When it comes to treatments for bipolar disorder, psychotherapy and medications are the gold standard options. If you have bipolar disorder, you may wonder if there is a way to manage the condition with vitamins or other supplements that help improve your mood. According to psychiatrists, there can be a role for vitamins and supplements in the treatment of bipolar disorder. However, they may only serve as a complement to other treatments, and not substitutes. We’ll cover what those vitamins and supplements are in this article. 

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings. A person with bipolar disorder can go from intense emotional highs (mania or hypomania) to an extreme low (depression). A person may rarely experience episodes of mood swings, maybe a couple times a year. These mood swings can affect energy levels, sleep, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, there are ways to help manage mood swings and other symptoms. 

Currently, there is not a lot of research on the effectiveness of vitamins and minerals for bipolar disorder. A few of the studies had small sample sizes and short follow-ups, but results varied between trials. Some vitamins may negatively interact with bipolar medications, while others show great promise. Consider talking with your doctor about experimenting with certain vitamins or supplements to determine whether or not they are safe with your current treatment.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the gut absorb calcium and supports optimal calcium levels in your bones. According to research, vitamin D exists naturally in foods such as trout, salmon, and mushrooms, and it’s added to foods like orange juice and milk. The body produces vitamin D when the skin is in direct sunlight. One study found that vitamin D deficiencies were almost five times more common in people with bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia than in the general population. Although there is a connection between low levels of vitamin D and bipolar disorder, vitamin D supplementation did not improve bipolar depression among study participants. A meta-analysis found that vitamin D provided no significant benefit for depression. While findings are unclear, vitamin D deficiency is more common among bipolar patients. It’s always a good idea to make sure that you’re getting enough vitamin D, regardless of your bipolar diagnosis. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that benefit heart and brain function. These fats have been extensively studied for their neuroprotective effects, but there are three types of omega-3s. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is mainly found in plant oils, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is found in seafood and seaweed, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is also found in seafood and seaweed. Omega-3-rich foods and supplements appear to improve bipolar symptoms, according to a systematic review of 33 studies. EPA and DHA may be the most beneficial of the omega-3s, especially for people with mood disorders. 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is an antioxidant that works to nourish cells in the body. According to a 2018 study, participants that took 200 milligrams of CoQ10 per day alongside mood stabilizers and antidepressant medication reduced bipolar depression over an eight-week period. While this study revealed positive results, more research and larger studies are necessary to confirm whether CoQ10 is effective for bipolar symptoms. 

Magnesium

The body needs magnesium, which is a mineral that aids muscle, bone, and nerve function. It also plays a role in the regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Limited research suggests that magnesium levels can affect your mood. A systematic review of 32 studies found that magnesium supplementation may improve depression symptoms and benefit people with mental health conditions. Similar to CoQ10, it’s not clear whether magnesium supplements are as beneficial for people with bipolar depression as they are for people with unipolar depression. 

Folate

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, encourages healthy cell growth and helps them stay healthy. Currently, the research on the link between B-vitamins like folate and bipolar disorder is limited. That said, a 2019 study found a link between low levels of folate and bipolar disorder. A 2022 review noted that three-milligram folate supplements were effective and safe when used with sodium valproate, a medication used to treat acute mania in people with bipolar disorder. Additionally, folate supplements taken in conjunction with traditional bipolar treatments significantly help reduce depressive symptoms among people with either bipolar or unipolar depression.

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Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that happens during certain seasons of the year. Darker days and colder weather, i.e. the fall and winter months, can trigger a chemical change in the brain that leads to symptoms of depression. SAD isn’t the same as other types of depression, though. 

The winter blues seem to cause people to eat more high-carb foods because they comfort the soul. These types of food also put people in somewhat of a hibernation mode, causing them to sleep more than usual. According to statistics, women and young people are more likely to experience SAD, in addition to people who live farther from the equator. People with a family history of depression or bipolar disorder tend to be more susceptible as well. 

The good news is that SAD has a seasonal expiration date. That does not, however, mean that you should neglect your mental health if you suffer from symptoms of depression during the fall and winter. There are things you can do that help make the condition more manageable until longer days and warmer weather roll around. The following science-backed tips can truly make a difference.

