Treatment FAQ

where to start in natural treatment of bipolar

by Tess Parisian Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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11 Natural Remedies For Bipolar Disorder

  • Herbal teas. Herbal teas can be a soothing and calming way to reduce stress and anxiety. Chamomile, lavender, and lemon...
  • St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort is a popular herbal supplement that has been shown to be effective in treating bipolar...
  • Omega-three fatty acids. Omega-three fatty acids are found in fish oil and have a...

The complementary and non-pharmacological treatments that have shown some benefit for the depressive side of bipolar disorder are:
  • Rhodiola. ...
  • SAMe. ...
  • St. ...
  • Meditation. ...
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids. ...
  • Light Therapy. ...
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine. ...
  • Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy.
Jan 15, 2016

Full Answer

How to treat bipolar disorder naturally?

Of course quitting alcohol, recreational drugs, and toxic people are difficult tasks but if you want to treat your bipolar disorder naturally, you will need to develop the discipline to drop certain bad habits and cultivate certain positive habits. Two other natural antidotes to bipolar disorder are exercise and sleep.

What are the best non-pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder?

The complementary and non-pharmacological treatments that have shown some benefit for the depressive side of bipolar disorder are: 1. Rhodiola Officially known as rhodiola rosea, this herb has been used for years to help manage stress and has also demonstrated positive effects on people struggling with depression.

How can lifestyle changes help people with bipolar disorder?

Some lifestyle adaptations can also help, alongside the medication. Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a range of lifestyle changes can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. Regular sleep is important for people with bipolar disorder.

Is there a diet plan for bipolar disorder?

Overall, it is important to eat a proper diet when seeking to keep bipolar disorder in check. And this does not mean an exotic diet plan is needed. Simple dietary changes such as increasing protein intake can have a tremendously positive impact since protein will increase the production of norepinephrine and dopamine.

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How can I beat bipolar naturally?

Look after your physical healthGet enough sleep. For lots of people with bipolar disorder, disturbed sleep can be both a trigger and a symptom of episodes. ... Think about what you eat and drink. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can help you feel well, think clearly and calm your mood. ... Exercise regularly.

How can I fix my Bipolar without medication?

Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a range of lifestyle changes can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

What is the first line treatment for bipolar disorder?

First-line treatments for bipolar depressive episodes include lithium or lamotrigine monotherapy. For more severe cases, can add second mood stabilizer (e.g., lamotrigine combined with lithium or divalproex).

What natural herbs help with bipolar disorder?

Herbs for Bipolar DisorderAshwagandha.Valerian.Lemon balm.Rhodiola rosea.Passionflower.Skullcap.Nonherbal supplements.Herbal supplements to avoid.More items...

Can I live with bipolar without medication?

Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and a range of lifestyle changes can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

What vitamins should I take for bipolar?

Other vitamins folks use for bipolar disorderMagnesium. Magnesium may help ease manic episode symptoms of irritability, anxiety, and insomnia for people already deficient in it. ... Vitamin C. ... Vitamin D. ... Folic acid.

Does bipolar worsen with age?

Changes in the frequency and severity of episodes are among the most evident changes in bipolar disorder at an older age. Research suggests that older adults with bipolar disorder often experience: more frequent episodes. more depressive episodes and less time spent in manic or hypomanic states.

What are triggers for bipolar disorder?

While many bipolar disorder triggers center around stressors, goal attainment and other positive events can also elicit mood episodes, particularly mania or hypomania. Events such as winning an award, getting a promotion, falling in love, or even going on vacation may act as triggers, initiating a dangerous cycle.

Can a bipolar patient recover?

Although bipolar disorder has no cure, people with the condition can experience long periods during which they are free of symptoms. With ongoing treatment and self-management, people with bipolar disorder can maintain a stable mood for extended periods. During intervals of recovery, they may have few or no symptoms.

What foods are good for bipolar?

Eating a balance of protective, nutrient-dense foods. These foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, cold-water fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, soy products, and nuts and seeds.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

This approach relies on certain herbal combinations and comprehensive changes in diet and daily habits. There is not enough evidence yet to support...

Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy

This technique teaches people with bipolar disorder to maintain a more regular schedule in all aspects of life, including sleeping, waking, eating,...

