As the seasons change, many of us may experience the “spring syndrome” or “spring lethargy” – a condition characterized by fatigue, joint disorders, mental tiredness and mood swings, often accompanied by gastrointestinal disorders. While the season brings joy to some, for others it represents a challenge to address with specific strategies for physical and mental well-being.
Change of season: what happens to the organism
What affects the sense of physical and mental tiredness, first of all, are the rapid changes in temperature and the increase in hours of natural light which can “desynchronize” circadian rhythms, causing a sense of general weakness and difficulty concentrating, as if the fuel necessary to face the various tasks of life were lacking. Furthermore, exposure to greater hours of light also contributes to increasing the secretion of hormones such as cortisol – often called “stress hormone” – which acts directly on the neurons of the central nervous system, causing, during this period of seasonal transition, excitability and mood changes. Also not to be underestimated the influence that cortisol exerts on the gastrointestinal system which, if on the one hand stimulates acid secretion, on the other slows down intestinal motility. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the change of season also coincides with a flare-up of symptoms such as bloating, constipation and constipation.
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Why preserve the gut-brain axis during the change of season
On a physiological level, within our organism during the change of season occurs a real hormonal change, in particular concerning three hormones: cortisol, serotonin, and melatonin. Increased cortisol concentrations can cause a reduction in the production of serotonin – the happiness hormone – negatively affecting a wide range of fundamental biological functions regulated by this hormone.
Among these, obviously, mood, but also appetite, cognitive function and sleep regularity. The alteration of melatonin levels also affects the quality of sleep that the organism produces, caused by the sudden increase in daylight hours. If the melatonin level becomes excessive, it can easily lead to a feeling of tiredness and drowsiness. Furthermore, intestinal motility also depends on serotonin levels. In fact, 80% of serotonin is produced by our intestinal system: this suggests the importance of preserving the correct functioning of the intestine-brain axis even during the change of season.
To do it the role played by the intestinal microbiota should not be overlookedthe complex and delicate ecosystem of different microbial communities that inhabits our intestine and which changes over time based on a multitude of factors such as age, diet, lifestyle, environment and seasonal changes: even The air that surrounds us, in fact, is equipped with its own microbiome (“aerobiome”), which varies based on seasonality (temperature, humidity, winds, etc) and which interacts with ours.
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How to help the body before and during the change of season?
If it’s true that the spring period can affect the correct interaction between the intestine and the braindetermining an alteration of the intestinal microbiota and opening the way to possible alterations of the bowel (exposing us to more serious pathologies such as cystitis and recurrent urinary tract infections), it is also true that there are some useful measures underlying the prevention of the “syndrome spring”.
Fruits and vegetables, with fibers and anti-inflammatory polyphenols
A diet rich in seasonal fruit and vegetables, with fiber and anti-inflammatory polyphenols, for example, can counteract the feeling of fatigue and mental tiredness. Avoiding processed foods, preferring fresh and seasonal ones, helps maintain intestinal balance. Even performing physical activity daily, and especially during the transition period, can positively influence the intestinal microbiota, thanks to mechanisms such as the release of hormones and the improvement of blood circulation from the intestine to the skeletal muscles.
Finally, in such a delicate time of year, it is important to be aware of the strategic function of food supplementation and the importance of cyclical hiring. Exhaustion and feelings of physical and mental tiredness are always around the corner: supplements with Acetyl-L-Carnitine, with a balanced formulation of vitamins (vitamin B5 and vitamin E) and mineral salts (magnesium, zinc, selenium), help fight tiredness and give you the energy you need. To promote the balance of the intestinal flora, however, the food supplements containing probiotics and lactic ferments they can be an ally in taking care of our second and brain and our general well-being.
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