Bipolar Disorder: Natural Options for Balance

Once rarely diagnosed, bipolar disorder has exploded in the last 15 years.  Over 5 million Americans are currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and childhood cases have skyrocketed, increasing over 40 fold!

What’s going on here?  Were there just as many cases before that were undiagnosed, or is something causing this rapid increase bipolar occurrence? Furthermore, is treating bipolar without strong anti-psychotic drugs really a possibility?

What is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness that involves both periods of depression and mania, hence it’s name.  In the mania state there is little sleep, risky behavior and an inability to concentrate.  One may feel invincible and have delusions or hallucinations.

In the depressive state there are mood swings, irritability and an increased need for sleep. One may sleep for weeks and never want to get out of bed.  Suicidal thoughts are also common in the depressive state.

Degrees of bipolar vary from severe to mild.  The mania or depression state can last weeks or even years before flip flopping to the other state of mind.

It is very important that one gets a proper diagnosis for bipolar disorder before they begin any kind of treatment.  Many times a hormonal imbalance, thyroid issues or menopause can manifest similar symptoms of bipolar disorder. ADD and ADHD can also look like bipolar disorder, especially in children.

Anti-Depressants and Bipolar

I am actually shocked when one of my new clients is not taking some sort of anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication. Drugs like Paxil and Prozac get handed out like candy to both children and adults.

Like most pharmaceutical drugs, anti-depressants don’t fix the root of the problem, but rather mask the symptoms of bipolar disorder, have terrible side effects and create long-term effects that are even worse.

Have you ever heard the commercials for anti-depressants?  Towards the end they list all the possible side-effects.  Nearly every commercial says, “Call your doctor if you have increased thoughts of suicide.”  You would think an anti-depressant would help with those types of thoughts!  Yet, these commonly prescribed medications can not only cause someone to become more depressed than they already are, but can also cause one to go into a state of mania.

Anti-depressants are some of the most overly prescribed drugs on the market. This over medication of society is causing more harm than good.

• 25-50% of children who are on anti-depressants for 5 years end up being diagnosed with bi-polar disorder.
• 25% of adults are diagnosed as bipolar after being on anti-depressants for 5 years.

It is my belief that the large increase in bi-polar disorder is actually caused by unneeded prescription drugs.  Anytime time you start taking a cocktail of drugs that effect brain function, there are potentially harmful and threatening risks and side effects.

SSRI anti-depressants, in particular, have the possible side effect of putting people in a bipolar mania state.  They can also cause rapid cycling in someone who already suffers from mild bipolar disorder and may not know it.  I don’t believe this is the cause in every bipolar diagnosis, but I do believe it is a contributing factor.  With around 20 million people on anti-depressants and their possible side effects, I can’t help but to think it plays a part.

If you’re dealing with depression or interested in preventing your chances of becoming bipolar, there are natural alternatives you can consider:

• St. John’s Wort has shown to be just as effective as Prozac.
• Exercise also has amazing benefits for depression and in studies showed better results than drugs.
• L-Theanine and 5-HTP can also increase your serotonin levels.

Serotonin is known as our “feel good” neurotransmitter and if found in low levels, it has been linked to depression.  It plays an extremely important part in regulating our mood and sense of well-being.

I’m Bipolar. Now What?

I want to stress again that the importance of ruling out hormonal and other imbalances before you receive a bipolar diagnosis.  Once you’ve received a proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder, your psychiatrist will want to start treatment.  It is extremely important that you discuss any and all changes you are considering with your doctor.  It is not always safe to mix pharmaceuticals with natural supplements.

If you’re lucky, your doctor may be very encouraging about you seeking natural alternatives.  If not, you can always call around and see if there are any other psychiatrists in town who are.  Some chiropractors and naturopathic doctors also specialize in mental health issues, so find out who is in your area.

Diet is #1

As with any health issues, diet is key #1.  No matter how many natural pills you pop, without proper nutrition, you won’t feel the full effects.  It is very important that those with bipolar disorder eat a very “clean” diet, free from artificial ingredients. Some things to avoid are:

• Artificial colors and flavors
• MSG or autolyzed yeast
• Aspartame (NutraSweet)
• Sucralose (Splenda)
• Saccharine (Sweet-N-Low)
• Cane sugar
• High fructose corn syrup

If you can’t pronounce something on the label, don’t eat it. Cooking things from scratch is very important, as boxed meals are full of artificial junk.  Also, make sure your meat and dairy are raised without hormone and antibiotic injections. It is best to purchase from a local farmer or make sure it specifies grass fed or organic on the label.

Keeping carbs to a minimum is very important because blood sugar highs and lows can affect mood.  If you do eat carbohydrates, then make sure you eat a healthy fat and protein with it to avoid a sugar spike.  An example would be adding some chicken cooked in some coconut oil to a carbohydrate like rice.