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy

EMDR uses a supervised program of eye movements, combined with actively remembering traumatic experiences, to improve symptoms. This approach can b...

Complementary Bipolar Treatments: A Few Words of Caution

"The reality is that there is not a lot of data on complementary therapies for bipolar disorder," Muskin says. "That doesn't mean these products sh...

What is the best treatment for bipolar disorder?

Homeopathy for bipolar disorder is a number one natural treatment for bipolar while remedies like Tarantula and Hyoscyamus can also be very helpful and can be safely used with psychotropic drugs without any side effects.

Is it safe to treat bipolar disorder?

Natural treatment for bipolar disorder is challenging but very often highly effective, safe, and affordable. Bipolar disorder has emerged as a very serious problem in today’s society. Given the incredible pressures that the population faces in terms of economic issues and other related personal problems, there are growth factors and genetic factors that contribute to the onset of bipolar disorder. The onset of bipolar illness usually starts in a young adult and continues through adulthood if left untreated. Although you cannot see the suffering, it is serious and can be very harmful. Also, note that treatment for bipolar disorder is very possible.

How to get rid of bipolar?

Meditation is one of the alternative treatments for bipolar; it can also be very useful, significantly since stress can trigger cycles. Every time you meditate, you can relax, and this directly counteracts your stress. It is also an effective way to reduce the frequency of your cycles.

Can bipolar be hypnotized?

However, with hypnosis for bipolar disorder coupled with conventional treatment, mood maintenance can finally become a reality.

Is shock therapy safe for bipolar?

Sometimes electroconvulsive therapy, also known as shock therapy, is used, which is also an alternative treatment for bipolar disease. It’s much safer and more efficient than in the past. However, there are some side effects, such as short-term memory loss, disorientation, and confusion.

Is it better to eat or exercise when you have bipolar?

This is why it is essential to eat well and exercise properly to reduce the severity of cycles.

Can bipolar treatment work for one person?

Just remember that natural treatments for bipolar, as any traditional treatments, are very demanding; they can work for one person but then won’t affect another person. You just have to find the right treatment that suits your body. It’s that simple. This is just to warn you. If you try and it doesn’t work, don’t give up.

Why is it important to sleep when you have bipolar?

Sleep. Regular sleep is important for people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder can disrupt a person’s sleep. During a manic phase, an individual may sleep very little, but during a low phase, they may sleep for a long time. Missing sleep can trigger a mood change, and getting enough sleep is essential to managing mood.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, and levels of activity. Medications can help people manage symptoms, but these can have adverse effects. A number of natural remedies may also help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimate that around 2.6 percent of people in the United States have bipolar disorder, ...

What are some supplements that help with bipolar?

Vitamins. Some people suggest that vitamins may help, specifically vitamin C and folic acid. Researchers have found weak evidence that vitamin C may help, but none to support the use of folic acid specifically for bipolar disorder.

What percentage of people with bipolar disorder have an addiction to alcohol?

People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of engaging in addictive behaviors. One study found that 56 percent of people with the condition had at some time experienced addiction involving either alcohol or drugs. Certain circuits in the brain play a role in pursuing rewarding experiences.

How many people have bipolar disorder?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimate that around 2.6 percent of people in the United States have bipolar disorder, and nearly 83 percent of cases are severe. On average, it starts when a person is 25 years old. A person with bipolar disorder experiences times of severe depression and times of mania, or “high” mood.

What are the chemicals that affect appetite?

These chemicals, also called neurotransmitters, are noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. Serotonin can also affect appetite. It may be that when serotonin levels are low, people experience cravings for carbohydrates and sweet foods. Tips for maintaining a healthful diet include: keeping to regular eating times.

How to maintain a healthy diet?

Tips for maintaining a healthful diet include: keeping to regular eating times. ensuring that the diet is varied, well-balanced, and has plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. making a meal plan for the week, preparing a list before going to the grocery store, and sticking to it.

How does bipolar 2 differ from mania?

Bipolar II Disorder differs from type I in that the depression predominates and the mania is less extreme. People with Bipolar Disorder type II tend to suffer from extreme depression, otherwise known as Major Depression, and hypomania. Hypomania differs from mania in that it is of shorter duration (often under 4 days).

