Hi Julie,
Is there any supplements or herbal remedies that you would recommend for bipolar stuff, other than the
omega 3?
Any particular diet that is beneficial?
Jay
(Dr. Jay Carter is a psychologist with an emphasis on bipolar disorder.)
**
Hi Jay!
St. John’s Wort can cause Mania.
Sam E is for mild depression.
Some people swear by the molecular stuff such as Taurine, etc. The serotonin mimic 5-HTP is just like an
anti depressant as it can cause mania.
There are some supplements such as TruHope out of Canada that made a lot of claims and then got busted.
Some herbs can help sleep such as kava kava, valerian.
Calms Forte homeopathic works for some.
To be honest, I’ve found that most of the sleep stuff is for milder problems. I use Ativan as I don’t have any
addiction problems- those with addiction worries to Ativan, Klonopin or Valium can use Benedryl.
I think that doctors are WAY too worried about prescribing benzodiazapines. They are so helpful and it’s rare
to be addicted.
Regarding diet. I’m thinking about this a LOT. If a person is thin, then I believe a high protein, vegetable,
whole grain diet is good.- with fat too. I don’t think sugar is a big deal as long as it’s good stuff with no white
flour. White flour doesn’t help anyone. These guys are thin already, so a moderation is easier for them that
those of us with significant weight yo yo.
I have found for myself, that a very low carb diet is making a huge difference. It’s a very healthy diet as long
as you each a lot of fiber rich vegetable such as broccoli. Sugar is not a good idea on this diet. I’m examining
the role of food and our insulin levels. I think that is going to be the answer for many of us. The book The
Carbohydrate Addicts Diet is excellent.
It depends on body type.
I definitely feel the low carb diet may be a solution to many of our medication weight gain problems.
Julie
Your comments on the Truhope supplement caught my attention. What do you mean ‘got busted’? Our initial research into Truhope seemed promising. Is there documented research that disproves it’s effectiveness? I’d appreciate any new leads to investigate this product. Also have you heard any feedback on the fruit juice Monavie?
Exercise, I find, through experience and research, is the key. Usually once you start to focus on exercise, modifying diet comes naturally. Bipolar responds beautifully to the structure and chemical boost of exercise. Food cravings are naturally diminished. I use the Omega’s, B’s, C, and lots of organic, whole foods. Melatonin helps with sleep.
I thought that Kava Kava had been found to cause liver problems.
High carbs lead to food cravings for me accompanied by feeling starved. I find lots of vegetables and salads with good quality white meat and fish are good.
Fruit should be eaten alone. At least one hour before a meal, or three hours after, ideally at breakfast.
Avoid sugar and caffeine.
I don’t stick to this 100% but since I started it I lost 14 lbs in 12 months and have kept it off. Also I feel more stable.
Zopiclone helps me with sleep. I need it for about 4 days then my pattern is restored.
Great article!