Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 10/24/2006

Question
For several years, now, I have been looking for alternatives to the medicines that I am on, but I am out of ideas and quite desperate.  In a word, I need help.  So, here is my problem and my question.
I suffer from Bi-polor disorder (manic/depression).  And I do mean suffer, as it has ruined most of my life (at least 35 out of my 50 years.  I didn’t want to suffer with this any longer so I finally sought help.  However, everything I seem to be given is seriously harmful to other parts of my body.  Currently, I am on lithium, which damages the thyroid, kidneys, and liver.
I do not want to go back to the place of being without meds.  However, I do not want to harm my body with medical poisons either.  Is there something else, something natural, that I can take or do to control my condition, without prescription/poisons, something that will not damage my body, ie vitamins, herbs, etc.?  Please help
Thank you for your time and help with this.
Cindi
Spiritkeeper144@hotmail.com


Answer
Cindi,
Thanks for your question.  Without more information, it's difficult to find the right combination of nutrition, herbs, supplements, and homoepathy that can be effective in treating bipolar.  But I can give you some ideas of categories that may help.  
First, nutritional approaches would be to improve overall diet, eliminate food sensitivities, regulate blood sugar, and use specific food that may improve brain function, like foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (many nuts, seeds, & oils).  If your diet is already good, then you could focus on the other areas--there are many resources out there to do this, but if you don't feel comfortable doing this by yourself, then consult a nutritionist, naturopathic doctor, or other specialist in natural nutrition.  The best things about changing your diet are that it improves other areas of your life and is effective while being safe & non-toxic.  
Supplements may include fish oil, inositol, B vitamins, SAMe, and 5-HTP or tryptophan(I'd use these last 2 only under supervision).  A good place to start would be B vitamins and fish oil, with a good multivitamin/ mineral.  For supplements, remember you get what you pay for--cheaper brands are usually not very effective.  Your best bet is a health food store, where they often have better brands.  
There aren't as many herbs that have be studied for bipolar, but there are many options for helping with particular symptoms (like insomnia, fatigue, etc).  SO prescription of herbs would be based on your individual symptoms.  
Another treatment I'd strongly suggest is homeopathy.  I've had the best success with homeopathics for depression and bipolar, especially when other healthy changes are being made,too.  Homeopathics are chosen specifically after a significant history is taken of your symptoms, personality, physical symptoms, and many other areas.  Homeopathic practioners are often trained as MDs or naturopathic doctors, but some only practice homeopathy.  For a naturopathic doctor, search on www.naturopathic.org, or search for a homeopath at homeopathic.org or homeopathy.org.  
Also helpful are flower essences, which are great for treating many different conditions, are very
safe, and can be taken for prolonged periods of time.  Some practitioners use flower essences, or sometimes you can chose your own if you do a little research.     
I hope that gives you some ideas of what to try, and how to find someone who can help you in your healing process.   Thanks for your question and interest in natural medicine.  Good luck in your search.  
In Health,
Dr. Conner