What is bipolar 1?

Bipolar 1 Disorder. Bipolar I Disorder is characterized by true mania alternating (sometimes) with depression. I say sometimes because some cases of bipolar disorder do not present with any depression until much later in the disease.

How long does a depressive episode last?

Depressive episodes can last from weeks to months. Cyclothymia is defined as mood cycles that last for at least two years, that alternate back and forth similar to bipolar disorder type I and II. However, depression and hypomania do not meet the full criteria for hypomania and major depression.

How long does mania last?

Mania lasts for over a week and may go on for months in more severe cases. The most severe aspect of bipolar type I is mania which can be debilitating and frightening for the sufferer and their loved ones. Bipolar II Disorder differs from type I in that the depression predominates and the mania is less extreme.

What is an OAT test?

OAT testing: The OAT test is an extremely comprehensive urine test in assessing the multivariable causes and modifying factors in the development and maintenance of bipolar disorder. The OAT test tells us about how your body is reacting to your DNA in its environment.

What are the changes in the brain in bipolar disorder?

In bipolar disorder, we see changes in the frontal lobe, amygdala, and hippocampus of the brain. These changes differ depending on if the person is in a state of depression or mania. The frontal lobe acts as breaks for the brain and In depression, we see more activity in the frontal lobe which results in suppression of behaviors.

What are the factors that affect bipolar disorder?

There are many genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors that impact the development of bipolar disorder. In this section, we will talk about the high yield differentials that should be considered in identifying the root cause of your symptoms of bipolar disorder.

What are the risks of bipolar disorder?

The risks during a low mood include an inability to function at work and in other areas of life. During mania, the person may be at risk of making reckless decisions.

What percentage of people with bipolar disorder have an addiction to alcohol?

People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of engaging in addictive behaviors. One study found that 56 percent of people with the condition had at some time experienced addiction involving either alcohol or drugs. Certain circuits in the brain play a role in pursuing rewarding experiences.

How to manage mood change?

Missing sleep can trigger a mood change, and getting enough sleep is essential to managing mood. Good sleep hygiene can encourage people with the condition to have regular sleep. Tips include: going to bed and getting up at regular hours. making sure the room is comfortable.

What is the best treatment for bipolar disorder?

Counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT), and a range of lifestyle changes can help people with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

How many people have bipolar disorder?

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimate that around 2.6 percent of people in the United States have bipolar disorder, and nearly 83 percent of cases are severe. On average, it starts when a person is 25 years old. A person with bipolar disorder experiences times of severe depression and times of mania, or “high” mood.

What are the chemicals that affect appetite?

These chemicals, also called neurotransmitters, are noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. Serotonin can also affect appetite. It may be that when serotonin levels are low, people experience cravings for carbohydrates and sweet foods. Tips for maintaining a healthful diet include:

What is the role of certain circuits in the brain?

Certain circuits in the brain play a role in pursuing rewarding experiences. One study has suggested that people with bipolar disorder have stronger activation in these circuits. This may be what drives the person towards risky behavior.

How to treat bipolar disorder naturally?

Of course quitting alcohol, recreational drugs, and toxic people are difficult tasks but if you want to treat your bipolar disorder naturally, you will need to develop the discipline to drop certain bad habits and cultivate certain positive habits. Two other natural antidotes to bipolar disorder are exercise and sleep.

What are some examples of bipolar disorder?

For example, Mood Charts, Treatment Contracts and Wellness Plans. We know bipolar disorder requires medication and talk therapy for effective management, but this is not the whole story.

What are the natural antidotes to bipolar disorder?

5 (self-management in bipolar) Two other natural antidotes to bipolar disorder are exercise and sleep. Taking part in regular exercise sessions has long been known to deliver profound mental and physical transformation.

What supplements are used for bipolar patients?

The most used supplements by bipolar patients are: fish oil, B vitamins, melatonin, and multivitamins. These dietary supplements can have a significant impact on mood and brain function, and protect people with bipolar disorder from early death due to heart attack, stroke and diabetes.

Why is exercise important for bipolar?

