Histadelia and Other Approaches for Bipolar Disorder

Readers interested in reviewing entries for histadelia (brain undermethylation and folate accumulation) can start at the 12/3/10 post on histadelia and bipolar depression and go on from there.
Most of the posts which follow are on histadelia, although from July 21 to Aug 20, 2011,  I talk about histapenia, in many ways the opposite biotype.
The early histadelia posts are more basic. Recently, I have turned the focus to histadelia biochemistry.
Remember, though histadelia is the largest biotype in bipolars, any combo of pyroluria, histapenia, allergies/immune dysfunction, oxidative stress, metal metabolism issues, Candida, blood sugar problems, hormone imbalances, toxicity, neurological disorders, etc., may be the relevant factor(s) for a specific individual.
 
To get a comprehensive view, you may want to look through my book,  Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder
                available here.

To contact me, click here.


Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Each person's biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So if you need treatment for bipolar, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

Histadelia and Methylation. Part IIB. Oxidative stress, Glutathione and B12.

Even if methyl folate is available, that methyl cannot always be used to form methyl B12, as either glutathione or B12 may be unavailable.

Glutathione (GSH) acts to:

1 Increase B12 availability. Glutathione normally protects B12, which is highly reactive, from being diverted* by reacting with free radicals, toxins, immune or stress molecules, etc.
GSH also, as a critical antioxidant and detox agent, and metal metabolism activator, reduces the levels of such toxins.
* Suggested by elevated methylmalonic acid. 

2 Turn hydroxy B12 into glutathionyl-B12, an intermediate step toward methyl-B12 formation.
Thus, low glutathione decreases the transfers of methyl from methyl-folate (5MHTF) to B12, and so fosters methyl folate accumulation.

3 Stimulate methionine synthase to create methionine.
When glutathione levels are too low, the methylation cycle slows. Thus:
Homocysteine  --via methyl folate +  B12 +  low GSH--  will not yield much methionine
Instead, homocysteine will be be diverted down the transulfuration pathway, to create more glutathione. More on this in a future post.

4 Protect all cells from oxidative stress, including the mitochondria, which supply cellular energy (by creating ATP). 

Glutathione can be low* due to

1 Genetic problems in creating or recycling glutathione.
2 High demand, e.g., ongoing oxidative stress. Also, chemical or heavy metal toxicity, infections, vaccinations, chronic stress, injury or surgery.
* Suggested by decreased SAM and accumulation of SAH and oxidized glutathione, as well as other measures of oxidative stress.

Therapeutic Considerations (Walsh)

Glutathione to support B12 availability, to attach methyl to B12, and to stimulate methionine formation.
Plus, in some cases, methyl-B12 may need to be supplied directly.

Glutathione and other needed antioxidants. Elimination of factors worsening oxidative stress.

Attention to any metal metabolism dysfunction, toxicity, relevant health issues, other mental and physical stressors.

More on glutathione:
Dr. Mark Hyman's video.
Also, this youtube.  (A good presentation, but ignore the marketing.)

Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Even within the histadelic subgroup, each person's biochemical requirements tend to be unique. So if you need treatment for depression, mania, bipolar, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician. 

For more info on histadelia and bipolar disorder, see my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar depression: Histadelia treatment

Again, histadelia can look like bipolar, bipolar depression, psychotic depression, obsessive compulsive, schizoaffective, dual diagnosis, or (especially if also pyroluric) conduct disorders.

For an overview of symptoms and therapeutic nutrients, see these concise descriptions of the biotypes by Dr. William Walsh. Histadelia is first:
http://alternativementalhealth.com/articles/commoncauses.htm

For histadelia subgroups and more details on the approach of Dr. Walsh,
see this page from Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder.

Note: Histadelics do better if isolation and loneliness can be reduced, and if they can be effectively supported in continuing to take vitamins and avoid addictions.

For more info, see boragebooks.com

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.

Bipolar Depression and Histadelia Symptoms

Histadelia signs and symptoms can be generally broken down as follows:

Effects on the mind: Chronic profound depression, suicidality, episodes of blank mind, obsessions, compulsions (e.g., gambling, shopping, pulling out hair), delusions and phobias. Strong will, perfectionism, perhaps hypomania.

May have been diagnosed with: Psychotic depression, bipolar, unipolar, mixed state, schizoaffective, dual diagnosis, OCD, delusional or oppositional defiant disorder.

High metabolism effects: Elevated body temperature, insomnia, lean body, good appetite, severe inner tension.
Elevated body fluids: Mucous, saliva, semen, digestive fluids, sweat.

Prone to: Seasonal allergies,  frequent colds, asthma, osteoporosis, arthritis, headaches, body pain, automimmune disorders, addictions. 

Lab: High blood histamine remains the clearest indication. 

For more, see my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder. 



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