Bipolar Disorder: Try Effective Natural Alternatives, Part II

Monday, May 10, 2010 by: Luella May
Tags: bipolar disorder, remedies, health news

(NewsTarget) In Part I of this series, we discussed the symptoms and causes of a bipolar disorder, together with an overall diet plan. This segment will go into detail in outlining the proper diet and supplements necessary for treatment.

Processed foods should be eliminated. Not only have they been altered from their natural state, but they also contain harmful additives that aggravate manic depressive symptoms, together with contributing to poor health.

Oily fish containing Omega 3's are important dietary considerations for addressing bipolar disorder. Some good choices are salmon, herring, and mackerel.

L-tyrosine is an amino acid that the body uses for the production of neurotransmitter serotonin which has been found to lessen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Low levels of l-tyrosine reduce serotonin levels causing depression. L-tyrosine levels can be increased by eating dairy products, fish, meats, wheat, and oats.

Carbohydrates are an essential energy source for the body. However, unhealthy carbohydrates will only result in too much sugar, causing those very mood swings we are trying so hard to prevent. Healthy carbohydrates can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Foods containing healthy carbs include apples, oranges, peaches, grapefruit, carrots, brussels sprouts, beans, and whole wheat bread. Exercise caution when buying products such as bread. Many that say they are whole wheat are nothing of the sort. Read the ingredients and make sure that it is 100% whole wheat and that it does not contain "enriched" or "bleached" flour.

Medications used to treat this disorder come with serious side effects. There are natural effective means that are also less costly. Here are some of the best ones:

* Lithium orotate, a natural alternative to the normally prescribed lithium carbonate or lithium citrate, helps to control manic symptoms. This type of lithium releases an orotate ion into the bloodstream and brain instead of a carbonated ion. It has the same benefits as the prescription lithium carbonate, without the side effects. Another advantage in taking lithium orotate is that lesser amounts are needed to create the higher blood levels needed to obtain the desired effect. The reason that lesser amounts are needed is because prescription lithium is poorly absorbed by cells, necessitating higher amounts for a satisfactory therapeutic effect. Unfortunately, these higher amounts cause blood levels to be so high that they border on toxic levels. Additionally, prescription lithium can affect thyroid and kidney function.

* Omega 3 fatty acids have shown to decrease the incidence of manic episodes while prolonging its intervals. Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in fish and over the counter supplements. Careful attention should be given in ensuring that these supplements are of a high quality, natural, and not synthetic and petroleum based. Another excellent source of Omega 3's is flaxseed and flaxseed oil.

* Supplementing with magnesium is very important. A magnesium deficiency can lead to emotional, mental, and nervous disorders. Additionally, it is estimated that as many as 90 to 95% of Americans are deficient in this important mineral. It is important to note that calcium and magnesium act synergistically in the body. When supplementing with calcium and magnesium one should do so at a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3.

* A deficiency in vitamin B12 has also been linked to bipolar disorder.

* Choline has been shown to be beneficial in addressing bipolar disease, particularly when taking lithium.

Other supplements effective in treating bipolar disorder are B-complex vitamins, folic acid, and vitamin C.

Proper nutrition together with key nutritional supplements can go a long way in helping someone suffering from a bipolar disorder.

http://www.tbyil.com/Bipolar.htm
http://www.naturalremediesbipolar.com/
http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/bipola...

About the author

Luella May is a natural health advocate helping people to heal naturally. Luella is in the midst of editing her ebook, "The 8 Invisible Stains of Our Souls" which will be available in the next few months. She partners with Tony Isaacs, who authors of books and articles about natural health including "Cancer's Natural Enemy" and "Collected Remedies" Luella contributes to The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Luella co-moderates the CureZone "Ask Tony Isaacs" forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group "Oleander Soup" and hosts her own yahoo group focusing on the natural wellbeing of pets "