Exercise also aids in improving cardiovascular conditioning – important given that people with bipolar disorder are three times more likely to die prematurely from heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other ”lifestyle” diseases.

Does folic acid help with depression?

Folic acid has been shown to help reduce both mania and depression. A good diet is not just about what you eat. It is also about what you need to stay away from. Those seeking natural treatments for bipolar disorder may wish to stay away from processed sugars, saturated fats, and other unhealthy dietary items.

Can you discontinue medication for bipolar?

In other words, if you really have bipolar disorder, discontinuing medication and counseling is NEVER recommended. What IS recommended is that these natural treatments for bipolar disorder are integrated into an overall wellness program. Positive results are almost always fast and obvious.

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder which is characterized by sudden and peaked changes in the moods, energy levels and the levels of the activities that one was indulging in right the moment.

What is it called when you are in a good mood?

The signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder skirts in between either mania or depression. So, if you are in an extremely good mood out of nowhere, chances are that the same could be a sign. Often referred to as hypomania, it is a condition in which the person showcases an extremely energetic and happy behaviour without losing their touch from reality.

Why is it important to keep an eye out for bipolar?

When it comes to the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder , the possibilities are quite extensive and one that you possible didn’t have any idea about. This is the reason why it is important to keep an eye out on the signs and symptoms to prevent the situation from getting worse than it already is.

How to treat bipolar disorder naturally?

Yet another one of the natural ways to treat bipolar disorder is with the usage of the St. John’s Wort. It is often used in a few parts around Europe to promote better mood management in individuals.

What is pressure speech?

Often termed as pressured speech, this is one of those conditions that can end up affecting one’s overall quality of life and is often one of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder. Read: 18 Ways to Boost and Improve Mental Health for a Better Life.

What is the primary factor that influences the condition of bipolar disorder?

Stress is often the primary factor that influences the condition of bipolar disorder even further. If you have been stress ed lately, it is best suggested to look out for ways to handle your stress without any kind of issues whatsoever.

Why is it important to unwind?

It is important to sometimes unwind because it not only helps in managing the stress but also does help in keeping your symptoms in check as well which is an added bonus. When it comes to the natural treatment for bipolar disorder, the options are quite extensive.

How to overcome bipolar symptoms?

A highly practical holistic treatment while overcoming bipolar symptoms is CBT. Your therapist can help you discover the things that trigger unwanted mood swings and working together, strategies can be developed to find relief. For example, altering certain behaviors during a manic or depressive state can help. CBT addresses negative thought patterns and views of one’s self and the world. As the name cognitive behavioral therapy suggests, there are two primary parts to CBT: Cognitive therapy helps change negative thoughts that contribute to emotional distress, and behavioral counseling helps change the way one acts to circumvent mood triggering situations.

How to treat bipolar disorder naturally?

Strategies in Natural Medicine for Bipolar include: 1 A clean, organic diet with adequate protein. 2 Increased exposure to sunlight and fresh air.* 3 Lab testing for toxic accumulations and removal of them, i.e., mercury, cadmium, lead, etc. 4 Counseling such as CBT, DBT, Life Coaching. 5 Correcting hypoglycemia through diet and supplements. 6 Avoid sugars, alcohol, caffeine, energy drinks, artificial sweeteners, food additives. 7 Avoid exposure to neurotoxins found in cleaning supplies, body products, carpeting, etc.**

What are the causes of bipolar disorder?

Genetic, environmental, and neurochemical factors likely contribute to the emergence and progression of bipolar symptoms. Stress is commonly blamed as a cause of mood swings, anxiety, and depression, but the source of stress and other similar problems is usually physical in nature.

What are some natural remedies for bipolar disorder?

Strategies in Natural Medicine for Bipolar include: A clean, organic diet with adequate protein. Increased exposure to sunlight and fresh air.*. Lab testing for toxic accumulations and removal of them, i.e., mercury, cadmium, lead, etc. Counseling such as CBT, DBT, Life Coaching.

How do I know if I have bipolar disorder?

