the grocery store you can keep in mind what foods will help my moods, which
in turn will help you lead a more peaceful life... :) I have highlighted
the nb bits so you don't have to read it all. Perhaps because of my
forgetfulness, you might consider assisting me in getting more of the right
foods in the right balance into my body?
Thanks, I love you!
Ooh, and what a body?
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* Bipolar/Manic Depression <content.asp?id_Content=1024>
What is Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression?
Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression is a condition in which people swing
between marked depression on the one hand and mania or hypomania on the
other. Manic depressives who have mild symptoms, in that they do not have a
complete breakdown that leaves them incapable of coping outside hospital or
other supported living, can still be severely affected by the illness, but
the most severe form of manic depression carries the risk of breakdown which
can often lead to loss of job or home. A number of manic depressives also
show signs of schizophrenia and some psychiatrists speculate that the two
diagnoses are variants of the same disease.
Most people with manic depression spend the majority of their time either in
a normal mood or mildly depressed. Some do remain mildly high all the time
which makes assessing their mood very difficult.
What causes Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression?
Many mood swings are caused by imbalances in blood sugar levels or by food
allergies. The most important nutrient for the brain is glucose- the fuel it
runs on and in order for our brains to work effectively we need a steady
supply of glucose. Any imbalance in the supply of glucose to the brain
results in a range of symptoms including fatigue, irritability, dizziness,
insomnia, excessive sweating (especially at night), poor concentration and
forgetfulness, excessive thirst, depression and crying spells, digestive
disturbances and blurred vision. People with elevated blood sugar levels may
become high, whereas low blood sugar is associated with depression
We predominantly produce glucose by breaking down carbohydrate foods and in
order to ensure that our brain gets a steady supply of glucose it is
important to avoid sugar and sugar containing foods as these cause a sudden
surge in blood sugar level and surge in energy followed by a drop as the
body attempts to rebalance .Blood sugar balance is also disrupted by too
much stress and stimulants, including cigarettes.
According to the nutritional pioneer Dr.Carl Pfeiffer,daily or weekly swings
in mood may also be triggered by stress or regular consumption of meals
containing ingredients that prompt an allergic reaction. Allergies can also
be triggered by seasonal changes. Inhalant allergies are common in the
spring with trees and grass pollen and in the autumn with weed pollens.
What you can do to improve the symptoms of Manic Depression
* Take Lithium
Lithium is one of the most successful drugs in psychiatry, usually
prescribed in the range of 300 to 1,200mg a day. Though some suffer from
significant side effects, for others it has caused a dramatic improvement in
their lives.
* Take fish oil supplements providing between 1.5 and 4g EPA
Omega 3 fish oils can be extremely helpful for those suffering from Manic
Depression. In double blind trials manic depressives taking the omega 3 fats
had a substantially longer period in remission than the placebo group and
the fish oil group performed better than the placebo group for nearly every
other symptom measured
* Increase your Magnesium intake by eating plenty of vegetables, fruit, nuts
and seeds and consider supplementing 200mg a day, found in good multivitamin
/ mineral formulas
Before the Second World War, magnesium was commonly used to stabilise mood.
Since the introduction of Lithium its use has faded, but interest in it has
been increasing rapidly. Since the amount recommended by the National Food
Council (RDA) is 300mg and diets provide around 200mg on average, most of us
are deficient in it. Symptoms of deficiency include muscle tremors or spasm,
muscle weakness, insomnia or nervousness, high blood pressure, irregular
heart beat, constipation, fits or convulsions, hyperactivity, depression,
confusion and lack of appetite
* Avoid Sugar, stimulants (coffee and tea), cigarettes and excessive stress
Since mood swings can be triggered by blood sugar imbalances, it is best to
avoid foods and other stimulants that dramatically influence blood sugar
levels
For optimal blood sugar levels eat wholefoods such as wholegrains, lentils,
nuts, seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables and combine protein foods with
carbohydrates by eating cereals and fruit with nuts and seeds and ensuring
you eat starch foods (potato, bread, pasta or rice) with fish, lentils,
beans or tofu
* Check yourself out for food allergies
The most common allergies are wheat, dairy products, oranges, eggs, other
grains apart from wheat, yeast containing foods, shellfish, nuts,soya and
members of the nightshade family - tomatoes, peppers, potatoes and
aubergine. Some people also develop allergies to tea and coffee. To test for
allergies, remove the suspected foods strictly for two weeks, then
reintroduce them in a controlled way, recording your symptoms. This is best
done under the guidance of a trained nutritionist which is doubly important
if you have ever had a severe reaction to food, such as asthma.
Alternatively it is possible to have a blood test using a method known as
ELISA which will tell you the foods that you are currently eating that cause
an IgG reaction and how severe that reaction is. Ideally it is best to have
an IgE ELISA test too.
* Supplement a good multivitamin and mineral every day, plus 1,000mg of
Vitamin C
While no specific nutrient has been proven to cause or cure manic
depression, there are many that can make a difference. For example many
manic depressives are short on Zinc and B6. Niacin (Vitamin B3) is a key
nutrient in mental health conditions and low levels of Vitamin C have been
linked with behavioural problems.
* Become more aware of what triggers your mood swings and how to control
your thoughts to improve your stability
Therapies that encourage self-observation and help to undo negative
behaviour patterns can be most helpful for those with manic depression.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) aims to improve mood and behaviour by
investigating and challenging unhelpful thought patterns
Further Reading
Holford, P.,The Optimum Nutrition Bible, Piatkus, 1997
Dryden, W. and Gordon, J.,Think Your Way to Happiness - How to Help yourself
with Cognitive Therapy, Sheldon Press 1990
Hoffer, A., Vitamin B-3, Schizophrenia, Discovery, Recovery and Controversy,
Quarry Health Books, 2000
Lawson, V., Inside Out, 2001. This is a good practical self-help guide for
people with manic depression, available from the Manic Depresion Fellowship,
call 020 7793 2600
Holford, P., Nature's Blues Busters (feature article)
Finding Help
The Brain Bio Centre
The Brain Bio Centre is a London-based treatment centre, set up by the
Mental Health Project, putting the optimum nutrition approach into practice
for those with mental health problems, including depression, learning
difficulties, dyslexia, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, dementia and
Alzheimer's. Click here </content.asp?id_Content=996> to find out more
Useful Organisations
Manic Depression Fellowship offers services including a self management
training programme for people diagnosed with manic depression, a network of
support groups for all affected by manic depression and assistance with
employment, insurance and debt. Contact the Manic Depression Fellowship at
Castle Works, 21 St. George's Road, London SE1 6ES, UK or call 020 7793
2600, fax 020 7793 2639, or e-mail at mdf@mdf.org.uk
Depression Alliance is a UK charity offering help to people with depression.
It is run by sufferers themselves. The website contains information about
the symptoms of depression, treatments for depression and Depression
Alliance campaigns and local groups. Contact Depression Alliance at 35
Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB. Or call 0207 633 0557 or visit
www.depressionalliance.org <http://www.depressionalliance.org/>
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