Exercise

Physical activity is a known mood booster, according to several studies on people with depression or SAD. A 2019 study found that people who got 35 minutes of exercise per day decreased their risk of depression by about 17%. Moderate-intensity (walking or yoga) and high-intensity (dancing or basketball) workouts can do the trick. If the weather permits, aim to head outside to get your exercise, as that is the most effective way to help relieve symptoms of SAD. Use a stationary bike, treadmill, elliptical machine, or do jumping jacks close to the window if going outside isn’t an option.

Use A Dawn Simulator

A dawn simulator can be greatly beneficial to some people with SAD. They are alarm clocks, only they don’t wake you up with unpleasant beeps or loud music. Dawn simulators produce light that gradually increases in intensity, just like the sun. A 2015 study found that dawn simulators were just as effective as light therapy for people with mild SAD. There are different models available, but you should opt for a full-spectrum light model if you purchase one, as it is closest to natural sunlight.

Light Therapy

Light therapy is a very simple practice: you sit in front of a bright light box first thing in the morning. This therapy has been a cornerstone of SAD management for decades, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. During the winter, you are not exposed to as many daylight hours, but a light box can help mimic natural sunlight. Experts say that you will reap the most benefits if you use a light box designed for SAD for 30-45 minutes first thing in the morning. A box that delivers 10,000 lux, which is roughly 10 times tighter than standard indoor lighting, is the best. 

Spend More Time Outside

Although this is not an official treatment for SAD, going outdoors should be part of your seasonal checklist. Exposure to natural light can give you the emotional lift that you need, even if it’s cloudy outside. Let us be clear when we say that going outside will not cure symptoms of SAD. Don’t simply stand or sit outside in the cold; rather, aim to engage in pleasurable outdoor activities. Go for a walk, ride a bike, meet with friends at a farmer’s market, hit the slopes, or make a snowman!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

One of the greatest things about being alive right now is that many things are convenient, including talking with a mental health professional. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with SAD identify negative thoughts and replace them with more positive thoughts. For example, hating a specific season can feed depression. If you talk positively, though, you can help prevent those feelings. With so many ways to speak with a professional, including via apps or phone calls, there is no reason not to try out CBT.

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Despite the fact that water is incredibly accessible, it may be one of the most forgotten nutrients. Water balance determines a person’s hydration status, characterized by water input and output. It’s very possible for external factors (heat, exercise, exhaustion) to cause dehydration, but internal factors (medications or certain foods) also cause water imbalance. In fact, some common pharmaceutical drugs and medications that people take on a daily basis may trigger dehydration.

One of the potential side effects of many medications is dehydration. If you take a medication that lists dehydration as a side effect, you may want to talk to your doctor about an alternative. Making more of an effort to drink water is an option, but avoiding the medication may be a better way to address the problem. A common list of the symptoms of dehydration is below:

• Tremors
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Blurry vision

When you decide to take a medication, discuss the complete list of side effects with your pharmacist or doctor. Some of the most common medications that cause dehydration are detailed below.

Apremilast for Plaque Psoriasis

Some people with moderate-to-severe psoriasis decide to take Apremilast (Otezla) to help their condition. It works by targeting an enzyme in the body that aids with inflammation reduction. Unfortunately, a very common side effect is diarrhea, which can deplete the body of water. Clinical studies on this drug found that 17% of patients reported diarrhea. If you take this drug and continue to experience diarrhea, you may want to consider another alternative. 

Diuretics

Water pills or diuretics work to remove salt and water from the body via urination. Unfortunately, regular use can cause the body to enter a mild state of dehydration. Doctors often prescribe diuretics to patients with heart problems like high blood pressure. The goal is to reduce the amount of fluid in blood vessels to ease the pressure on blood vessel walls. Common ones include thiazide, loop, and potassium-sparing diuretics. 

Laxatives

People who suffer from constipation hope to encourage regular, healthy bowel movements by taking laxatives. Ideally, you should not take laxatives for an extended period of time because waste elimination is something the body should do on its own. Laxatives are easy to obtain because most of them are over-the-counter. When you accelerate bowel movements, though, the body can flush out too much water in a short time period. If laxatives increase bowel movements to the point of diarrhea, you may experience dehydration due to fluid loss. Do not abuse laxatives!

