Naturopathic advice to reduce bipolar crises

Mental disorders and bipolar disorders

Bipolar disorder is characterized by alternating periods of extremely high mood (mania), extremely low mood (depression), and periods of normal mood. The disorders usually begin in the teenage years, between the ages of 20 and 30 or between the ages of 30 and 40.

Heredity, social factors or disorders in the neurotransmitters of the brain (dysregulation of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine) can indeed be at the origin of these pathologies. The lifetime prevalence is almost 4%. The rates of bipolar I disorder are almost equal between men and women.

Psychosocial factors can be involved. Stressful life events are often associated with the onset of symptoms and subsequent aggravations, although the link between the cause and the consequences has not yet been definitively established.

There are several types of bipolar disorder :

Type I bipolar disorder:

It is defined by the alternation of full – fledged manic attacks and major depressive episodes. It frequently begins with depression. The interval between depression and manic access can nevertheless be expressed in months or years.

Type II bipolar disorder:

It is determined by a history of at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode . Hypomania is actually a condition in which the hypomanic is close to manic arousal , it is a milder form of mania . This state is also compared to euphoria.

The concept of hypomania was first described by Mendel in 1881:

Mood variations: from cheerfulness to sadness and even hostility
Increased creativity and sociability
Gain energy, decrease in sleep, among others.

Cyclothymia:

The person has recurrent episodes of hypomania as well as symptoms of depression . Most access lasts for less than 3 months. Cycle length tends to decrease from episode to episode over time.

The risk factors :

Intrinsic :

Heredity

The mutation of several genes is therefore correlated with the onset of bipolar disorder.

Hemochromatosis

Of genetic origin, hemochromatosis results in elevated serum iron levels. The excess iron ultimately catalyzes the Fenton reaction which produces free radicals. It is associated with significant oxidative stress, which affects all organs, including the brain.

Extrinsic :

Trauma in childhood

It can be mistreatment, sexual abuse but also the loss of loved ones, etc.

Stress, burnout

Stress disrupts hormonal circuits and neurotransmitters (high cortisol level then cortisol depletion in the case of burnout). It is linked to depression and induces a decrease in immunity, which can make the person more sensitive to infectious agents.

Cannabis use

According to a 2019 meta-analysis, 24% of people with bipolar disorder use cannabis. This correlation is higher among young, single men, sometimes with a lower level of education. This fraction of bipolar people also experience early onset of symptoms, use of addictive substances (tobacco, alcohol, etc.) and a high rate of suicide attempts.

Naturopathic advice to reduce bipolar crises :

Secure the support of loved ones

This phase is indeed crucial to prevent larger episodes.

Group therapy

It is often recommended for people with bipolar disorder and their spouses; they learn generalities about bipolar disorder, its social consequences as well as the central role of mood stabilizers in treatment.

Individual psychotherapy

It also allows you to better manage daily problems and to adapt to your new way of life.

Supplementing with vitamins B6, B9 , B12 and S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM)

Bipolar people have lower levels of folate or vitamin B9, vitamin B12 and SAM than the general population, due among other things to a genetic cause. SAM and group B vitamins are used in the depressive phase of the disease.

Take omega 3 and vitamin D cures

According to a 2016 study conducted on a sample of people with bipolar or other psychiatric conditions, vitamin D deficiency is 4.7 more common in these people‌. According to a hypothesis proposed in 2015, insufficient levels of vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids, in combination with genetic factors, at certain key periods of the individual’s development, would lead to a dysfunction of the metabolism of serotonin. This could be one of the explanatory mechanisms for a too low level of serotonin in bipolar disorder and depression. Supplementation with omega 3 (EPA and DHA) and vitamin D improves symptoms in people with bipolar disorder during mania and depression . It would also increase the duration of the phases of remission.

Adopt a regular rhythm of life

Favoring respect for sleep time, physical activity, the avoidance of intoxicants such as alcohol, coffee, tobacco, cannabis or other drugs, are in particular as many basic recommendations useful for stabilizing the disease.

Think about hydrating

In case of bipolar disorder, besides diet, hydration should not be neglected. Water is the best drink; it provides for our water needs. Forget about caffeine and excess alcohol, as these are also responsible for mood swings. Tea on the other hand, more specifically chamomile, has been proven to be a natural alternative treatment for anxiety and insomnia.

Supplementing with magnesium

An essential mineral, it has many health benefits and contributes to muscle and neuronal function.

Do selenium cures

Selenium is an essential mineral, which is believed to maintain brain health. The latter finds its source in seafood, oleaginous fruits, offal or poultry.

