Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, is a complex psychological condition that can encompass changing moods and behaviors that are often difficult to treat holistically or traditionally with single pharmaceuticals. This disorder includes mood swings, cognitive issues, poor or impulsive behaviors and the inability to concentrate with frequent depressed moods resulting from rapidly changing neuronal activity. Many of the supplements suggested for bipolar have a tendency to stimulate activity while others have more sedating effects. Amino acids are considered the building blocks to regulating neuronal activity, such as messaging and metabolism. As always, it is imperative to consult with your physician before attempting to self-medicate any condition.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
A popular amino acid used in the treatment of depression and bipolar is L-tyrosine. L-tyrosine often is referred to as a natural antidepressant due to its ability to lift moods and stimulate the central nervous system. This amino acid initiates the response of norepinephrine and dopamine. At normal levels, these neurotransmitters can regulate mood, improve thyroid function, concentration, sex drive and suppress the appetite. Blood pressure, according to PsychCentral, needs to be monitored as some reports of hypertension in children have been reported, especially when supplements are combined with the amino acid phenylalanine. Recommended dosages must come from the attending physician familiar with other medications being taken due to the possibility of contraindications.
GABA
GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid, is an amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neurotransmitters serve as messaging centers to the brain and signal bodily response. In terms of GABA, those with manic and depressive bipolar symptoms are experiencing the results of its depletion in the brain. While GABA supplements are readily available in nutrition shops and large grocery chains, Denver Naturopathic Clinic suggests that these supplements may only work as a placebo due to the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier and actually provide a therapeutic dose. Research is still inconclusive and supplementation may result in benefits, thanks to a psychological effect improving physical symptoms.
L-Taurine
L-taurine is an amino acid that is reportedly beneficial to those with a rapid cycling type of bipolar. In addition to its ability to regulate abnormal brain neurotransmissions, L-taurine is believed to have anti-seizure effects among epileptics. According to PsychCentral, this amino acid has received positive preliminary reviews from small clinical trials and suggests that a deficiency may be to blame for symptoms. Doses are generally divided and should not exceed 1,000 mg per day. Exceeding these recommendations can similarly result in abnormal brain activity.
Methionine
Methionine is an amino acid that provides sulfur to other processes throughout the body. When methionine and adenosine triphosphate form enzymes in muscle tissue, they produce the now popular S-adenosyl-L-methionine, or SAMe. Deficiencies due to poor diet or metabolic disorders can create symptoms attributable to depressed mood. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports that taking methionine supplements can be detrimental to those with bipolar due to its ability to induce mania and increase the efficiency of other prescription medications. SAMe also can increase homocysteine amino acid levels in the liver, resulting in heart problems if not paired appropriately with vitamin B-12 and folate. For this purpose, a physician is needed to decide if a supplement would benefit you.