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy medicine is part of cancer treatment. Some of the side effects of chemotherapy include vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. In fact, about 80% of people who get chemotherapy experience those side effects, which cause dehydration. One episode of vomiting or diarrhea may not induce dehydration, but prolonged diarrhea or vomiting for hours or days at a time can put you in a severe state of dehydration. 

Lithium

Lithium is a common mood stabilizer that doctors often prescribe for people with bipolar disorder. One of the most common side effects is increased urination. Because of this, health experts advise notifying a doctor if the patient experiences an insatiable thirst while taking lithium. It’s also possible for lithium to lead to diabetes insipidus, a rare condition that causes the body to urinate a large volume of diluted urine. 

Excedrin Migraine

Excedrin Migraine is one of the most popular over-the-counter medications to relieve migraines. It’s a combination of aspirin, caffeine, and acetaminophen. The caffeine works to relieve pain and enhance the effects of acetaminophen. This medication can also have a mild diuretic effect, according to several clinical researchers. If this happens, you have to increase water intake to counteract the dehydrating effects. 

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Certain foods can make you feel ill, cause gastrointestinal troubles, or trigger an allergic reaction. Well, food can also affect how your brain functions. Foods like refined carbs, high fructose corn syrup, monosodium glutamate (MSG), or even canola oil can cloud your brain and cause inflammation. Your body needs plenty of nutrients to survive, and so does your brain. A poor diet can lead to depression, anxiety, and it can even affect your sleep schedule.

The brain is mostly made up of fats (lipids) and needs fat to stay healthy. That is why low fat diets are not conducive to brain health. The brain needs fats, but this does not mean you should go out to eat a cheeseburger and fries with a large, sugary soda. You can actually get healthy fats, in addition to glucose, micronutrients, amino acids, and protein, from plant-based foods. Nuts and seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help create cell membranes and help prevent degenerative brain conditions. Great sources of omega-3s include:

• Walnuts
• Pumpkin & Chia Seeds
• Flaxseeds
• Hemp Seeds
• Cashews
• Hazelnuts, Brazil Nuts, and Butternuts
• Spinach
• Arugula
• Turnip & Beet Greens
• Alfalfa Sprouts
• Pinto & Kidney Beans
• Squash
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Collards
• Watercress

Studies have shown that people with omega-3 deficiencies are likelier to develop mental disorders such as attention-deficit disorder, dyslexia, dementia, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia. Alternatively, children who have diets high in omega-3s perform better in school and are better behaved.

You can help improve your attention span by avoiding high-glycemic carbs like white bread and desserts. These foods can spike blood sugar levels in the brain before plummeting to a crash. It’s better to eat complex carbs like legumes or whole grains because they help raise blood sugar levels slowly. If your blood sugar levels are balanced instead of constantly fluctuating, you can have improved attention and brain function.

While there are beneficial foods for your brain, there are other foods that are not so healthy for it. Trans fats are the worst for your brain. To be honest, trans fats are terrible for your whole body. They are mostly found in fast foods and highly processed foods, both of which should be avoided for better overall health. It’s also beneficial to avoid saturated fats because they can impair your brain’s mesolimbic dopamine system, which is responsible for your general wellbeing, motivation, and moods.

It is best to eat real foods, avoiding your consumption of processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats, in addition to the other unhealthy brain foods mentioned above. By eating real food, i.e. fruits, nuts, legumes, vegetables, and seeds, you automatically reduce your ingestion of foods that have a negative effect on your overall health. Plus, eating these foods gives you the essential nutrients that your brain, and body, need for optimum health.

As you can see, food affects your brain just as much as it affects your overall health. Set yourself up for success by eating healthy foods that are beneficial for your brain and body. Next time you have a hankering for chips, grab a bunch of spinach, an apple, a banana, or some watermelon instead; your brain and heart will be happy you did.

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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are relatively new conditions known in Western medicine, but they have quickly become the most commonly diagnosed childhood health issue. While many children grow out of ADD/ADHD, the condition can last through adolescence and young adulthood.

