Bipolar disorder (BD), also known as bipolar disorder, is a common mental disorder with both manic episodes and depressive episodes (typical features), and the first onset can occur at any age.
During a manic episode, the patient has symptoms such as high emotions, increased speech activity, and high energy; while during a depressive episode, the patient often shows symptoms such as low mood, loss of pleasure, reduced speech activity, fatigue and dullness.
How to use nutritional supplements to improve symptoms?
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can enhance mental health by protecting the brain in a variety of ways.
effect
1. Omega-3 fatty acids can be used to treat bipolar disorder.
In 2003, psychiatrists Simone Noacier and Joseph R. Hibben found that people who ate more seafood, a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, were less likely to develop bipolar disorder.
In 2011, David Miskollan and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of six clinical trials. In these trials, patients were randomized to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements or a placebo. Although the subjects' manic symptoms did not improve, the studies demonstrated significant efficacy of these agents on depressive symptoms.
2. Because omega-3 fatty acids can have a wide range of benefits on depressive symptoms.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids can enhance mental health by protecting the brain in a variety of ways.
effect
1. Omega-3 fatty acids can be used to treat bipolar disorder.
In 2003, psychiatrists Simone Noacier and Joseph R. Hibben found that people who ate more seafood, a major source of omega-3 fatty acids, were less likely to develop bipolar disorder.
In 2011, David Miskollan and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis of six clinical trials. In these trials, patients were randomized to take omega-3 fatty acid supplements or a placebo. Although the subjects' manic symptoms did not improve, the studies demonstrated significant efficacy of these agents on depressive symptoms.
2. Because omega-3 fatty acids can have a wide range of benefits on depressive symptoms.
2. N-acetylcysteine
In 2018, Yair Suarez and colleagues reported that when patients with bipolar disorder took aspirin and N-acetylcysteine supplements for 16 weeks, their depressive symptoms disappeared, and the effect was more obvious than those who took a placebo.
Effect
1. This confirms the findings of earlier studies that N-acetylcysteine is effective in treating bipolar disorder.
2. It has antioxidant properties and can reduce inflammation, so it can protect brain tissue from damage by free radicals.
Recommendation:
N-acetylcysteine cannot be obtained directly from food, but it is converted into cysteine in the body.
Onions, garlic, egg yolks, oats, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red peppers, wheat germ, yeast and dairy products (such as ricotta, cottage cheese and yogurt) all contain cysteine.
In 2018, Yair Suarez and colleagues reported that when patients with bipolar disorder took aspirin and N-acetylcysteine supplements for 16 weeks, their depressive symptoms disappeared, and the effect was more obvious than those who took a placebo.
Effect
1. This confirms the findings of earlier studies that N-acetylcysteine is effective in treating bipolar disorder.
2. It has antioxidant properties and can reduce inflammation, so it can protect brain tissue from damage by free radicals.
Recommendation:
N-acetylcysteine cannot be obtained directly from food, but it is converted into cysteine in the body.
Onions, garlic, egg yolks, oats, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, red peppers, wheat germ, yeast and dairy products (such as ricotta, cottage cheese and yogurt) all contain cysteine.
3. Natural folic acid and synthetic folic acid
In 2017, Andrew Nirenberg of Massachusetts General Hospital conducted an experiment on L-methylfolate, a natural folic acid, in patients with bipolar disorder.
Conclusion: Most patients had more than 50% improvement in depression after taking L-methylfolate.
Another study showed that 200 micrograms of synthetic folic acid can protect patients with bipolar disorder who are receiving lithium treatment from relapse.
Recommendations:
1. Take folic acid with sodium valproate (a drug used to treat mania).
2. Foods rich in folic acid include asparagus, green leafy vegetables, bananas, beans (cooked lentils and beans), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, etc., but remember not to eat grapefruit), beets, eggs, avocados, wheat germ, almonds and flax seeds.
In 2017, Andrew Nirenberg of Massachusetts General Hospital conducted an experiment on L-methylfolate, a natural folic acid, in patients with bipolar disorder.
Conclusion: Most patients had more than 50% improvement in depression after taking L-methylfolate.
Another study showed that 200 micrograms of synthetic folic acid can protect patients with bipolar disorder who are receiving lithium treatment from relapse.
Recommendations:
1. Take folic acid with sodium valproate (a drug used to treat mania).
2. Foods rich in folic acid include asparagus, green leafy vegetables, bananas, beans (cooked lentils and beans), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, etc., but remember not to eat grapefruit), beets, eggs, avocados, wheat germ, almonds and flax seeds.
3. Natural folic acid and synthetic folic acid
In 2017, Andrew Nirenberg of Massachusetts General Hospital conducted an experiment on L-methylfolate, a natural folic acid, in patients with bipolar disorder.
Conclusion: Most patients had more than 50% improvement in depression after taking L-methylfolate.
Another study showed that 200 micrograms of synthetic folic acid can protect patients with bipolar disorder who are receiving lithium treatment from relapse.
Recommendations:
1. Take folic acid with sodium valproate (a drug used to treat mania).
2. Foods rich in folic acid include asparagus, green leafy vegetables, bananas, beans (cooked lentils and beans), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, etc., but remember not to eat grapefruit), beets, eggs, avocados, wheat germ, almonds and flax seeds.
In 2017, Andrew Nirenberg of Massachusetts General Hospital conducted an experiment on L-methylfolate, a natural folic acid, in patients with bipolar disorder.
Conclusion: Most patients had more than 50% improvement in depression after taking L-methylfolate.
Another study showed that 200 micrograms of synthetic folic acid can protect patients with bipolar disorder who are receiving lithium treatment from relapse.
Recommendations:
1. Take folic acid with sodium valproate (a drug used to treat mania).
2. Foods rich in folic acid include asparagus, green leafy vegetables, bananas, beans (cooked lentils and beans), citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes, etc., but remember not to eat grapefruit), beets, eggs, avocados, wheat germ, almonds and flax seeds.
4. Magnesium
In 1999, Angela Hayden's severe, treatment-resistant mania was treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate for 7 to 23 days.
During the infusion, the subjects needed only very small doses of bipolar medication to stabilize their condition. More than half of the patients experienced significant improvement in clinical symptoms without any prohibitive side effects.
Two years ago, a study found that in at least 50% of patients, oral magnesium preparations were as effective as taking lithium.
Conclusion: The results of these two studies corroborate with other studies showing that people with bipolar disorder who do not receive medication have lower levels of magnesium. It's also worth noting that lithium increases magnesium levels in the blood, which is why lithium is so effective in treating bipolar disorder.
Recommendation:
In 1999, Angela Hayden's severe, treatment-resistant mania was treated with intravenous magnesium sulfate for 7 to 23 days.
During the infusion, the subjects needed only very small doses of bipolar medication to stabilize their condition. More than half of the patients experienced significant improvement in clinical symptoms without any prohibitive side effects.
Two years ago, a study found that in at least 50% of patients, oral magnesium preparations were as effective as taking lithium.
Conclusion: The results of these two studies corroborate with other studies showing that people with bipolar disorder who do not receive medication have lower levels of magnesium. It's also worth noting that lithium increases magnesium levels in the blood, which is why lithium is so effective in treating bipolar disorder.
Recommendation:
Adding nuts, spinach, black beans, edamame, peanut butter and avocado to your meals is a method worth trying.
