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Bipolar Natural Cures: Boosting Brain Health with Nutrients From Nature

Our brains need certain nutrients, which act as building blocks to support cognitive functioning. Without the right substances to protect and support brain activity, our resistance to stress is lowered and systems can falter.

Newer bipolar treatments offer exciting possibilities in regard to brain health. Science has unraveled the mysteries of the human brain, leading to innovative treatment approaches.

Over the last few decades, a greater understanding has been obtained about manic-depressive illness and factors that influence the development of the disorder. We know that heredity plays a role, as does stress and, more importantly, that the brain's chemical messengers or neurotransmitters malfunction.

Our brains need certain nutrients, which act as building blocks to support cognitive functioning. Without the right substances to protect and support brain activity, our resistance to stress is lowered and systems can falter.

Bipolar natural cures work to correct imbalances in the nervous system and brain, restoring critically needed elements so that these can work the way they were designed to.

Natural Cures For The Brain

Omega 3 is one of the newer bipolar treatments currently being studied. Clinical trials have shown that fatty acids found in certain fish and in fish oils offer benefits to people suffering from fluctuating moods. If brain synapses do not have enough docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), levels of the brain transmitter, serotonin, may be affected. It is believed omega 3 works by increasing the amounts of essential fatty acids available in the synaptic membranes of the brain.

Another substance that could be said to act as a bipolar natural cure is the amino acid taurine. Taurine, it is believed, acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. A recent study indicated that it has been shown to be effective in treating manic-depressive disorder.

Other studies have revealed that patients taking an antidepressant showed marked improvement in depressive symptoms when L-tryptophan was added. In another trial, patients experienced greater improvement when they added 5-HTP to an antidepressant. L-tryptophan is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) before it becomes serotonin in the body.

SAMe has been shown to be effective in treating the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder; however, when using any substance that affects serotonin, caution is necessary, because in some cases mania can be triggered.

Case reports have linked both mania and depression to vitamin B12 deficiency, and symptoms actually cleared in patients after injections of B12.

Acetylcholine levels in the brain may play a role in mood disorders. Supplemental choline can increase acetylcholine levels. In one trial, six patients were given choline. Five showed significant reduction in manic symptoms.

From the foregoing it can be seen how nutrients from nature or neuronutrients work on the brain in the same way that prescription medications do. Newer bipolar treatments offer a safer experience with reduced risk of side effects.

Bipolar natural cures have been scientifically formulated, drawing from a wide range of substances that are combined in a specific fashion to balance and support brain systems. Critical amino acids, vitamins and minerals, enzymes, herbal extracts and specialty supplements render beneficial effects on the brain's delicate balance.

Newer bipolar treatments offer hope to sufferers, alleviating troubling mood fluctuations and reducing depression and mania, so that everyday living can be returned to and enjoyed.

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Comments (14)
#1 by Tammy, Jun 24, 2007
great article, would have liked tohear about pregnancy andnatural curesalso
#2 by Athlyn Green, Oct 4, 2007
Thank you, Tammy.
Natural remedies can be very effective for certain conditions. Let's hope science continues to shed light on bi-polar illness.
#3 by Mike, Dec 19, 2007
How would one go about finding a psychiatrist that is knowledgeable about natural remedies? Is there an organization that maintains a directory of such providers in each city? When I talk about using supplements, my psychiatrist suggests I'm wasting my time - which I may be, but it seems that a lot of these mainstream meds waste a lot of people's time, too (and make them feel like garbage in the process).
#4 by Ricardo, Feb 27, 2008
Bipolar and other mental illnesses are created by Satan. He wants to steal, destroy and kill you.
#5 by Athlyn Green, Mar 7, 2008
You may want to visit a nutritional practitioner, someone is trained in the use of alternative remedies.
#6 by Athlyn Green, Mar 7, 2008
Hi Ricardo,
Scientific research has established that brain chemistry plays a role in mental illness. Correcting the faulty chemistry can help individuals to function at a better level.
#7 by Histadelic, May 28, 2008
I would highly recommend the book "The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder" by Stephanie Marohn for a good overview of natural remedies.

The following site is also very good...

alternativementalhealth.com
#8 by Nicole, May 28, 2008
Thank you Histadelic for the valuable information. I am seeking resources for treatment of my husbands bi-polar disorder. Neither of us want him to be on medication and have always turned to a holistic aproach to any health issues (we are in our 40's and are healthy) but we need to address his illness.
#9 by Athlyn Green, Jun 12, 2008
I also offer additional insights at my alternative health/holistic living blog:http://wwwalternativehealth.blogspot.com.

Please keep us posted on your husband's health, Nicole, as I'm sure readers would value your insights.
#10 by Jenny , Jul 7, 2008
Hi to Mike

You are looking for Ortho Moleculqr Psychiatrists - try googling for your area.

You can also find doctors close to you at the Safe Harbor Web Site.

Good way to go. Best to you.
#11 by Kate, Jul 10, 2008
Also wanted to let people know of lithuim orotate. It really helps!!! It is a mineral salt that helps the brain transmit.
#12 by airitka, Jul 28, 2008
i have a son that has been on med. since he was 11ys. and now he 18yr. ;he does not want to take it any more. i want to find some way to even out his moods without the meds.any surgestions!
#13 by Athlyn Green, Jul 29, 2008
I would recommend that you and your son visit an alternative/holistic practitioner for insights on bi-polar treatment using natural approaches. Some people respond very well to alternative treatments, others do better on different medications. A lot has to do with the type of bi-polar and each person responds differently to treatments.

Your son may find that staying away from certain foods or beverages helps. For example, I know of one person who can't drink coffee because it contributes to anxiety attacks; however, another friend, who suspects she is bi-polar calms right down when she drinks coffee.
#14 by Vic, Aug 10, 2008
Airitka, try truehope.com it works for some people. There is a documentary on it done by discovery chanel that you can find in youtube. Good Luck!
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