What is the bipolarity?

Answer 1

There is indeed evidence that diet and supplements can greatly help a person with Bipolar disorder. Disclaimer-THIS IS TO SUPPLEMENT PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATION- it in no way means that supplements in diet are enough. The main one is to take fish oil capsules- Omega 3 fatty acids. If you abstain from fish, you can get Omega 3's from flax seed oil. Also, there is a school of thought that a vegetarian diet can greatly improve depression. EVENING PRIMROSE OIL AND ST. JOHN'S WART CAN INTERACT WITH CERTAIN MEDS-ASK YOUR DR. FIRST. Here is an expert from an article. Vitamins and Herbs I do not recommend these in lieu of medication. Bipolar disorder is a medical disorder requiring a lifetime of medication. Many people literally gamble with their lives by thinking that vitamins, herbs and nutritional supplements can be taken *instead of* medication. This attitude opens one up to episodes of mania and depression. I do not know if Vitamins and Herbs will assist you. I am not a Dr., nor a nutritionist. You will have to make your own judgment. Omega 3 Fatty Acids - "fish oil" There has been a study of whether or not the addition of these fatty acids to the diet will make a difference in bipolar disorder. The study was promising that there was indeed a difference, however the study was limited and more studies need to be done. (There are some Drs. who say fish oil does not help). In fact, some Drs. will say that the below nutritional support will not help. Free Form Amino Acid Complex (Take on empty stomach as directed on label, twice daily) L-Tyrosine (500 mg. twice daily and again at bedtime. Take on empty stomach. Do not take with milk. Take with 50 mg. vitamin b6 and 100 mg. vitamin C for better absorption. Taurine (500 mg. 3 times daily on an empty stomach). High quality multivitamin, multimineral formula (including zinc and selenium) with plenty of B vitamins. Take at least twice, preferably three times daily. No Iron! Zinc: (50 mg. daily; do not exceed 100 mg daily from all supplements). Pyridoxyl-5-phospate (a special forum of vitamin B6) - take 50 milligrams per day. Vitamin B Complex (100 mg 3 times daily) Vitamin B 12 (15 mg twice daily on an empty stomach) Extra Magnesium - 350 - 500 milligrams per day. (Another source says 750 milligrams per day). Do not use magnesium oxide as it is poorly absorbed. Magnesium glycinate, citrate, or chloride are acceptable. If you get diarrhea, decrease the dose. Check with your Dr. before taking magnesium supplements if you have kidney disease. Take calcium (1,500 mg daily) if you do not eat diary products regularly Vitamin C: 3,000 - 6,000 mg. daily For people who have only a very mild unipolar depression, St. John's wort or 5-HTP *might* be helpful. It takes 6 to 8 weeks for St. John's wort to begin to work and it is not recommended for women trying to become pregnant or for someone with a family history of breast cancer. 5-HTP works faster and is recommended for people who are more agitated and cannot sleep. 5-HTP is expensive as large doses are many times required. SAMe is another alternative if the person can afford it. Bright light therapy is also recommended even if the person does not have SAD (seasonal affective disorder). An inexpensive method of bright light that is helping many people are "grow lights" that are available at stores such as Walmart or Kmart. Many people are reporting feeling better with these light sources. Complex carbohydrates (most should come from vegetables, fruits and some grains). Avoid sugar and saturated fat. Also avoid alcohol, dairy products, caffeine, Carbonated Beverages, food colorings, flavorings, preservatives and other additives. Food Allergies can aggravate mood swings.