tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81212558767057366432024-03-12T15:03:37.405-07:00Natural Healing for Bipolar DisorderA newsletter exploring nutritional therapies and research, bipolar biotypes, brain biochemistry, health issues, role of neurotoxins, and other relevant topics. Also, upcoming conferences and lectures, and links to orthomolecular resources. Comments and ideas welcome, join in! Please note: This blog is for educational purposes only. If you need treatment, consult a knowledgeable physician.
Blog Copyright 2009 to 2018 by Eva Edelman.Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-22987759879805049542023-08-04T21:28:00.012-07:002023-08-08T20:24:36.751-07:00The Magic of Niacin<p>Since the 1950s, Dr Abram Hoffer, MD, PhD, healed countless hearts and minds with his discovery of megadose niacin (vitamin B3) therapy for schizophrenia. This heralded the onset of megavitamin therapy, starting as a niacin/vitamin C treatment. As the therapy developed, other nutrients and health considerations were included, per unique individual requirements.</p><p>Eventually niacin and megavitamin treatment contributed to the recovery or great improvement of tens of thousands of people with schizophrenia: voices and psychosis gone, rare, or significantly muted. Niacin may also play a prominent role in bipolar therapy, especially if voices or anxiety are involved.<br /></p><p>My earlier blogposts discuss this further: <a href="https://www.boragebooks.com/schizophrenia-blog.html">https://www.boragebooks.com/schizophrenia-blog.html</a></p><p>For details and studies, see my books, <i>Natural Healing for Schizophrenia</i> and <i>Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</i> at <a href="https://www.boragebooks.com/">https://www.boragebooks.com/</a> <br /></p><p><br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></p>Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-33338675894748152952018-12-18T11:17:00.000-08:002018-12-18T11:17:31.090-08:00Edelman podcast interview on Wellness for LifeMy recent interview on webmd with Dr Susanne Bennett can be found on her website at<br />
<a href="http://radiomd.com/show/wellness-for-life-radio/item/38075-natural-treatments-for-bipolar-disorder">http://radiomd.com/show/wellness-for-life-radio/item/38075-natural-treatments-for-bipolar-disorder</a><br />
or go to iTunes at<br />
<a href="https://apple.co/2NVJ8bw">https://apple.co/2NVJ8bw </a><br />
and click on<i> Natural Treatments for Bipolar Disorder</i> Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-3357636738922235542018-09-20T14:08:00.000-07:002018-10-01T13:33:10.199-07:00SAMe, happiness and serotonin<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">What exactly is SAMe?</span></b></span><br />
SAMe is known popularly for its antidepressant effectiveness.<br />
SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) is derived from the essential amino acid methionine with the help of magnesium and ATP (our energy currency, produced in the mitochondria) and the enzyme <i>MAT.</i><br />
SAMe is the key methyl donor in the body.<br />
Methylation is critical to body function. It is required in creation of creatine (which recycles ADP into ATP), and proper function of DNA, neurotransmitters, proteins, lipids, and enzymes; also, in creating glutathione (our most important antioxidant) and SAMe, in making serotonin more available, and in removing histamine and excess estrogen.<br />
SAMe is fundamental to redressing undermethylated brain chemistry, which occurs in some 35% of bipolars, and is characterized by chronic severe depression.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Increasing serotonin in the synapse</span></span></b><br />
As pointed out by Dr Walsh, methylation by SAMe or methionine reduces genetic expression of
reuptake transporters that ferry
serotonin out of the synapse and back to the initial neuron. Decreased
transporters mean that more serotonin accumulates in the
synapse. The more the serotonin in the synapse, the more serotonin messages. Optimal serotonin makes us happy and content, and better able to handle stress.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Other Effects </span></b><br />
SAMe also works on other consequences of undermethylation, such as:<br />
fatigue, insomnia and low melatonin, oxidative stress, low glutathione <br />
migraine, chronic pain, compulsions, addictions<br />
metal toxicity, immune and liver issues, cirrhosis<br />
low acetylcholine, phospholipids, and taurine<br />
hormone dysregulation, excess estrogen<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Intake</span></b><br />
In the treatment for most depressed undermethylators (as indicated by high
whole blood histamine and/or a low SAMe/SAH ratio), SAMe and/or methionine are introduced gradually until the correct level
becomes evident. This is done in the context of the full range of
treatments for undermethylation.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Warnings</span><br />
Methylation is required for major brain and body functions. Thus, corresponding intake of SAMe and/or methionine for the undermethylated individual should support optimal health. However, if starting to feel too good, dosage should be backed down, in some cases stopped, to prevent hypomania or mania.<br />
If already overmethylated (low blood histamine, high SAMe/SAH), and so, overstimulated (and prone to anxiety/panic; perhaps, hyperactivity, hypomania, mania, psychosis, paranoia or aggression), SAMe and methionine are entirely contraindicated (methylation does not need to increase further). SAMe/methionine are also contraindicated if taking SSRIs.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #990000;">Reminder: This information
is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as
diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Even within
the undermethylated (histadelic) subgroup, each person's</i><i style="color: #990000;"> biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So i</i><i style="color: #990000;">f you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for depression, mania, bipolar, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i> </span><br />
<br />
For a wider view of SAMe, undermethylation and bipolar disorder, you may want to see the 2018 edition of my book,<span style="color: #990000;"> <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a></span><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;"><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i></span><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>. Your purchase at<span style="color: #990000;"> <a href="http://boragebooks.com/">BorageBooks.com</a></span> supports my work.Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-4828426763058550862018-07-22T15:10:00.000-07:002018-07-22T15:10:42.948-07:00Announcing the New 2018 Edition of Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHNfotEbwkFTCicKLL8MNLl4y0IQ-J95yGuei2bvQW3DQCgZAtandnNXfJfQr7WZGEbfmbK-MVzXTOxkYigOprhzfBU5xSD6Sa_C3Sz0qavoT4gGNkuw7NceKjrzgoTfKVVsrL8ICLJk/s1600/51z-Uq-WpbL._AC_US327_QL65_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="327" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHNfotEbwkFTCicKLL8MNLl4y0IQ-J95yGuei2bvQW3DQCgZAtandnNXfJfQr7WZGEbfmbK-MVzXTOxkYigOprhzfBU5xSD6Sa_C3Sz0qavoT4gGNkuw7NceKjrzgoTfKVVsrL8ICLJk/s200/51z-Uq-WpbL._AC_US327_QL65_.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The 2018 edition of <i><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a></span></i> is out! Readers can thank Hyla Cass, MD, who impressed on me the need to update the research. So, after numerous interviews and conferences, and after pouring through the past ten years of studies, <i>voila!</i><br />
