational Psychiatry found that folks who spent an average of 1.5 hours outside daily had the LOWEST risk for depression.
And honestly, it’s really no wonder. Because sunlight and nature are good for our health on many levels.
- Various studies link LOW D levels to depression. While other research shows raising sub-optimal D levels can relieve depression symptoms. Spending time outdoors during the day naturally increases D levels.
- Around three-quarters of folks who are depressed also experience sleep issues such as insomnia. Regular sun exposure resets and regulates your normal sleep/wake cycle or circadian rhythm. So spending time outdoors during the day can improve sleep quality. And better sleep could reduce your depression risk.
- High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) are associated with depression. But being outdoors is linked to LOWER cortisol levels. Spending more time in nature could drop your cortisol levels and your depression risk right along with it.
So go ahead and ditch “default mode,” strap on your walking shoes, and FINALLY kiss depression goodbye with a daily dose of sunlight.
P.S. But it turns out the state of the world…or your own personal problems… might not be the ONLY thing triggering your depression. In fact, it could be what’s on your DINNER plate. CLICK HERE for the scoop.
Source:
“Association of time spent in outdoor light and genetic risk with the incidence of depression.” Transl Psychiatry 13, 40 (2023). doi. org/ 10.1038/s41398-023-02338-0
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Forget Fasting and Try THIS Instead
Thirty years ago, one of my hippie cousins gave me a jar filled with liquid and a mysterious white blob floating in it. Puzzled, I asked them what it was. They called it a “kombucha tea starter.” I was curious enough to give it a shot and make some of the tea. The process was...
Five Game-Changing “Hacks” for Optimal Health
The other day, a patient told me she was doing “everything” she could for her health. When I asked her what she meant, much to my surprise, she told me she stopped using the microwave. I assure you that’s NOT everything. Sure, microwaving food has some downsides. But let’s be realistic; avoiding them won’t significantly...
The Vitamin NO Diabetic Can Afford to Ignore
The fact that so many Americans STILL have low vitamin D is puzzling. After all, the research showing how VITAL the vitamin is to our health is overwhelming. For example, maintaining adequate vitamin D levels reduces the risk of osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, respiratory infections, depression, and more. But new research...
Mailbag: Holistic Hacks to Manage Parkinson’s Symptoms
“My husband has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and I’ve noticed that his tremors and stiffness seem to be getting worse. Is there anything that can slow the disease? I’m worried about the side effects of his medications.” -Barb Hi Barb, A holistic approach focusing on physical activity, nutrition, and brain health is essential to...
One Ingredient Diet Hack TRANSFORMS Your Health
Trust me, I get it. You TRULY want to improve your health and feel and look better. However, just thinking about dieting makes you feel frustrated, exhausted, and ready to give up before you even get started. Because, let’s be honest, change is hard. But what if I told you that improving your health doesn’t...
Microplastic Mayhem Threatens Your Heart [ALERT]
As a regular Living Well Daily reader, you likely already know quite a bit about microplastics. After all, I’ve often written about the dangers they pose to our health. More research is needed to determine the precise damage ingesting microplastics causes, but we’ve already learned a thing or two. For example, studies have linked them...
Eyes Unlock Dementia Secrets a DECADE Early
The eyes are the window to the soul. We all know the old saying, of course. Its precise origins are unclear (it’s been attributed to the Bible, William Shakespeare, and Leonardo Da Vinci), but we know it’s true. After all, our eyes DO have a way of exposing our feelings. However, it’s not just emotions...
End the Afternoon Slump with THIS Evening Trick
We often joke about the afternoon slump and drifting off in our easy chairs. But the reality is when that fatigue keeps you from doing the things you love (or need) to do, your quality of life takes a serious hit. Take napping, for example. A daytime nap can be a refreshing luxury when you...
Confused About Protein Powders? Read This
So, you’re interested in trying protein powders. You may be planning on making breakfast smoothies with one. Or perhaps you’ll use it as an afternoon pick-me-up instead. A high-protein drink can be a great way to start the day because it helps you stay full far longer than a sugary bowl of cereal or a...
You CAN Develop a Happiness Habit [Here’s How...]
Life can be a total dumpster fire sometimes. We’ve all been there. Losing friends, arguing with family, and don’t even get me started on the whole money situation. Life’s challenging moments are enough to make anyone want to curl up into a ball and binge-watch Netflix for eternity. But wait, there’s a plot twist! Apparently,...