Supplementing with tryptophan

This amino acid composing proteins seems to improve the quality of sleep, which would help remedy insomnia, generally found in bipolar disorders. A precursor of serotonin, it makes it possible in particular to limit the impact of depressive states. Rapid depletion of tryptophan is a method whose effect is a reduction in symptoms of mania.

Treat yourself to some dark chocolate

For the mood, the consumption of dark chocolate, by its composition in magnesium, seems to “calm the spirits”.

Supplementing with chromium

Chromium acts on neurotransmitters in the monoamine category, as well as on glucose and lipid metabolism. It improves insulin sensitivity in the hypothalamus, which improves glucose utilization and therefore brain function.

A choline intake

Choline intake is believed to reduce the severity of mania in rapidly cycling bipolar patients treated with lithium .

Supplementing with probiotics

In a study published in 2020, people with bipolar disorder in the euthymic phase were supplemented for 3 months with a mixture of 9 probiotic strains. These people have shown an improvement in their cognitive function, with better functioning of the individual psychosocial and professional.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is also a recommended natural treatment for bipolar disorder. It can accompany the depressive phase and the hypomanic phase of the disease.

Mindfulness meditation

Recent trials suggest that mindfulness meditation may improve the intensity of anxiety states in young people at risk of developing bipolar syndrome.

Food side :

To promote :

Vegetables
Herbs
Spices
Mushrooms
Fruits
Dried fruits
Oilseeds
Legumes
Cereals :
- with gluten (whole and organic)
- gluten free
- breakfast
Seeds
Dairy products
Soybeans and derivatives, tofu
Vegetable drinks
Vegetable creams
Algae
Condiments
Tubers
Germinated seeds
Vegetable fats
Lactofermented products
Tea
Plant protein concentrates
White meats
Lean fish
Fatty fish
Shellfish
Eggs

To limit :

Red meat
Animal fat
Condiment
Cereal products (white, incomplete)
Coffee
Pastry / Viennese pastries
Breakfast cereals
Cold cuts
The drinks
Processed and industrial products
Food additives
Alcohols
Fried foods, tempura, breadcrumbs
Fat
Low-fat foods
Refined sugar and complex carbohydrates (consumption of sugar directly impacts the mood of subjects. In fact, irritability is a side effect caused by sugar. The impact of sugar on blood sugar can have repercussions on the functioning of the patient. brain. Too high blood sugar exacerbates symptoms of fatigue, irritability, insomnia, intense thirst, loss of attention and depression)

Which plants for bipolar disorder ?

Valerian EPS:

Valerian is the most documented plant to fight against insomnia and residual anxiety in bipolar disorders in the euthymic phase.

The proposed mechanisms of action are enhancement of GABA transmission, serotonergic effects, and potentially effects on adenosine and melatonin receptors. This plant inhibits the reuptake and stimulates the release of GABA (neurotransmitter inhibitor), valerenic acid is a ligand for GABA receptors and inhibits GABA-transaminase.

St. John’s Wort EPS:

The hypericin and hyperforin , identified active substances in the St. John’s Wort, would act on the modulation of several neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. St. John’s Wort has an anti-inflammatory effect, modulating interleukin-6, an inflammation mediator.

It has well-known repercussions for depression and appears to work against anxiety but not insomnia. It is used in mild to moderate depression in bipolar disorder for people who cannot tolerate antidepressants. Badly dosed or misused, it could induce phases of mania , a serotonin syndrome.

Aschwaganda:

A 2013 double-blind trial on bipolar patients in the euthymic phase and on mood stabilizers, revealed the efficacy and safety of Aschwaganda as a pro-cognitive agent.

Rhodiola EPS:

Used in the depressive phase, its use is nevertheless controversial because it could trigger a phase of mania . However, it is not recommended in the manic phase.

Homeopathic dose of Rauwolfia:

This plant of Ayurvedic medicine is used in the phases of mania with lithium , of which it increases the effectiveness without risk of toxic interaction.

The plants likely to trigger a manic episode are: St. John’s Wort, Ma-Huang, Gingko, Ginseng, Rhodiola. In the reported cases, these plants were used in high doses for St. John’s Wort, or with concomitant use of medication or recreational drugs. Be careful, however, some plants cause many drug interactions and have several precautions for use. In any case, the advice offered in this article is not likely to substitute on their own for a consultation or a diagnosis formulated by a doctor or a health professional, the only ones able to adequately assess your state of health, as well as your degree. of bipolarity during an individual consultation.

Bipolar disorders and natural approaches