Nutrients commonly used for histadelic bipolars include:
SAMe, methionine, vitamin B6, magnesium and TMG, as per individual requirements. See:
the sample histadelia page from Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder (as per my previous post).
Further histadelia nutrients can include:
Calcium — often depleted. Calcium decreases histamine and supports release of antidepressant neurotransmitters.
Inositol — may reduce anxiety, promote sleep. Critical to signalling. Counterbalances choline and supports folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, betaine and methionine.
Too much may promote anxiety or panic in some bipolars, but not usually histadelics.
Methyl B12 — Needed to turn homocysteine to methionine. Especially critical if oxidative stress is prevalent.
Omega 3 — supports methylation.
Niacinamide — modest amounts, introduced gradually, with attention to reactions. If voices occur, B3 tends to be crucial. Anxiety may also signal greater need.
Zinc — Counters overstimulation. Supports homocysteine metabolism to cysteine or methionine.
Antioxidant support. With undermethylation, oxidative stress increases, and further compromises methylation pathways and depletes neurotransmitter precursors. Consider the following antioxidants:
Glutathione — of prime importantce. Needed to support formation of methyl B12.
Selenium and E — works with glutathione.
Vitamin C — decreases histamine; moderates stimulation; antidepressant.
Vitamin A — helps counter the seasonal allergies.
Vitamin D — supports calcium absorption and helps counter depression.
Acetyl-L-carnitine — a great mitochondrial antioxidant; need may be suggested by low mental energy.
However, may overstimulated.
Other antioxidants,
as relevant.
Other nutrients, sometimes indicated
Serotonin support (e.g, St Johnswort, tryptophan, 5HTP) — modest intake may help balance mood, especially if depleted.
Kava — calms limbic activation, but overstimulating for some.
Tyrosine — may temporarily help counter the depression, especially if depleted, at least until methylation increases.
Copper — supports dopamine and norepinephrine formation, decreases histamine. In histadelics, metal metabolism disorders tends toward overactivity, decreasing copper. If so, small doses, in some cases, may become useful (but not if it worsens oxidative stress).
Diet
Plentiful quality animal proteins (preferably fish from mercury-free waters; organic meats, free-range poultry) provide methionine. A good whole foods diet is recommended, with lots of complex carbohydrates and vegetables (though intake of greens, in some cases where folate is too high, needs to be moderated), healthy fats, and some fresh fruit. Minimize/avoid immunoreactive foods. Dairy provides calcium, which the histadelic needs, but is commonly an allergen (if so, consider goat milk products and a possible need for more zinc).
Avoid sugar, white flour, fried and hydrogenated fat.
Restrictions
Folic acid, is typically excessive relative to methylation status, so often must be significantly restricted.
Choline (which counterbalances norepinephrine) may worsen histadelic depression, so may need to be limited. DMAE, especially, tends to be detrimental,
GABA often is less than helpful during low-catecholamine histadelic depression.
This material reflects approaches developed by Doctors: Walsh, Hoffer, Pfeiffer, Jaffe, Kruesi, Bibus, and others. See
Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder for further info, including contraindications and references
Reminder: These are general summaries presented to educate the public and are not treatment recommendations. Treatment depends on the individual's unique biochemistry and response pattern. Attention to contraindications is essential. If you need treatment for histadelia, bipolar, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.
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