Nutrients and Bipolar Mania: Magnesium as a Calcium Channel Blocker

Magnesium, is our major natural calcium channel blocker. 
 
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) inactivate calcium channels, reducing calcium entrance into the cell and increasing levels without (e.g., serum), generally increasing inhibition.


Pharmaceutical trials suggest CCBs support mood stabilization in some bipolars, particularly rapid, and ultra rapid cyclers. and may be most effective in mania, Some studies suggests preventive benefit, particularly when used with lithium.


Magnesium, similarly, controls calcium pumps and blocks calcium uptake to the nerve cell, reducing stimulation, and seems to convey similar effects on mood.

See Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder for references and further discussion.

Nutrients and Bipolar Mania: Overview

Before proceeding further on nutrients and mania, here is a general overview of  investigational targets. 

Note: Only some of these would be relevant for any given individual. 

Minerals: magnesium glycinate, zinc, trace-mineral-dose lithium orotate, etc. May need to restrict copper and/or iron.
Inhibitory aminos: taurine (plus zinc), GABA (especially with histapenia or pyroluria), glycine (pyroluria). Perhaps, serotonin precursors.
B1, B3, B6, or other B vitamins.
Vitamin C. Other antioxidants.
Choline. Perhaps, omega 3 and/or GLA.
Kava (especially with histadelia), valerian (histapenia), theanine, skullcap, Bach Rescue Remedy, passion flower.
Moderate thyroid overactivity; support blood sugar and adrenal balance.
Treat histapenia, pyroluria, MT disorder, etc..
Attend to Candida, allergies, toxicity, malabsorption, immune, neurological, and other health issues.
Decrease stressors (e.g., quiet, darkened room; regular meals, sleep, etc).
Increase support with seasonal change and other stressors.

Important: These investigational targets should not to be construed as treatment directives. This material is presented for educational purposes only. 
 

Remember that therapy must be tailored to each individual's unique biochemical requirements, including contraindications. So if you need treatment for bipolar disorder, or any other medical condition, consult a knowledgeable physician. In some cases, this will be an orthomolecular or other nutritionally-oriented physician. 

For further info, see:"Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder," available from boragebooks.com