Many with bipolar have seen great results on a gluten and casein free diet (GFCF).  This is the same diet that has helped thousands of autistic children.  Gluten is found in all wheat products, barley and several other grains.  Casein is found in dairy products.  Most grocery stores stock gluten free alternatives now, which is very helpful.  Once you go gluten and casein free, it can take up to one month to feel it’s effects, so be patient.

Omega-3 to the Rescue

My cousin called me over a year ago because she has a friend who is bipolar and went off her medication when she became pregnant.  The hormonal surges combined with bipolar was creating a very frightening combination for her.  She was desperate for help, but didn’t want to take anything that might hurt her baby.  In a case like this, and for many who wrestle with bipolar disorder, I recommended fish oil.  She took one pill per 10 lbs of her body weight.  As she gained weight with the baby, her dosage increased.  She found incredible relief from this regime and the baby was born perfectly healthy.

Omega-3 fats are critically important for the brain.  Studies have shown that natural supplementing with Omega-3, like fish oil, can dramatically help those with depression and bipolar disorder.  Omega-3 fats keep dopamine levels high.  They also increase cerebral circulation and promote neuronal growth in the front cortex of the brain.  DHA in fish oil helps improve focus and concentration, while EPA in omega-3 fats helps increase a happy state of mind.

When choosing a fish oil supplement, make sure it specifies that it is free of PCBs and heavy metals.  You always want to make sure your fish oil is of the best quality.  I also recommend keeping them in the fridge to avoid rancidity.  Taking doses that contain at least 1000 mg of DHA and 1400 mg of EPA have shown the best results for bipolar.  Split your pills and take them 2 to 3 times a day with a meal for best absorption.

Some other natural supplemental nutrients to consider are:

• L-Tyrosine helps with depression and stabilizes mood swings.  Dose is 1000 mg a day.

• B-complex vitamins are essential for normal brain function and a healthy nervous system. High doses work best.

• 5-HTP increases serotonin levels. Start with 50 mg a day and gradually increase to 200-300 mg. Do not take with anti-depressant prescription drugs.

• Vitamin C aids in brain function, immune health and the nervous system. Dose is 2,000-5,000 mg a day. Ester-C is a recommended brand to consider buying because it is better absorbed in the body.

• Probiotics increase healthy intestinal bacteria. Overgrowth of bad bacteria in the intestinal tract can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Please note that all supplements are not created equal.  We provide a list of researched supplements tested by an independent lab and approved for your safety in our Top 7 Probiotics Review.  Every bottle of supplements on the grocers shelf may not be what it claims.

Natural Lithium?

When you hear the word lithium, you probably automatically think about psychiatric issues.  This isn’t a surprise because it is widely prescribed for bipolar disorder and other mental health disorders. What you probably don’t know is that lithium is not really a drug, but an essential mineral!  It is related to potassium and sodium and is extracted from mineral springs. In Texas, a study found that the counties with the highest lithium content in their water had the least amount of homicides and suicides.

Prescription lithium carbonate can work quite well for bipolar sufferers.  Because the dosage needed to adequately treat bipolar is so high, blood must be monitored regularly to avoid toxicity.

The good news is that there is a safer version of lithium available over the counter at your local health food store or online.  This form is lithium orotate is in a more bioavailable state, so less is needed for effectiveness.

Amazingly, many people without bipolar could also benefit from lithium.  It is an incredible anti-aging supplement for the brain.  Those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s and even stroke victims have shown incredible improvement with lithium.

Some of the incredible benefits of lithium include:

• Protection against brain erosion and shrinkage as we age
• Protection against brain cell death
• Repairs abnormally functioning brain pathways
• Protection against alzheimers and slowing of existing cases
• Protection against toxic effects of medications on the brain
• Helpful for alcoholic addiction
• Can help those with gout and fibromyalgia
• Can relieve cluster headaches

The list goes on!  Researchers are continuing to find new benefits to supplemental lithium.  The recommended dosage for prevention is 10-20 mg a day of lithium orotate.

Some doctors are suggesting that this low dosage lithium be taken along with any prescription drugs that affect the brain.  Taking lithium can help prevent the toxic effects on the brain function that these medications can cause.

It seems that those with bipolar benefit from a dosage of closer to 150 mg of lithium orotate.  This greatly differs from the mega doses of prescription lithium that are sometimes over 1000 mg.  Always check with a doctor when taking dosages over 20 mg.  Although they seem to show no side effects at that level, it would be wise to have medical supervision.

With the proper diet, vitamins, minerals and natural supplements, bipolar disorder can be dramatically improved.  I always recommend trying the most noninvasive, natural remedies first before resorting to medications with toxic side effects.

Managing bipolar with natural alternatives looks very different than the mainstream approach to medicating the problem.  It may take time and even a little experimenting to see what works best.  But in the end, the results will be a more natural state of mind, not a drug induced state of indifference and lethargy.

What has worked for you?  Tell other Home Cures That Work readers the best natural practices you’ve discovered in treating bipolar disorder.