by Vikki McMahon

Created on: March 19, 2009

The cause of Bipolar disorder is uncertain but it seems to occur when there is an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that regulate mood. It is characterized by severe mood fluctuations, ranging from the abyss of depression to the heights of elation. There are many medications on the market that can successfully treat bipolar disorder. However, natural remedies are gaining favor as more scientific research is proving their effectiveness.

Essential Fatty Acids

Fatty acids, such as Omega 3's, are invaluable to boosting brain health. There is found to be a higher incidence of depression and bipolar disorder in those who are lacking the proper amount of fatty acids in their diet. The brain then has a hard time manufacturing the correct amounts of serotonin and dopamine, an imbalance which causes the disorder. To get the most impact from what you eat, you can find the highest concentration of fatty acids in fish, walnuts, leafy greens, and flaxseed.

Minerals

Many vitamin and mineral deficiencies are found in patients suffering from bipolar disorder. Zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, B6, B12, and selenium all contain brain protective properties. Balancing the levels of these vitamins and minerals is a key factor in controlling the effects of bipolar disorder.

Homeopathic Remedies

Calming herbs such as lavender and Passiflora incarnate have long been known to have a soothing effect on the nervous system, which in turn balances the mood swings particular to bipolar disorder. These herbs will not interfere with other medications. This is important for patients who are trying a combination of natural and pharmaceutical remedies for bipolar disorder.

Amino Acids

Adding amino acids to your diet is another natural way to combat bipolar disorder. The balance of amino acids in the body is key to maintaining a mood balance. Taurine, for example, acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter to balance mood and stabilize manic episodes.

Exercise

Not only is it beneficial physically, exercise also has a profound effect on mood. It naturally increases serotonin levels that relieve depression and anxiety symptoms. Exercise can also regulate sleeping and eating patterns which brings balance to the body's cognitive rhythms.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps patients to recognize negative thought patterns and to redirect them. Patients learn to identify manic episodes in order to control them more efficiently. They also learn to replace depressed thinking with more positive thought patterns.

Natural therapies have made great strides alongside medical breakthroughs, giving patients a larger arsenal in which to combat bipolar disorder. The disease is now manageable with the correct combination of therapies and medications, giving hope to millions of people diagnosed with some degree of the disorder.

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