This book is a compendium of more than seven decades of scientific work, worldwide, on nutrient and herbal approaches for bipolar disorder. It is geared to both general public and health professional and researcher. It offers physicians an in-depth view of potential treatments, nutrient-relevant symptoms, labs and research. And it gives patients and other interested persons insight into nutrients and health issues relevant to them, and a means to have more effect on treatment choices. <i><br /></i><br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #990000;">Some of the highlights of the new compendium: </span></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>The latest in bipolar research, including the Walsh/ deVito theory, which suggests difficulty removing extra-neuronal potassium is a major cause of moodswing.</li>
<li>Genes are not everything! The book looks at how nutrients like folate, methionine, SAMe, and niacin change the extent to which genes that influence mood are expressed (epigenetics).</li>
<li>Further refinements on pyroluria (a stress disorder) and methylation therapies, including a methylation diagram which emphasizes nutrients. </li>
<li>Added emphasis on the effects of folate, the copper/zinc balance, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. </li>
<li>A new, more effective, less damaging, metal detox approach.</li>
<li>More on allergic/ immune reactions, inflammation, autoimmunity, and cellular energetics.</li>
<li>Additional info on specific nutrients, diet, sugar metabolism, gut issues, endocrines, other health factors.</li>
<li>Updated resources, expanded references. </li>
</ul>
<a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html" target="_blank">Available here. </a><br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-79036382073906157872014-01-24T19:16:00.001-08:002014-01-24T19:16:59.178-08:00Influence of Copper and Metals on Mania, Voices and ParanoiaThe influence of copper and metal metabolism on stimulation, mania, voices and paranoia: <a class="twitter-timeline-link" href="http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.blogspot.com/2014/01/iiib-metal-metabolism-copper-paranoia.html">http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.blogspot.com/2014/01/iiib-metal-metabolism-copper-paranoia.html</a><br />
Also see previous posts on histapenia.<br />
To learn more about copper, toxic metals, mania, and bipolar vitamins, get my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a>, from Borage Books, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here</a>, and you also get a FREE educational phone consult.<br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-36020435221029808332014-01-07T12:58:00.003-08:002014-01-07T12:58:58.368-08:00Histapenia (overmethylation low folate)For info on vitamin approaches for histapenia (brain overmethylation, low folic acid), a biotype affecting up to 25% of bipolars, especially when more prone to mania or paranoia, see my <span style="color: #274e13;"><span style="color: #073763;">Natural Healing for Schizophrenia blog</span> </span>at <a class="twitter-timeline-link" href="http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.blogspot.com/">http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.blogspot.com/</a><br />
Check posts June 25, 2013 to Sept 19. (<i>More to follow shortly.</i>) <br />
You can find the complete rundown in either of my books, <span style="color: #990000;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</span> or <span style="color: #990000;">Natural Healing for Schizophrenia</span>, available at <a href="http://boragebooks.com/">http://boragebooks.com</a><br />
Questions? You get a free educational consult when you buy my book at <a href="http://boragebooks.com/">http://boragebooks.com</a>Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-3942352712546336312013-10-08T13:53:00.000-07:002013-10-08T13:53:07.632-07:00IV. Bipolar Creativity: Chemistry and Vitamins<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Bipolar chemistry may foster creativity</span>.</h4>
It may be
that the increased brain stimulation in mania (and positive-symptom
schizophrenia) helps provide that particular blend of openness, obsession,
intensity, and altered perception which fuels
creativity (or provides the insights to be expressed during calmer states).<br />
<br />
Thus, methylation imbalances, heightened
activity of dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin,
histamine, thyroid, pituitary, etc.; and/or increased
receptor sensitivity to such biochemicals may contribute not only to
mania or psychosis, but also, creativity.<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Perhaps all "creatives" have a little bit of bipolar (or schizophrenia) in them.</span></h4>
Perhaps
"creatives"
not diagnosed with bipolar or schizophrenia also
manifest some of the above chemistry, but possess greater balancing
mechanisms--better defense against oxidative stress and toxins, more
balanced methylation activity, more accurate metal metabolism, more
efficient use of calming nutrients; stabler hormone homeostasis, etc.
Or, perhaps, just more optimal intake of supportive nutrients.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Why heal?</span></h4>
Are extreme moods intrinsic to creativity? Possibly, however, family members, people who have similar
genetics but not evident bipolar or schizophrenia, can be
particularly creative. On the other hand, studies suggest that bipolar I individuals often begin -- but do not complete -- creative endeavors.<br />
Does one need extremes of irritability,
paranoia, isolation, recklessness, and confusion to be creative? <br />
<br />
What about a healing approach that nourishes the brain, rather than coercing it, an approach that enables the brain to optimize function with needed nutrients... Consider that the late and great Dr. Abram Hoffer, who had worked with over 10,000 patients, has said something to the effect that people who recover with orthomolecular treatment no longer have the adverse symptoms, <i>but just seem to be more creative that everyone else. </i><br />
<br />
To learn more about nutrient-based approaches, see my books, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</b>,</span> <i>and</i> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Schizophrenia</span></b>, <i>here</i></a><i> </i><br />
Buy at <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">boragebooks.com.</a> and you also get a <i>free</i> educational consult.<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #990000;">Reminder: The
information in this blog is presented for educational purposes only, and is not
intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. </i><i style="color: #990000;">If you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for mood disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i> Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-52581609660806028412013-09-22T22:15:00.001-07:002013-09-22T22:15:50.278-07:00III. Bipolar Biotypes and Creativity<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Biotype creative tendencies </span></h4>
Doctors
William Walsh, PhD, (2006,
2007) and Carl C
Pfeiffer, (1987, 1988), who have overseen nutrient-based treatment of