One of the difficulties with bipolar disorder is that those struggling with the disorder are usually unaware of the seriousness and disturbance caused by their sporadic mood states. 1 In the throes of a manic mood, the person is often convinced that absolutely nothing is abnormal about their behavior, and sometimes that may even declare that they’ve never felt better. Because of this, it is common that friends, family, or medical professionals who observe a problem might recommend professional treatment. When left untreated, the effects of bipolar symptoms can be incredibly disturbing and even dangerous. 2,3 Don’t delay your desire to receive natural medicine for bipolar. We use scientifically proven, drug-free approaches to stabilize brain function.

What are the physical symptoms of stress?

Hypoglycemia includes a range of emotional and mental symptoms such as anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, depression, irritability, violent outbursts, inability to concentrate, and mood swings.

What is the difference between cognitive behavioral therapy and behavioral counseling?

As the name cognitive behavioral therapy suggests, there are two primary parts to CBT: Cognitive therapy helps change negative thoughts that contribute to emotional distress, and behavioral counseling helps change the way one acts to circumvent mood triggering situations.

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Sleep

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Bipolar disorder can disrupt a person’s sleep. During a manic phase, an individual may sleep very little, but during a low phase, they may sleep for a long time. Missing sleep can trigger a mood change, and getting enough sleep is essential to managing mood. Good sleep hygiene can encourage people with the condition to …
See more on medicalnewstoday.com

Diet

  • A healthful diet is an important lifestyle habit for a person with bipolar disorder. A 2011 study found that up to 68 percentTrusted Source of people seeking treatment for bipolar disorder have excess weight or obesity. People with bipolar disorder also had a higher risk of various other conditions, including diabetes, low bone density, and cardiovascular disease. A healthful diet ca…
See more on medicalnewstoday.com

Exercise

  • Moderate and regular exercise can help to balance mood and prevent a number of health problems, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. There is a lack of evidence to show that physical activity can specifically help people with bipolar disorder, but some research suggests it may help to improve mood during a low phase. A 2015 reviewTrusted Sou...
See more on medicalnewstoday.com

Practicing Moderation

  • People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of engaging in addictive behaviors. One study found that 56 percent of people with the condition had at some time experienced addictioninvolving either alcohol or drugs. Certain circuits in the brain play a role in pursuing rewarding experiences. One study has suggested that people with bipolar disorder have stronge…
See more on medicalnewstoday.com

Managing A Manic Episode

  • It is not always possible to prevent a manic episode, but as the condition progresses, the individual and their friends and family may start to notice the signs of a mood change. Here are some tips when this happens: 1. See a doctor, if it is the first time, if you have discontinued treatment, or if treatment is not working. 2. Follow the treatment plan and keep all medical appoi…
See more on medicalnewstoday.com

Sleep

Image
Bipolar disorder can disrupt a person’s sleep. During a manic phase, an individual may sleep very little, but during a low phase, they may sleep for a long time. Missing sleep can trigger a mood change, and getting enough sleep is essential to managing mood. Good sleep hygiene can encourage people with the condition to …
See more on valleyoaks.org

Diet

  • A healthful diet is an important lifestyle habit for a person with bipolar disorder. A 2011 study found that up to 68 percentTrusted Source of people seeking treatment for bipolar disorder have excess weight or obesity. People with bipolar disorder also had a higher risk of various other conditions, including diabetes, low bone density, and cardiovascular disease. A healthful diet ca…
See more on valleyoaks.org

Exercise

  • Moderate and regular exercise can help to balance mood and prevent a number of health problems, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. There is a lack of evidence to show that physical activity can specifically help people with bipolar disorder, but some research suggests it may help to improve mood during a low phase. A 2015 reviewTrusted Sou...
See more on valleyoaks.org

Practicing Moderation

  • People with bipolar disorder have a higher risk of engaging in addictive behaviors. One study found that 56 percent of people with the condition had at some time experienced addiction involving either alcohol or drugs. Certain circuits in the brain play a role in pursuing rewarding experiences. One study has suggested that people with bipolar disorder hav…
See more on valleyoaks.org

Managing A Manic Episode

  • It is not always possible to prevent a manic episode, but as the condition progresses, the individual and their friends and family may start to notice the signs of a mood change. Here are some tips when this happens: 1. See a doctor, if it is the first time, if you have discontinued treatment, or if treatment is not working. 2. Follow the treatment plan and keep all medical appoi…
See more on valleyoaks.org

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