Manic Depression

Below is some information on Bipolar Disorder and natural remedies and foods to help combat this illness.

Nutrition For Those suffering from Bipolar Disorder

By Anthony Di Pasquale

B complex vitamins, sometimes in high doses, omega 3 fats, from fish, or
fish oil supplements, and drinking generous amounts of pure water are very
supportive and helpful for the nervous system. They tend to help any brain
function condition, from depression, to memory, to focus, and learning.

Those with bipolar disorder, to any degree, are likely to benefit from
additional, more specific nutritional advice. To begin with, the diet should
be optimised, with sufficient water, good fats, fruits, vegetables,
vitamins, and minerals.

Vanadium
People with bipolar disorder often have too much vanadium in their body,
which contributes to their condition (reference- Naylor, G. 'Vanadium and
Manic Depression Psychosis', Nutrition and Health, vol. 3 pp79-85, 1984).
Vanadium is a heavy metal, which is actually needed in minute quantities
for good health, it is just when levels are excessive that they seem to worsen the bipolar condition
Specific nutritional intervention to reduce tissue vanadium levels which
would very likely be of benefit are;
1. Supplement with 20-50mg of Zinc per day.
2. Take vitamin C; at least 3000 mg per day.
3. Consume whole grains instead of refined grains, meaning YES to brown
rice, and whole grain bread, and NO to white rice and white bread.

Another supplement which has shown promise for this condition is lecithin,
in high doses. I recommend using lecithin granules, which should be bought
only if kept refrigerated, in the cooler section of a health store, to be
sprinkled on food, or taken as is, 2 tablespoons per day.
Lecithin supplementation raises brain levels of acetylcholine, which is
often low in those with bipolar disorder. As a healthy side effect, blood
cholesterol may be lowered, and liver health may be improved.

For general mood support, and health, I recommend 50-100mg of all the B vitamins, especially with bipolar disorder.

Adding fish to the diet, or ½ teaspoon of fish oil per day would also be helpful.

You can Email Anthony at:

anthonydipasquale@libero.it

call him at: 416-406-0099