approximately 20,000 psych
patients each, have noted particular types of creativity associated with biotype. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Histapenia</span></b>. Artistic or musical interest/creativity. (Pfeiffer 87, 88, Walsh 2006) <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Histadelia</span></b>. Often perfectionist, competitive, compulsively productive and creative, highly
accomplished (Pfeiffer); and frequently excels in science, business, and left
brain activity. (Walsh)<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #38761d;">Pyroluria.</span></b>
Pfeiffer has stated that pyrolurics are among his most original
patients and that many great people were pyroluric, despite the
mental anguish and physical deterioration caused by the illness.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394;">For descriptions of these biotypes, corresponding nutrients, and relevance to bipolar, see my book, </span></i><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a>.</span><i><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i><br />
Get a free educational consult (by phone) when you
purchase from <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html</a><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">This is the third in a series on bipolar and creativity.</span></b></i>Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-25523402481193387892013-09-11T14:58:00.002-07:002013-09-22T21:38:12.052-07:00II. Creativity / Bipolar IntersectionsTemperament, cognitive style, and mood, are
notably similar in "creative" individuals and bipolars (perhaps, particularly
bipolar IIs). The bipolar syndrome, for example, involves such
creative characteristics as manic love of words, sexual seduction via
the arts (poetry, music art, food, fashion, etc.), hypersensitivity to
others, etc. (Janza 2004, Akiskal 2005, Fieve 1976, Nettle 2002, Kubie
1961)<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Creatives often experience such bipolar traits as:</span></h4>
-- Creative surges and blocks similar to mood swings. (Kubie 1961, Fieve 1976)<br />
-- Sudden change of mood immediately preceding creative periods (in perhaps 50%). (Jamison 1989)<br />
-- Affective temperaments. Cylcothymia. (Nowakowska 2005)<br />
-- Tendency to emotional problems and vulnerability. (Fieve 1976)<br />
-- Emotional flooding; confusing, conflicting passions and ideas; unconventional or restless behavior. (Andreason 1987)<br />
-- Overinclusive thinking, rich associations, or hypomania. (Janza 2004)<br />
-- Reduced sleep, or sudden early waking prior to creative episodes. (Jamison 1989)<br />
-- Unique, unconventional, eccentric, erratic perceptions. (Andreason 1987, Fieve 1976)<br />
-- Ornamental, flamboyant (e.g., wearing red and bright colors). (Akiskal 2005)<br />
-- Tolerance for ambiguity. (Rottenberg 2001)<br />
-- Curiosity, risk taking, adventuresome. (Andreason 1987, Rottenberg 2001)<br />
-- Creativity, novelty-seeking (Nowakowska 2005), impulsivity. (Akiskal 2005)<br />
-- Eminence, creative achievement, professional instability. (Akiskal 2005)<br />
-- High energy and activity. (Rottenberg 2001)<br />
-- Excess sociability, frequent moving, different jobs. (Andreason 1987, Fieve 1976)<br />
-- Multiple marriages. (Akiskal 2005)<br />
-- Multiple substance abuse, addiction (Andreason, Akiskal 2005)<br />
-- Comorbidity, irritability, anxiety, neuroticism. (Nowakowska 2005)<br />
<br />
Taken mostly from my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder,</a>
which see, for extensive info on nutrients, herbs, allergies, toxicity,
and health factors. Get a free educational consult (by phone) when you
purchase from <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html</a><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">This is the second in a series on bipolar and creativity. More in the following posts.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-5217633549045856362013-09-01T20:16:00.000-07:002013-09-22T21:39:11.660-07:00I. Creativity and Bipolar<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">The link to bipolar</span></h4>
A disproportionate number of bipolars (and families) experience heightened creativity, leadership, or spirituality -- more so than the rest of the population. Similarly, mood disorder is particularly common among individuals classically recognized as creative
(Janza 2004) and may help inspire and drive the poet,
playwright, or musician. (Fieve 1976)<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Some of the research</span></h4>
In an extensive review of
historical observations, biographies, scientific surveys, and
psychiatric evaluations, Janza (2004) found bipolar symptoms more
frequent in the "creative." Moreover, during intense creative
expression, artists and writers often report hypomanic symptoms
(Janza 2004), and most seem to experience a mood/creativity interaction.
(Andreason 1987, Fieve 1976)<br />
<br />
In a survey of 47 British writers
and artists, Kay Jamison, PhD, (1989) found the greatest prevalence of psychiatric conditions in poets, then writers. Half the poets, two-thirds of the
playwrights, 20% of biographers, 13% of painters had been treated for
depression. 17% of poets had been treated for mania. All poets,
novelists, and artists, 88% of playwrights, and 20% of biographers
experienced intense creative episodes characterized by enthusiasm,
euphoria, high energy, confidence, fast mental associations, and fluid
thought. 63% of playwrights had been treated for mood disorder. 38% of
the entire group had received treatment for affective illness (a rate
six times that of the general population); one third of the group had
severe mood swings; one fourth, intense elated mood states, 50% had
taken psychiatric medications, 20% had been previously hospitalized, and
90% reported creative highs lasting an average of two weeks (a typical
span for manic elation). (Jamison 1989)<br />
<br />
Similarly, Andreason
(1987) found substantially greater affective illness, particularly
bipolar disorder, among 30 writers (teachers at the University of Iowa
creative writing workshop) studied over 15 years. 80% had experienced a
mood episode (compared to 30% in controls); 37%, major depression (17%
in controls); 30%, alcoholism (7%, controls). Most wrote during normal
mood. First degree relatives also showed greater affective disorder and
creativity.<br />
<br />
In Arnold M Ludwig's biographical survey of 1005
famous persons in the 20th century, rates of psychosis, suicide
attempts, mood disorder, drug and alcohol use were two-to three fold
greater in writers and artists than in people successful in business,
science or public life. Mania and suicide occurred most in poets. Writers
and relatives had very high rates of bipolar psychosis.<br />
<br />
Taken mostly from my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder,</a> which see, for extensive info on nutrients, herbs, allergies, toxicity, and health factors. Get a free educational consult (by phone) when you purchase from <a href="http://boragebooks.com/">http://boragebooks.com </a><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></i>
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">More on bipolar and creativity in the following posts.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-4698375733306349502013-06-25T20:38:00.001-07:002013-06-25T20:38:51.610-07:00Note: Histapenia series beginningJust to let you know, I am starting a <b><span style="color: #38761d;">series of posts on histapenia in my schizophrenia blog</span></b>: <a href="http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.blogspot.com/">http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.blogspot.com</a><br />
