The Benefits of Vitamins & Nutrients in Treatment & Care of Mood Disorders, Bipolar, Depression, Stress & Anxiety

There have been many clinical studies completed over the years demonstrating the benefits of various nutrients, when lacking, what results in certain biological and mood disorders. As a result of this discovery, it is also realized, with appropriate supplementation and consistent modification to health and well being, under proper medical guidance and counsel to test for what is lacking and diagnosis what needs to be increased and/or replaced - then specific modifications to the body's nutritional intake can be adjusted and the disorders positively controlled and on some occasions eliminated as a result with the consistent lifestyle changes.

As of 1999 Dr Andrew Stoll completed a study in which he concluded that omega 3 Fatty acids, as a supplement, improved the outcome for bipolar disorder adults. The omega 3's are essential fatty acids, which are necessary for the brain to function correctly, however cannot be manufactured in the body alone.

We have both omega 3's and omega 6's in our body, which have opposite effects when it comes to our body's cells. The omega 3's act as the anti-inflammatory and the Omega 6's are proactive inflamant. Over the generations, we as humans have been ingesting less of the required omega 3's needed in our body to function properly.

This transpired as a result of the development of hydrogenated oil which reduces omega 3 and omega 6, and the reality we are eating less healthy fish, which is also not wild. Other places omega 3's are found are in green vegetables, flaxseed, walnuts, and oily fish. The omega 3's will maintain the cell membranes in the brain fluid healthy and has a primary role in regulating mood.

The three omega 3 fatty acids that are important in regulating mood are DHA, EPA, and LNA. These omega threes act in a similar way to lithium and the anticonvulsants in the body, in a natural manner. There is also evidence that the omega 3's have helped to eliminate or neutralize some of the symptoms of depression in adults and also some symptoms of schizophrenia. The process is individualized, as every persons body chemistry is different and must have a professional test for the nutritional differences and deficiencies to make accurate assessments in this field of expertise.

There has been a study completed by Beiderman which looked at omega 3 as one of the natural treatment for bipolar disorder. His study has demonstrated an improvement in mania in some children when taking Omega 3, Omegrabrite, however, further research in the doses still needs to be completed. The FDA has already approved 3 grams a day of fish oil, Omega 3, as a safe supplement for both, adults and children. There is a small window of possibility for mania due to omega 3 and it should only be done with physicians care specifically with those diagnosed or concerned with the potential of bipolar and/or mood disorders. (1)

The observations noted for individuals challenged with depression, anxiety, mood disorders and/or bipolar is the importance of eliminating sugar, caffeine and alcohol from the diet on a consistent basis. The items have been recognized as some primary key triggers for these above mentioned issues as each alters the body chemistry significantly enough where the body balance is already compromised. The particular food items inhibits the body's ability more so to be successful in well being or recovery to "feel" better and "function" at a balanced capacity which it is already striving to do.

Take into consideration some of what these disorders are telling us internally, that cannot be seen by physical appearances, is that the body is inhibited by lack of Vitamin C, for example -which has been clinically realized in those with Bipolar disorder or manic depression, as well as chronic depression. Or essential, it's the need for Vitamin C, because the trace mineral Vanadium is excessively high and the Vitamin C will effectively reduce the excess and there by reduce the bipolar effects the person experiences; along with eliminating the foods that would increase the Vanadium or block the absorption of Vitamin C. Thus, eliminating the sugar, caffeine and alcohol; getting rest at night, exercise during the day; omega-3 supplement; healthier eating and be sure to consult your physician to test for what specifically is needed in your case. (2)

Consider also, when dealing with anxiety, be it generalized, specific, extreme or social, it will still benefit a person to address the diet, lifestyle and exercise to help reduce the anxiety in the body and be self sustaining as much as possible.

For example, if we take a moment to understand that anxiety is a condition from within that is triggering a flight or fight response that may be getting triggered by a thought that comes into the mind about - either another thought, an event coming up or transpiring at the moment that causes the body to respond with a high stress response, even though the reality may be only a low level circumstance requiring a response of some sort.

With this awareness, we have an opportunity. However, first thing is first -which is to address what feels more tangible and that is changing the eating habits to help the body-mind connection; the anxiety-stress level response.

Foods and drinks that are hard for the body to digest or process can actually strip the body of necessary nutrients it uses to function calmly and successfully, and may even be the cause themselves in triggering an adrenalin response unnecessarily, tightening muscles and creating your stress and anxiety that you don't want now.

To help the body and relieve this anxiety and stress now, avoid refined sugar, soft drinks, white flour products and sweetened fruit juices. All of these foods cause a high fluctuation in the blood sugar levels, which triggers body chemical reactions to fluctuate wildly. The body has to literally fight to regain balance and cannot process these foods and therefore the chemicals that balance moods are also deeply affecting you.

The B-complex vitamins have been clinically studied to support depressive disorders and bipolar disorder.

To attain the best nutrition from cooked foods, steam your vegetables or also eat them raw and fresh/organic. Consider doing the best you can in eating whole grains, natural and organic, in place of refined foods. Realizing that your natural and organic foods have a higher nutritional content and value and will thereby be better absorbed by the body.

As in all health and well-being, yet seemingly better noted for those challenged with mood disorders, that regular exercise and a consistent hobby and a network of friends and/or support group has proven most beneficial. The chemical release during exercise has a positive and stabilizing effect for a person's mood and on your over all sense of well being.

It has also been demonstrated that any positive form of socialization and creativity through a hobby, i.e. support groups, church functions, crafts, journaling, has also indicated a chemical release similarly to create a stabilizing and joyful effect for a person's mood and over all sense of well being.

Having considered a choice in the right step towards consistent well being, one can also choose to be aware of the thought process; yet another step in the wellness plan in which, when these steps are in place, one notices when a thought begins to rise up as not fitting to your circumstance, i.e. "I should be depressed or anxious about this situation" and then notice what is really happening. You will realize that the thought is probably "not as true" as it use to sound and then you can "choose to change your mind" and move back into "being calm" and "doing your new lifestyle change."

There is always a choice. One may choose to attain support to make the change to be better than what they were before and put forth the effort to live the life they desire; or one may choose to lament over the challenge and choose to surround themselves with those that offer no support for improvement and just lament in misery with you and remain in that same state. It is always an option, no matter what anyone tells you - including old beliefs. You can choose, it is your life.

(1) Janice Papolos and Demitri F. Papolos, The A-Z's of Omega -3's, Spring, 2001 Vol.7

(2) http://www.pendulum.org/treatments.htm