Natural Remedies for Depression and Bipolar Disorder

If you are considering taking a natural or vitamin supplement to treat Bipolar Disorder or Depression or to reduce the symptoms these common uses and side effects may be useful.

Many studies are being done with natural remedies for Depression and Bipolar disorder.  Some of these show promising results and when used either in combination with traditional medications there may be an improvement of the symptoms of these disorders.  

The role of natural supplements in the treatment of Bipolar disorder and Depression is being investigated presently and although there the treatment is just being discovered the outlook looks promosing. People with Bipolar disorder and depression, with the use of herbs, vitamins and supplements, may find some help and relief. Natural therapy using nutritional supplements are being researched to find whether or not these treatments are effective in the reduction of symptoms and/or recovery from these serious mental disorders.

Always consult your doctor before using any of these treatments.  In addition to these facts there is research being done on the relationship of smoking with people with Bipolar disorder.  People who smoke and have Bipolar disorder seem to have a higher risk of suicide attempts and suicidal behavior. 

People with Bipolar disorder and depression, with the use of herbs, vitamins and supplements, may find some help and relief. Natural therapy using nutritional supplements are being researched to find whether or not these treatments are effective in the reduction of symptoms and/or recovery from these serious mental disorders.

Omega-3 fatty acids  The symptoms of Bipolar disorder the cycling from depression and mania have been linked possible to the higher ammounts of omega-3 fatty acids and the shortages.  Suppliments may help decrease the symptoms.  Each person differs so that it is know how much is required or what doses  are required to be proven beneficial

Exercise has been proven to be one of the best natural remedies for depression and can improve mood.Aerobic exercise can release mood elavating chemical in the brain while decreasing stress. A quick walk in the morning is a great way of beating the blues.

Light Therapy is very effective in relieving the symptoms of SAD disorder which occurs during the changes of the seasons. Exposure to light helps the sleep wake cycle and enables it to work properly. Serotin a chemical which influences the mood is released during morning hours with the coming of light. Serotin levels can drop during the winter months when there is less sunlight. Waling in the morning can raise the serotin levels. There are special lights which can be found to simulate natural sunlight studies have found that they can be effective in alieviating the symptoms of depression.When used for 20-30 minutes a day positive results can be found.

St. John's Wort has been used as natural medicine as a remidy for sadness nervousnessm and poor sleep. The results of 20 studies has found that St. John's wort is as effective as antidepressants with patients with mild depression with fewer side effects. Although it has been useful in mild depression it does not seem to be of use with major clinical depression. St. John's Wort should not be used in conjunction with other prescription or over the counter medications. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing with children people with Bipolar disorder, kicney, liver disease.

SAM-e is a chemical found in the human body naturally and is believed to increase the level of seritin and dopamine in the brain. SAM-e is available as a supplement in health stores and drug stores. It is more expensive than other supplements and does have some side effects such as nausea and constipation. It is still believed to have positive effects on depression.

5HTP is naturally produced in the body and \helps make serotonin, however, the evidence that shows that it theorectically should increase the serotionin levels it has not been proven to do so. It should not be combined with antidepressants also the safety of 5-HTP has not been determined.

Diet plays a large part in maintaining balace of mood. The reduction of sugar and avoiding caffine and alchohol can be beneficial. Although sweets and caffine boots energy and alchohol may relax us the effects are not long lasting and can worsen mood swings, anxiety and insomnia. When these drugs are avoided the stability of mood are enhanced.

Vitamin B6 produces mood enhancer of the transmitters serotonin and dopamine. B6 vitamin deficiency is not common taking oral contraceptives and certain drugs may occur.

Magnesium incorporated into the diet also aids in the production of serotonin. Sources of magnesium are beans, nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Stress depletes magnesium in the body and is needed for the production of serotonin.

St John's Wort and Depression

St John's Wort is an herb which is commonly know to treat some forms of depression. The mild forms of depression are thought to be alleviated by supplementing your diet with the herb which is distributed in the form of pills, liquid or ground form as a tea.

In different parts of the world it is used as a herbal treatment for depression usually in the case of mild depression in children and teenagers.

St John's Wort has at times been shown to be as effective as antidepressants and has fewer side effects. St John's Wort dies not appear to be useful in certain chronic forms of depression.

Conflicting reports on the use in patients with major depression have been found and it is not seen to be as effective as a traditional antidepressants.

There have been reports of some side effects, stomach irritation, dizziness, confusion, fatigue and excess sedation. There have been no overdoses. In schizophrenic patients it it does cause a worsening to psychosis.

There are numerous medications which different interactions including serious, life threatening interactions In animals there are reports of serious side effects with the ingestion of St Johns Wort including Foot and Mouth disease.

The benefits of St John's Wort needs further studies and at the present time such studies are being done.

If the beneficial effects of St John's Wort can be found St John's Wort will prove to be an affordable asset to medication which would make the prognosis for depressed patients who suffer from depression.