The introductory post is dated June 25, and is on Dr. Hoffer's seminal work with niacin and C. Subsequent posts will deal directly with histapenia.<br />
Histapenia is found in approximately 25% of bipolars, but up to 50% of schizophrenics -- which is why I have placed it on the schizophrenia blog.<br />
<br />
For a compendium of nutrient-based approaches for bipolar disorder, see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a>.<br />
Available <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a><br />
You may also be interested in <a href="http://boragebooks.com/schizophrenia.html">Natural Healing for Schizophrenia</a>.<br />
Available <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-28317164532662169412013-06-12T14:40:00.000-07:002013-06-13T22:28:20.864-07:00Bipolar nutrient research: Optimizing designThe interaction of nutrients and herbs with human health is as intricate as nature herself and presents multiple challenges to research design. Here we address ourselves specifically to bipolar research.<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Important distinctions in biochemistry need to be controlled for </span></h4>
Effects of nutrients on other biological
processes which might confound results.<br />
And conversely, effects of individual biochemistry, epigenetics, and health on how nutrients are used. <br />
Discerning relevant subgroups with distinct biochemical requirements and patterns of response.<br />
Whether to use the entire complex of nutrients which work together toward a specific outcome or somehow control for the effects of using single nutrients isolated from that complex.<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Sufficiently long studies</span></h4>
Long enough to assess nutrient benefit. Most nutrients and many herbs do not
produce dramatic drug-like effects. But improvement tends to compound over the months and years. <br />
<i>And specificially for bipolar:</i><br />
Most
studies are too short to adequately account for the effects of
cycling or shifts in cycling patterns.<br />
Info on long-term effectiveness is critical* since treatments usually must be sustained for life (e.g., decades elapsed before it was realized that overuse of antidepressant drugs could trigger mania, increase cycling and worsen long-term outcome).<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Moral considerations when studying bipolar</span></h4>
How
morally can the researcher set up sufficiently lengthy controlled blinded studies involving nutrients (<i>which are, by definition, critical to health</i>), when he/she believes it likely that <i>lack of those nutrient in controls could increase
bipolar severity, possibly with permanent repercussions</i>.<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Additional issues specific to bipolar research</span></h4>
Manic participation may be sporadic, or end abruptly, perhaps leaving only people with milder manias in the study.<br />
People commonly do not report
hypomania or mania; and researchers can readily mistake hypomania for signs of health.<br />
Bipolar reactions to minor stressors, even the study, can distort results. <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Biases favoring pharmaceuticals</span></h4>
Horrobin (2002) points out that 40-60% of
subjects typically drop out of
six-to-eight-week studies of psychiatric medications, mostly to avoid
side effects. So info on drawbacks is lost, and the data is slanted toward positive outcomes.<br />
Effects of
drugs, polypharmacy, and drug withdrawal are not readily teased out from effects of illness. Medication rebounds, for instance,
are often construed as bipolar deterioration (e.g., in many early studies, lithium was withdrawn abruptly in controls, a practice now known
to promote
mania). <br />
The common protocol of comparing a new medication to one already in use presumes a lack of flaws in the original studies -- a notion often not borne out. <br />
The high cost of large double-blinds skew the body of research away from substances like vitamins, which are unlikely to return enough profit to encourage much funding. Abramson (2004), moreover, finds research financed by drug companies is
five times more likely (than if funded more impartially) to uphold the company's
drug-of-choice. <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">The value of open naturalistic, longitudinal studies</span></h4>
So while double blinds (with optimal controls) will always have their place, the complexity of factors involved, and the need long studies, have led a number of bipolar researchers (both mainstream and orthomolecular) to increasingly value open, naturalistic,
longitudinal studies. Particularly when backed by periodic biochemical tests (and, as relevant, genetic tests), this type of design particularly lends itself to
exploring how bipolars fare, long-term, with multiple nutrients,
tailored to health, diet, medication, evolving biochemistry, cycling
pattern, etc.<br />
<br />
For an extensively-referenced compendium of nutrient-based approaches for bipolar disorder, see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a>.<br />
Available <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a><br />
You may also be interested in <a href="http://boragebooks.com/schizophrenia.html">Natural Healing for Schizophrenia</a>.<br />
Available <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #990000;">This
information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not
intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. </i><i style="color: #990000;">If you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for mood disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i>Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-86990877836437330652013-05-09T14:50:00.000-07:002013-05-09T20:43:49.776-07:00Orthomolecular Psychiatry: Hoffer-Pfeiffer-Walsh OutcomesScurvy and pellagra (<i>see previous post</i>) are not the only conditions in which severe mental symptoms are "cured" by vitamins.<br />
Others include:<br />
Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis, associated with B1 depletion due to chronic alcoholism.<br />
The dementia caused by difficulty absorbing and/or insufficient intake of B12.<br />
The depression associated with lack of vitamin D and sunlight.<br />
The depression of iron, copper, or B6- deficiency anemia.<br />
And so on. <br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">The
basis of medical treatment: A period of sufficient intake of respective
vitamins to resolve the psychosis / dementia / mood symptoms for almost
all patients.</span></b></i><br />
<br />
So
perhaps we can extrapolate the power of nutrients to address those same
symptoms in some of what is now thought of as exclusively psychiatric
disorders.<br />
<h4>
Hoffer-Pfeiffer-Walsh Clinical Outcomes </h4>
To support this
contention, we can look to the clinical outcomes reported by Drs.
Hoffer, Pfeiffer and Walsh. Together, these three giants of
orthomolecular psychiatry, treated at least 50,000 patients with severe
psychiatric disorder, focusing on nutrients tailored to individual
biochemical requirements, and considering, where relevant, metal
metabolism, environmental toxins, and confounding health conditions.