People with ADD/ADHD commonly experience:

• Difficulty staying focused
• Difficulty paying attention
• Difficulty controlling behavior
• Hyperactivity

ADD/ADHD presents differently in everyone it effects. Some are predominantly hyperactive, while others are predominantly inattentive. Still others can experience a combination of hyperactivity and inattentiveness.

Patients diagnosed with ADD/ADHD may also have other conditions or challenges such as learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or even Tourette’s syndrome.

Causes

Doctors and researchers don’t know exactly what causes ADD/ADHD, but they believe several factors can contribute to it:

• Genetics-a gene has been identified that causes tissue in the brain where ‘attention’ is tends to be thinner than normal. Usually, as the child grows, the brain tissue grows to normal thickness.
• Brain injury
• Sugar and sweetener intake
• Food additives-artificial colors and preservatives are linked to increases in ADD/ADHD
• Environmental factors-children exposed to cigarette smoke or alcohol while in utero, lead found in paint and plumbing and other environmental factors can contribute toe ADD/ADHD

Healing Options

The National Institute of Mental Health recommends a combination of prescription drugs and mental health therapy to treat ADD/ADHD.

While this may work for some patients, the side effects of the prescriptions drugs-including cardiovascular (heart and blood) problems, psychiatric problems such as suicidal thoughts, becoming manic, paranoia and/or hallucinations, stroke, or sudden death.

There is no medical cure for ADD/ADHD. Pharmaceuticals may help to manage symptoms. Psychiatric therapy helps the patient develop coping skills.

People who suffer from ADD/ADHD have options in managing their condition. There are many recognized natural treatments that can help manage symptoms, which also helps the patient better cope with daily life:

• Diet – Minimize intake of processed sugars and processed carbs. Eliminate exposure to food additives such as artificial colors, artificial flavors and preservatives. Essentially, eliminate any processed food from the diet. Put the patient on a regular eating schedule. Three meals a day may not be enough. The diet may need to be supplemented with healthy snacks in between meals to prevent spikes in blood sugar and adrenaline levels. Add fiber to the diet through leafy greens, vegetables, steel-cut oatmeal, berries and whole grains.
• Behavioral Therapy – parents and children both benefit from participating in behavioral therapy such as Interactive Metronome Training for children, and parenting-skills classes for parents.
• Create a routine – children with ADD/ADHD benefit from a rigid schedule that let them know what’s expected of them and when. For instance, when they will be at school, when they will do homework, when they will do chores, when they can play with friends. Create a schedule and stick to it.
• Minimize exposure to television – The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no television for children under 2 years old, and no more than 2 hours a day for children older than 2 years old. While the link between watching television and ADD/ADHD is unclear, it is known that helping children develop attention skills can be achieved through activities such as puzzles, games, reading out loud, or using building blocks.

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Bi-polar disorder, also known as manic-depression, is most commonly recognized by extreme swings in mood. Someone can feel happy or euphoric, and then suddenly feel hopeless and suicidal.

Bipolar disorder is medically defined as:
“A major mental disorder characterized by episodes of mania, depression, or mixed mood. One or the other phase may be predominant at any given time, one phase may appear alternately with the other, or elements of both phases may be present simultaneously. Characteristics of the manic phase are excessive emotional displays, such as excitement, elation, euphoria, or in some cases irritability accompanied by hyperactivity, boisterousness, impaired ability to concentrate, decreased need for sleep, and seemingly unbounded energy. In extreme mania, a sense of omnipotence and delusions or grandeur may occur. In the depressive state, marked apathy and under-activity are accompanied by feelings of profound sadness, loneliness, and lowered self-esteem. Causes of the disorder are multiple and complex, often involving biologic, psychological, interpersonal, and social and cultural factors.”
Mosby’s Medical Dictionary, 5th edition (1998), pg. 196.

It is usually a long-term psychiatric condition that may need one or more therapies to manage symptoms so the sufferer can engage in every-day life.

Causes and Risk Factors

Bi-polar disorder is attributed to several instances such as hormonal imbalance, genetics, neurotransmitter imbalance, changes to the brain (either due to injury or other factors). Stress, abuse, traumatic loss can also contribute to the development of Bi-polar disorder.

