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Nutritional Supplements for Bipolar Disorder
By Lily Strange
I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND THIS IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE! DO NOT DISCONTINUE YOUR MEDICAL TREATMENT WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR PHYSICIAN.
My own physician is a holistic health practitioner. He is a real medical doctor who can and does prescribe pharmaceutical medication when he deems it necessary. But he is also willing to work using natural therapies. If you can locate a holistic physician that participates in your insurance plan, it can be very beneficial in working on your treatment.
The following are some supplements that I have found useful in managing my own condition. As I am hypersensitive to medications, I try to use as many natural supplements as possible in my own treatment.
Lithium is legally available in low doses without prescription. It is a naturally-occurring mineral salt. If you are already on prescription strength Lithium, do not switch to a non-prescription version without consulting your physician. This is, in fact, what I take, and it made a tremendous difference in my life within a week of incorporating it. For the first time since childhood I knew what it was like to feel somewhat in balance, not paranoid or irritable, and I was able to control my emotional outbursts. It was truly a miracle.
Lithium Orotate is a highly bioavailable form of Lithium. It can be ordered from http://www.findserenitynow.com
I take two tablets a day and will never be without it again.
Taking an excellent vitamin supplement is important for everybody. I use and recommend Garden of Life, which has seperate formulas for men and women. It is more expensive than grocery store brands, but is well worth it.
Vitamin D is a very common and inexpensive supplement that is helpful in managing depressive symptoms. This is a good vitamin for everybody. It is very difficult to build up toxic levels of this supplement, making it safe for people of all ages. I take 4000 units a day. It is especially important for people who do shift work to take vitamin D.
B vitamins are also important for mood stabilization. People with mood disorders should consider taking a B-100 supplement. For those who have never taken B vitamins, do not be alarmed if your urine turns a somewhat darker color and has a noticeable odor, something like dry leaves. This is a property of B vitamin supplements and is harmless.
Omega fatty acids are also beneficial for mood stabilization and have many other general benefits as well. If you happen to have thyroid issues, they provide added benefits in stabilizing thyroid function. I use Ultra Omega from Country Life.
Mineral balance is also important for everyone, but is necessary for mood stabilization. I take the Caltrate mineral complete supplement. As well, I use Aqualyte coral calcium. This has the added benefit of alkalizing the blood pH so it remains at optimal levels. Most of us consume far too many acidic foods, and stress causes the blood to become more acidic as well. Aqualyte is provided in tea bag style sachets that can be used to treat up to 2 liters of water at a time and costs as little as $25 a month. Fear not--your water will not develop any sort of unpleasant taste. Aqualyte is currently only sold via the Internet. Go to http://www.scandinavianaces.com/link/aqualyte to find out more.
I also take "Nerve" formula from Solaray. This should be available at most natural food stores, or can be found online. This helps balance the irritability and anxiety.
The supplement Sam-E can be helpful in the treatment of unipolar depression. However, persons with bipolar disorder should never take this supplement. Like prescription antidepressants, it can trigger mania.
Again, any treatment is not "one size fits all" and you may find other supplements or treatments that are particularly helpful for you. I welcome you to share your experiences.
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Contributor's Note
The CYA disclaimer:
The above is not to be construed as medical advice. It is anecdotal reference to my own experiences. Consult a physician regarding your medical concerns.
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This intel first appeared on: http://www.openzine.com/aspx/Zine.aspx?IssueID=976
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New Strange World Mini-Mag
| Aqualyte Coral Calcium
| Find Serenity Now
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