Outcome for schizophrenia, anxiety, and mood disorders was 75-85%
great-improvement or recovery, in the higher range when patients were
treated early in the illness. Follow-up was generally one year or
longer. <br />
Recovery (defined by Hoffer) meant that people could go
back to school or work at comparable level to that at which they left
off, and that they again got on
reasonably well with the people with whom they associate.<br />
Furthermore, each of approximately 40,000 of these patients were assessed with <i><b><span style="color: #38761d;">hundreds of tests of nutrients, enzymes,
and health status, which </span></b><b><span style="color: #38761d;">correlated nutrient-induced biotype and other biochemical changes with psychiatric improvement.</span></b></i><br />
<h4>
ABA Subgroup </h4>
Which is not to say people get cured, in the sense
that to maintain improvement those vitamins tailored to individual
biochemical requirements usually must be taken for life. This is
actually advantageous because, unlike most meds: nutrient benefits tend
to increase slowly but steadily over time; taking many indicated
nutrients tends to compound
the benefit; and improved physical health is often a side-effect.<br />
Which
may have contributed to a decision by many hundreds of the above
patients that they were so well they could go off the
nutrients. Almost invariably, they deteriorated, then were started again
on the vitamins. These situations produced an ABA (on-off-on)
within-subject
experimental design bolstered by several factors: (1) Most biochemical
parameters (except those being manipulated by the vitamins) were as
identical as you are going to get (<i>since it was within patient</i>). (2) During the "off" stage, the deterioration was <i>opposite </i>to subject expectations (<i>which was that they were well</i>). (3) Accompanying labs tracked biotype-related biochemistry as it related to psychiatric status.<br />
So this ABA group produced particularly strong data. <br />
The
results for almost all patients were deterioration during B,
improvement during both A stages, although slower the second time
around. Improvement in biotype biochemistry correlated with psychiatric
improvement.<br />
<h4>
How can anyone ignore these amazing outcomes? </h4>
Altogether, we have
long-term outcome on tens-of-thousands of individuals, reported from
three distinct clinics, with most recovering over time, or improving
greatly, and with the degree of recovery largely unheard of in
mainstream psychiatry. And this, using nutrients, which, by definition,
are essential to
life, and which, accurately used and tailored to individual
requirements, are not going to cause the heart-rending side effects we
see with many psych drugs.<br />
Now add to these outcomes the many
thousands of positive studies and clinical results from all other
nutrient-oriented physicians and researchers, a fertile body of
research, constantly expanded by new insights and findings. <br />
And just possibly, what we as a society will find ourselves moving towards is a way to treat the brain with all due respect to its natural processes.<br />
<br />
For an extensively-referenced compendium of nutrient-based approaches for bipolar disorder, see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a>.<br />
Available <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a><br />
You may also be interested in <a href="http://boragebooks.com/schizophrenia.html">Natural Healing for Schizophrenia</a>.<br />
Available <a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #990000;">This
information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not
intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. </i><i style="color: #990000;">If you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for mood disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i><br />
<i style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>Warning:
Changes in medication can
trigger episodes which are worse than the initial illness. </i></span></i><i style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><i style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>If changes are desired, please consult a knowledgeable doctor. O</i></span></i>rthomolecular doctors usually add the new
nutrients to the prior drug regimen. They then reduce meds in very gradual steps, and each stage, only when enough improvement on the
nutrients allows it. </i></span> </i>Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-25804307810674778072013-04-17T21:27:00.000-07:002013-05-29T21:06:09.443-07:00The Power of Nutrients; Edelman article<div class="textLayer">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">How important can nutrients be? Can they really do much for severe mental health symptoms? Two old illnesses, whose vitamin cures have been used by modern medicine for the past hundred years, will serve to provide an intuitive glimpse into the potency of nutrients in brain function.</span></b></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">Vitamin C and Scurvy</span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Consider first, scurvy, the disease of the ancient pirates, a prolific killer of olden-day sailors on long sea voyages. Symptoms included easy bruising, internal bleeding, roughening skin, and wounds which would not heal. Teeth would loosen and fall out. Scurvy also caused profound anxiety and depression, overwhelming fatigue, insomnia and, eventually, in some cases, psychosis. Late stage scurvy often resolves into fever, convulsions, and death.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scurvy has been known for at least 2000 years, and periodically, people have tried various fresh food cures, only to lose that knowledge in subsequent generations. In the twentieth century, treatment with sources of vitamin C caught on more universally. Sufficient C not only stems the physical changes, but also reverses the often-severe mental symptoms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Note again: Vitamin C, all by itself reverses the psychosis and mood changes of scurvy! Interestingly, many institutionalized psychiatric patients have vitamin C levels close to that found in people with scurvy.</span></span><br />
<br /></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vitamin B3 </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Niacin) a</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">nd Pellagra</span> </span></span></span> </span></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></h3>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Secondly, let us look at pellagra, an illness characterized classically by the 4Ds: Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia and Death. That is: various skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, along with increasing weakness and depression, mood instability, aggression, insomnia, confusion eventually resolving into dementia and, in some cases, a schizophrenia-like psychosis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the early 1900s, liver, and then, its active ingredient, niacin, was found to cure pellagra. A few hundred mg. of vitamin B3, over several weeks, reversed the unstable mood, the irritability and violent disposition, and the pellagren psychosis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since then, orthomolecular psychiatrists have found niacin helpful in many cases of schizophrenia and depression, and critical in up to 90% of cases of paranoid schizophrenia.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">If such nutrients can cure the severe mental symptoms of scurvy and pellagra, then perhaps they also have the power to address those same symptoms in psychiatric disorders.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>About the author</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Eva Edelman is a health researcher and the author of two widely-acclaimed compendiums: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://naturalhealingforbipolardisorder.com/bipolar.html">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder: A <span style="font-size: small;">Compendium of Nutritional Approaches</span></a></span></span></div>