Other emotional, psychological, or health issues can can make the diagnosis of the disorder difficult. Conditions that commonly occur with Bi-polar disorder include anxiety, ADD/ADHD, addiction or substance abuse, heart disease, thyroid disease, and obesity.

Symptoms

People suffering from Bi-polar disorder experience symptoms at both ends of the spectrum: the highest highs and the lowest lows. Some symptoms are:

• Difficulty managing relationships at home, work or school
• Inflated self-esteem
• Severe lack of self-esteem
• Poor judgment
• Aggressive behavior
• Rapid speech
• Risky behavior
• Agitation or trouble settling down
• Dangerous behavior such as compulsive drug use, alcohol use, and unsafe sex practices
• Prolonged periods of sadness or hopelessness
• Anxiety or feelings of panic
• Difficulty concentrating, or is easily distracted
• Fatigue, insomnia and problems sleeping
• Explosive behavior

Healing Options

According to medical experts, Bi-polar disorder requires lifelong treatment. Left untreated, people with Bi-polar disorder can experience financial problems, legal problems, trouble maintaining relationships, feelings of isolation and loneliness that could lead to suicidal thoughts, poor performance at work or school, problems related to drug and alcohol abuse as well as compulsive over-eating or compulsive under-eating.

Treating Bi-polar disorder can be complicated. It generally includes a combination of therapies. In some cases, treatment for substance abuse may also be necessary. Support groups have also been known to be helpful to those suffering from Bi-polar disorder.

Acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy are also known treatments for Bi-polar disorder. People with Bi-polar disorder are encouraged to learn about the condition and how to manage it, join support groups, find healthy outlets (such as a hobby, sports, etc.), stress management or relaxation techniques, and to stay motivated through goal-setting and productive self-rewarding.

Dietary Intervention

It’s been reported that some people with Bi-polar disorder benefit from a change in diet.

Avoid a “Western” style diet rich in red meats, simple carbs, saturated fats and trans fats. Instead, people with Bi-polar disorder can eat a nutrient-dense diet loaded with fruits and vegetables. Nuts, flax seed and canola oil are also helpful.

There are foods known to aggravate Bi-polar disorder. Patients should avoid caffeine, high-fat foods, high-salt foods, bananas, champagne, red wine, grapefruit juice, fermented cheese, liver, and soy sauce.

Herbs can be very helpful. It’s recommended using nervine herbs for bi-polar disorder. These herbs include Kava Kava, Passionflower, Lavender flower, Jatamansi, Chamomile, St. Jon’s Wort, Valerian Root, Blue Vervain, Hops, Scullcap, Catnip, and Cinnamon to name a few. These herbs can be taken in tea form, capsule form, or liquid extract form and can be taken throughout the day.

Other Healing Options

AROMATHERAPY. There are plenty of good essential oils that are effective in the treatment and healing of bi-polar disorder and they include Neroli, Bergamot, Lavender, Jasmine, Davana, May Chang, Blood Orange, Linden, Valerian, and Melissa (True). These oils can be inhaled, burned in a diffuser, and/or added to bath water.

CRYSTALS. There are plenty of crystals that can be used in the treatment and healing of bi-polar disorder, but by far, the best stone to use for bi-polar disorder is lepidolite. Lepidolite contains lithium.

Other good stones/crystals for bi-polar include Charoite, Larimar (Dolphin Stone), Sugilite, Amethyst, and Peridot. These crystals and stones are ideal for the depression aspect of bi-polar (and can be placed directly on the Ajna chakra located between the eyebrows.

However, for the grounding aspect of bi-polar, the following crystals and stones are recommended: Black Tourmaline, Onyx, Jet, Obsidian, Hematite, Smoky Quartz, and Magnetite. These stones can be placed anywhere from the bottom of the feet up to the genital region, or, around the body in a grid)

Crystals can be applied directly to the Sixth chakra (Brow Chakra) while lying down (for about 15-30 minutes) or can be made into an elixir (letting the crystal sit in water for a period of 24 hours, receiving both moon and sun light) and drank (a few dropper-fulls or 1-4 ounces).

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