The National Institute of Mental Health explains that bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is associated with extreme mood episodes. In a depressive episode, a person with bipolar disorder may be sad, hopeless and sometimes suicidal. In a manic episode, that same person may be overly excited and unrealistically optimistic. Manic episodes often lead to rash decisions about relationships and money. Some nutritional supplements may help with bipolar symptoms. However, do not use supplements as a substitute for medical care.
L-Tyrosine
In the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch states that the amino acid L-tyrosine is a very important nutritional supplement for bipolar disorder. She says that it can ease depression as well as stabilize the mood swings characteristic of the disease. L-tyrosine plays a crucial role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters involved in mood and motivation. L-tyrosine is also a mild antioxidant that helps protect cells from being damaged by free radicals generated by pollution, sun exposure, alcohol and normal metabolic processes. Balch states that along with its use in bipolar disorder, L-tyrosine is beneficial in cases of anxiety, low sex drive and fatigue. Consult a qualified health care professional before adding L-tyrosine supplements to your regimen.
Lithium Orotate
An article in "Nutrition Journal" by Shaheen Lakhan and Karen Viera of the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation reports that clinical trials of lithium orotate found that doses of 150mg/day four to five times a week reduced depressive and manic symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder. Unlike the related substance lithium carbonate, which is a prescription medication, lithium orotate is a nutritional supplement. Lakheen and Viera write that lithium orotate can be used in very low doses with no adverse effects. This supplement should only be taken under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may be beneficial for bipolar disorder, according to Lakheen and Viera. They report that several clinical trials demonstrated that daily doses of 1 to 2g of Omega-3 fatty acids alleviated both manic and depressive symptoms in bipolar patients better than placebo. Omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon, lake trout and herring, are necessary for healthy brain function. Lakheen and Viera note that low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids are common in people with bipolar disorder. Those who do not consume fish as part of their regular diet can take fish oil supplements in liquid or capsule form. Like any supplement, fish oil has the potential to negatively interact with drugs and other supplements.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2006
- Nutrition Journal: Nutritional Therapies for Mental Disorders