<div data-canvas-width="34.47799164199829" data-font-name="g_font_p0_14" dir="ltr" style="font-family: serif; left: 158.166px; top: 622.819px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992648, 1);">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.com/schizophrenia.html">Natural Healing for Schizophrenia and Other Common Mental Disorders</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For more info on these books, see <a href="http://www.boragebooks.com/">http://www.boragebooks.com</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>NAMI/ Lane County/ Spring 2013 Newsletter</i></span></span></span> </span></span></div>
</div>
Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-72388280949742610472013-01-14T16:20:00.000-08:002013-01-19T16:18:00.944-08:00VI.d. Histamine, hyperthyroid, undermethylationMany histadelics (undermethylated, high histamine and folate individuals) experience overactive thyroid (others, underactive). Possible mechanism<b>s</b> for the elevated thyroid found in some histadelias: <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Histamine can increase thyroid hormone. </span></h4>
Histamine triggers TRH release, increasing thyroid hormones.<br />
The thyroid, in turn, may block histamine degradation and increase sensitivity to
histamine, worsening the histadelia.* <a href="http://www.definitivemind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54">(Mariano)</a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">* On the other hand, it can reduce mast cells, and decrease histamine release. </span><br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">The low NE activity, common in histadelia, can increase thyroid hormones.</span></h4>
Norepinephrine
(NE) and thyroid have the same precursor, tyrosine. The relation
between NE and thyroid can be reciprocal, with elevated thyroid compensating for decreased NE. <a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF01245713?LI=true">(Swann, </a><br />
<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7362451">Becker)</a><br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Autoimmune thyroid, which may be due histadelia, can initially cause sporadic hyperthyroidism.</span></h4>
See <a class="GLVTYVNPB" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8121255876705736643#editor/target=post;postID=1406659341770185176;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname">VI.b. Autoimmune thyroid, histadelia and glutathione</a><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note: Thyroid status can also be largely independent of the histadelia.</i><br />
<br />
For a wider view of thyroid, histadelia, and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-3306791100285126202012-11-13T22:46:00.000-08:002012-11-13T22:46:14.286-08:00VI.c. Low thyroxine, histadelia and B12<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>BH4 (biopterin)</b></span> <b><span style="color: #38761d;">is required in converting tyrosine into thyroid hormone</span></b>, dopamine and norepinephrine; and for forming serotonin from
tryptophan. If, in the homocysteine-to-methionine step <a href="http://lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/homocysteine_metabolism.html">of the methylation cycle,</a> methyl folate cannot give up its methyl to B12, you get what is called <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>a</i> <i>folate trap</i></span></b>. Methyl folate accumulates (actually, 5-methyl-hydrofolate), and cannot break down into usable folate (5HTF), needed in creating biopterin. <a href="http://www.heartfixer.com/AMRI-Outcomes-Non-CV-Autism-Methyl%20Cycle.htm#MTHFR:%C2%A0%205,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate%20Reductase%20%28%C3%9E%205-Methyl-Folate%29">(Scroll up to the diagram at the top of this link). </a><br />
<br />
Again, if BH4 is limited, then so are thyroid hormones, and key antidepressant neurotransmitters.<br />
So you get undermethylation and low thyroid, along with low dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. <br />
<br />
In other words, we have here a subset of histadelics with difficulty transferring methyl from folate to B12, prone to low levels of thyroxine (T4).<br />
<br />
<i>Odd, isn't it, when histadelics generally have high metabolism. Perhaps, in some cases, T3 compensates.</i><br />
<br />
For more on the folate trap, look <a href="http://www.dach-liga-homocystein.org/EN/Fachinfo/folsaeure/falle.htm">here.</a><br />
<br />
For a wider view of thyroid, histadelia, and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-14066593417701851762012-10-27T21:42:00.001-07:002012-11-13T22:39:20.214-08:00VI.b. Autoimmune thyroid, histadelia and glutathione<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Histadelics <span class="st">(undermethylated, high folate individuals) </span>can be either high, low or normal thyroid. What follows is a possible association between undermethylation and autoimmune thyroid.</span></h4>
<b><span style="color: #38761d;"><span class="st">1 Undermethylation is commonly associated with low glutathione</span></span></b><br />
<span class="st">Almost all histadelics are low in
glutathione, a critical antioxidant, because:</span><br />
<span class="st">— An efficiently functioning methylation cycle is needed to supply precursors of glutathione as well as other important sulfur antioxidants. </span><br />
<span class="st">— Also, in some, due to specific problems in feedback mechanisms between the methylation cycle and transsulfuration pathway.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="st"><span style="color: #38761d;">2 Low glutathione may foster thyroid autoimmunity</span></span></b><br />
The thyroid uses hydrogen peroxide to create thyroid hormones. <i>Glutathione peroxidase</i> then detoxes the hydrogen peroxide. If glutathione is lacking, however, the hydrogen peroxide, a potent free radical, will react with thyroid proteins. The immune system may then fail to recognize these altered proteins as normal constituents of the thyroid, and launch an autoimmune attack. <span class="st"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1222257/">C Duthoit (2001)</a></span> <br />
suggests this scenario as a possible etiology of autoimmune thyroid.<br />
<br />
In this vein, <span class="st"><a href="http://forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?threads/methylation-hypothyroid-to-hyperthyroid.15402/">Dr. Rich van Konynenburg</a></span> reports that thyroid function improved markedly in a number of his chronic fatigue, autoimmune hypothyroid patients, upon methylation and glutathione support. They find glutathione stimulating, perhaps due to enhancement of thyroid function<br />
<br />
-- suggesting caution with glutathione during episodes of thyroid hyperactivity (and perhaps mania) that can occur<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span>with <span style="color: #0b0129;">early </span>thyroid autoimmunity. <br />
<br />
For a wider view of thyroid, histadelia, and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-80262625088297505512012-10-04T21:08:00.000-07:002012-12-03T17:30:10.303-08:00VI.d. Thyroid / Histamine InteractionsChronic elevated histamine is one of the chief means of diagnosing histadelia, the most common biotype in bipolar disorder. Histamine interactions with the thyroid are complex, and not well-explored. Here is some food for thought:<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">The thyroid can either increase or decrease histamine:</span></h4>
<b>—</b> The thyroid may suppress the brain's histamine release and decrease its histamine-containing mast cells.<br />
<b>—</b> Or increase body sensitivity to histamine and block its degradation. <br />
<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3100778">Sabria 1987,</a> <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7905420">Uhpadhyaya, 1993</a>, <a href="http://www.definitivemind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54">Mariano 2009</a> <br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Histamine may alter thyroid function</span></h4>
Histamine is known to strongly influence hypothalamus regulation of cellular
metabolism, energy production and food intake. The thyroid is a major target gland in hypothalamic governance of metabolism and energy production.<br />
<a href="http://www.healthboards.com/boards/thyroid-disorders/368478-allergies-masked-thyroid-condition.html">Elmhar 2006,</a> <a href="http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007%2897%2991277-6/abstract">Sakata 1997,</a> <a href="http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/50/2/376.full">Masaki 2001</a><br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Allergies and associated histamine release may be hard on the thyroid</span></h4>
Allergic reactions, which cause the profuse mast cells of the thyroid to dump histamine, and perhaps iodine, may thereby interfere with thyroid function. <a href="http://www.healthboards.com/boards/thyroid-disorders/368478-allergies-masked-thyroid-condition.html">(Elmhar, Do low thyroids suffer more with allergies?)</a><br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Histamine may contribute to thyroid autoimmunity</span></h4>
<h4>
</h4>
Histamine-releasing antibodies are
often found during increased thyroid autoimmunity, suggesting histamine
may contribute to the immune attack on
the thyroid <a href="http://www.definitivemind.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54">(Mariano, 2009)</a> -- perhaps via inflammation and increased permeability. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1183406"><b>(</b>Melander 1975)</a><br />
<br />
<br />
For a more comprehensive view of thyroid, histamine, and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #990000;">Reminder: This information
is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as
diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's</i><i style="color: #990000;"> biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So i</i><i style="color: #990000;">f you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i></span> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-49790258254938915642012-10-04T21:06:00.002-07:002012-10-16T20:02:06.304-07:00VI.a. Thyroid, histamine and methylation in bipolarsThyroid disorders, like histamine imbalances, pervade the bipolar population. Metabolism is low in histapenia and hypothyroid, high in histadelia and hyperthyroid. Some histamine/thyroid symptoms match up, others do not. The relationship of thyroid to histamine and methylation is complex, and not well explored.<br />
<br />
The following posts will look at this relationship, particularly as regards bipolars. <br />
<br />
<br />
For more on thyroid and bipolar disorder, you may want to see my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-7899730267704503152012-10-03T17:47:00.002-07:002012-10-03T17:47:33.090-07:00V. Hyperthyroid and Bipolar Mania<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;"></span><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>High thyroid can interact with, trigger, or intensify mania, (Nath 2001, Escamilla 2001) and can also increase switching on antidepressants. (Bottlender, 2000). Even levels in the high-normal range can contribute to the development of mania. (Lee 2000, Roca 1990)</b></span></h4>
Joyce (1991), for instance, reported more than one-third of manics with elevated thyroid, and in the other two-thirds, various individuals with higher thyroid in mania than depression. Moreover, a number of researchers have suggested lithium’s anti-thyroid effects may underly its benefit to mania.<br />
In some manics, however, thyroid can test low. <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Mental symptoms that can be common to both hyperthyroid and mania</span></h4>
High irritability, tension, emotional instability, explosiveness, anxiety; exhilaration, increased motor activation, restlessness, tremors, hyperactivity, insomnia and other sleep problems; and, in some cases, erratic bizarre behavior, mood swings, impulsive destructive tendencies, psychosis, paranoia.<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Eventually, perhaps, exhaustion or depression</span></h4>
Over time, hyperthyroids may succumb to depression and social withdrawal, perhaps due to an exhaustion caused by extended thyroid overstimulation. Similarly (although usually sooner), manic overstimulation eventually gives way to depression.<br />
<br />
<br />
To get a comprehensive view of the interaction with bipolar disorder, you may want to look through my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><i style="color: #990000;">Reminder: This information
is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as
diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's</i><i style="color: #990000;"> biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So i</i><i style="color: #990000;">f you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i></span>
Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-12199638879810242522012-09-12T12:06:00.001-07:002012-10-22T21:55:06.006-07:00IV.a. Autoimmune thyroid and bipolar disorder<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Autoimmune Thyroid (Hashimoto's disease)</span></h4>
An estimated 50 to 90% of cases of hypothyroidism result from anti-thyroid antibodies. Hashmimoto's antibodies seem to be more common in people with bipolar depression, mixed state, and rapid cycling (and to a lesser degree, in other affective disorders) than in the general population.<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Symptoms </span></h4>
Symptoms usually start with neck tenderness, and may be otherwise unnoticeable. Depression, memory and concentration problems may be the next to emerge.<br />
Thyroid activity may cycle initially, so you can get periods of insomnia, anxiety, inner tension, panic attacks, hypomania, rapid heart beat, etc. due to thyroid hyperactivity. In some cases, overactivity is severe, creating hashitoxicosis.<br />
Over years, the ongoing attack on thyroid tissue suppresses function causing hypothyroidism, with typical symptoms such as weight gain, chronic depression and fatigue, constipation, kidney and heart complications, etc. (See previous post)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">
Potential Causes </span></h4>
Psychosocial stressors.<br />
Overstimulation with iodine or certain drugs.<br />
Chronic exposure to fluoride, chlorine.<br />
Toxic exposure. <br />
Immune challenge (e.g., Candida, Epstein Barr).<br />
Undermethylation and lack of glutathione<br />
<i>More on this later.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
To get a more comprehensive view of the implications of thyroid function, and other endocrine status on bipolar disorder, you may want to look through my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder,</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<i style="color: #38761d;"><br /></i>
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><i style="color: #990000;">Reminder: This information
is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as
diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's</i><i style="color: #990000;"> biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So i</i><i style="color: #990000;">f you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i></span>
Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-25632072157030311992012-09-08T21:28:00.000-07:002012-09-08T21:28:10.541-07:00III. Low Thyroid and Depression<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Thyroid: Mood and Cognitive Symptoms</span></h4>
Thyroid imbalances, particularly hypothyroid (low thyroid), pervade the depressed population.<br />
Conversely, depression (and low energy) is a major symptom for almost all hypothyroid patients, even if only mildly low thyroid. (Fardella 2000, Pies 1998, Placidi 1998, Prange 1996, Musselman 1996)<br />
<br />
Typical mental symptoms also include: apathy, loss of interest or pleasure, cognitive slowing, difficulty concentrating, suicidal ideas, memory problems, weakness, pervasive fatigue (may literally sleep one's life away), emotional instability, anxiety, perhaps panic, delusions and fears, suspiciousness and resentment. <br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Greater Severity and Myxedematous Madness </span></h4>
Progressive hypothyroidism (myxedemia) steadily
slows mental and physical functioning, compromising memory,
concentration, comprehension, energy, and reflexes.<br />
Before hormone
treatment developed, up to 50% developed a psychosis, termed, <b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>m</i><i>yxedematous
madness.</i></span></b><br />
Symptoms could include
melancholia, mania, and psychosis. Also, slowed
thinking, dementia, morbid dreams, obsessions, frightening
hallucinations, persecutory delusions, paranoia, suicidal ruminations, along with physical symptoms of low metabolism. (Gull 1873, Clinical Society of London 1888, Asher 1949)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Missed Thyroid Diagnoses</span></h4>
Psychiatric hypothyroid symptoms frequently precede physical, often leading to misdiagnosis as depression, and incorrect
treatment. (Asher 1949,
Reed 1977, Boillet 1998)<br />
Low thyroid decreases cerebral glucose metabolism and blood flow
(Marangell 1997), suppresses catecholamine activity and receptor
sensitivity (Mano 1998), and is associated with more lengthy, frequent and severe depressions. Subclinical or clinical hypothyroidism is especially common in
antidepressant-resistant affectives. (Frye 1999)<br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="color: #38761d;">Note: Physical Symptoms</span></h4>
Weight gain, increased fat, difficult to reverse unless thyroid activity improves. Appetite changes.<br />
Dry, puffy, rough skin; flaky acne. Pallor, yellow tinge (due to difficulty metabolizing carotene).<br />
Water-logged tissue, e.g., ankles, face, especially under the eyes. <br />
Missing outer third of eyebrows. Eyebrows may be permanently raised to keep lids open.<br />
Brittle, easily broken nails. Thinning, dry, brittle, hair. <br />
Vision problems, night blindness. Hearing problems.<br />
Hoarseness, slurred speech, tongue thick and swollen, difficulty swallowing.<br />
Anemia,
poor circulation, cold sensitivity; perhaps also intolerant to heat. <br />
Joint pain or stiffness, arthritis. Fatigue after minor exertion. Muscle weakness, aches, cramps. <br />
Headaches,
migraines.<br />
Indigestion, gas, chronic constipation. Sensitive to drugs and toxins.<br />
Prone to allergies, Candida, hypoglycemia, diabetes. <br />
Low
libido, PMS, fertility problems. Menses tend to be irregular, profuse,
painful. <br />
Shortness of breath, chest pain, slow pulse. Low blood
pressure; but eventually too high, elevated cholesterol,
atherosclerosis, heart disease. Prone to lung disorders. <br />
<br />
To get a comprehensive view, you may want to look through my book, <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br /><i style="color: #990000;">Reminder: This information
is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as
diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's</i><i style="color: #990000;"> biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So i</i><i style="color: #990000;">f you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i></span>
Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-44762457013698363512012-08-22T21:37:00.000-07:002012-09-08T21:23:34.668-07:00II. Thyroid and bipolars: Some Iodine Issues<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/at088-FWMII?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-52497835386568551612012-08-08T21:53:00.000-07:002012-09-08T21:24:09.891-07:00I. Thyroid and Bipolar DisorderThe thyroid gland is crucial to metabolism,
growth and immunity, as well as supporting heart and kidney function,
bone development, and maturation of the nervous system. Thyroid is also
critical to cognition and mood.<br />
<br />
In fact, thyroid
hormones have been used to augment antidepressants and convert
nonresponders, and to treat certain rapid cycling and hypomanic patients
unresponsive to other treatments (though careful medical evaluation is
essential, as thyroid hormone may promote mania).<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #274e13;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Thyroid status in bipolars</span></div>
Bipolars
frequently exhibit thyroid underactivity or sometimes other thyroid
conditions.* (Lasser 1997, Pies 1998) Moreover, two of the major mood
stabilizers (lithium and carbamazepine) may suppress the thyroid
further. (Lazarus 1998)<br />
<br />
In some bipolars, thyroid
activity cycles with affective state. Bipolars may be particularly
sensitive to such fluctuations, even when within the normal range. (Cole
2002) Cognitive function, for instance seems to be significantly
linked to thyroid status, rather than lithium levels. (Tremont 1997)<br />
<br />
Barnes
(1976) warned that many patients medicated for depression, anxiety, and
so forth, have undetected thyroid dysfunction, causing mood symptoms.
Unfortunately, effective thyroid status is often obscured by distorted
interactions of the hypothalamus/pituitary/thyroid axis, and by
difficulty determining peripheral sensitivity to thyroid.**(Pies 1998)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*
Even as compared to the general psychiatric populations, in which
thyroid problems are common. (Gloger, 1997, Fardella 2000, Placidi 1998)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">**
For example, you can get high thyroxine, with an elevated pituitary TSH
nonresponsive to regulatory feedback, so continuing to stimulate the
thyroid further. Along with high thyroid symptoms of, for example,
weight loss, rapid heart beat, etc., the patient may manifest selective
insensitivity to T4 in mood-modulating neural pathways, fostering the
low thyroid symptom of depression. Labs also will be contradictory: with
high T4, suggesting hyperthyroid; high TSH, hypothyroid. Thus neither
effective thyroid status nor appropriate treatment will be readily
apparent.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #274e13;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Affective symptoms in thyroid disorder patients</span></div>
Thyroid
dysfunction alters mood (as well as cognition and behavior), (Lasser
1997, Loosen 1987, Prange, Whybrow 1987, Tremont 1997) typically
creates affective symptoms, (Gibson 1962, Graves 1843) and is associated
with increased incidence of depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder,
cyclothymia, panic disorder, phobia, and obsessive compulsive disorder.
(Placidi 1998)<br />
<br />
Hypothyroidism characteristically
creates a depressive syndrome; even subclinical hypothyroidism may be
associated with mood cycling, depression, and poor or slow response to
affective treatment. Autoimmune thyroiditis is often associated with
depression (especially postpartum), and with rapid cycling.
Hyperthyroidism creates symptoms of, and contributes to, mania. (Pies
1998)<br />
<br />
Nonetheless, the precise impact of thyroid activity can vary from one individual to another. (Loosen 1987)<br />
<br />
I have excerpted the above post from the first page of a 32-page section on thyroid in my book, <b><span style="color: #274e13;">Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorde</span></b>r (copyright 2009).<br />
<br />
To get a comprehensive view, you may want to look through my book, on <a href="http://boragebooks.com/bipolar.html" style="color: #38761d;">bipolar disorder</a><br />
<i> </i>available<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><i style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html">here.</a></i><br />
<br />
To contact me, click <a href="http://boragebooks.com/contact.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i style="color: #990000;">Reminder: This information
is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as
diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's</i><i style="color: #990000;"> biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So i</i><i style="color: #990000;">f you</i><i style="color: #990000;"> need treatment for bipolar, thyroid disorder or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />Eva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121255876705736643.post-16218430581149616512012-07-26T21:01:00.000-07:002012-07-26T21:01:16.946-07:00Help Us Spread the WordHelp people find out about natural approaches for bipolar and schizophrenia by providing a link on your website to
<a href="http://www.boragebooks.com/" style="color: #274e13;">http://boragebooks.com</a><br />
and/or to <a href="http://naturalhealingforbipolardisorder.blogspot.com/" style="color: #274e13;">http://naturalhealingforbipolardisorder.blogspot.com</a><br />
Thank you for your support.<br />
Eva EdelmanEva Edelmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06478415867370091999noreply@blogger.com0