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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 9, 2010, at 10:13:48
What I am focusing on for my bipolar depression/schizophrenia is mainly antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This includes vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium, fish oil and borage oil. For some people, borage oil might not be needed, but in my case, I seem to need a little of the omega-3s and a little of the omega-6s. Magnesium and Calcium may also be necessary, taken at bedtime, if sleep is a problem. Two of the B vitamins that have helped me are B1 and B6.
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 17, 2010, at 21:08:17
In reply to EFAs and antioxidants Schizophrenia, posted by Lao Tzu on August 9, 2010, at 10:13:48
Finding out the dosage of vitamin E and vitamin C may take trial and error. For me, I take 200IU vitamin E in the morning and 400IU at bedtime. I only take 500mg of calcium ascorbate (buffered vitamin C) in the morning. Some people may need more Vitamin C than that. It really depends on what you can tolerate.
I find that a good dosage of selenium to start off with is 50mcg of selenium yeast, at least during the daytime. I take an additional 50mcg at bedtime for a little extra protection. Taking too much selenium during the day may give you adverse effects, so it might be a good idea to just start out with 50mcg and then work up to higher dosages if needed.
I'm on the lookout for better antioxidants that I can tolerate to add to my regimen. So far, I haven't found too many that I like. I tried Alpha Lipoic Acid and found some relief initially, then later found that it was making me feel tired. Yuck!! I am already a low-energy depressive.
I'm putting more stock into finding herbs with antioxidant properties. I found that cinnamon and ginger both help me, and they both have antioxidant properties. There are other herbs out there with antioxidant properties. I just haven't discovered them yet.Lao
Posted by morgan miller on August 17, 2010, at 21:59:46
In reply to Re: EFAs and antioxidants Schizophrenia, posted by Lao Tzu on August 17, 2010, at 21:08:17
How about turmeric/curcumin and rosemary? They are both good for brain health.
What do you think about ayuverdic herbs like ashwagandha? I know it acts as a potent antioxidant.
I bet some of the chinese herbs are powerful antioxidants.
I know the medicinal mushrooms act as antioxidants.
Many of these herbs and mushrooms boost things like glutathione(liver health and energy) and superoxidase dismutase/catalase(brain health and energy). I'm sure you will soon find that many of these herbs and mushrooms not only help with depression, anxiety and mood, but they are also very good for health and longevity.
I love that you are exploring the therapeutic value of vitamins, minerals, and herbs in mental health. I think it's great. I wish we had the money, we could start our own mental health and wellness supplement company. How much fun would that be?!
Morgan
Posted by morgan miller on August 17, 2010, at 22:02:04
In reply to Re: EFAs and antioxidants Schizophrenia, posted by morgan miller on August 17, 2010, at 21:59:46
Forgot to mention that both turmeric/curcumin and ashwagandha have fairly powerful effects on neurotransmitters and can be beneficial for treating depression(more turmeric) and anxiety(more ashwagandha).
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 19, 2010, at 20:01:54
In reply to Re: EFAs and antioxidants Schizophrenia, posted by Lao Tzu on August 17, 2010, at 21:08:17
hey. I've been getting more interested in orthomolecular psychiatry lately. I take Abilify. Right now, I'm on a juice fast, so I stopped taking most of my vitamins. I do, however, still take 6 grams of niacinamide daily. I think we have similar problems, so I thought I'd recommend you maybe try niacinamide. Its apparently a good antioxidant (its even being used in anti-wrinkle creams, lol) and it has some sort of benzo-esque tranquilizing properties that I find quite helpful, at least in combination with the Abilify. Some alternative docs have used it in vitamin programs to prevent and treat TD (along with other vitamins).
Do you take meds, or are you going for an all-natural treatment program?
I noticed that you divide up your vitamin e into 2 doses. Should I do the same? I usually just pop the full amount in the AM and leave it at that...is that wrong?
Posted by morgan miller on August 19, 2010, at 22:53:07
In reply to maybe try niacinamide?, posted by Christ_empowered on August 19, 2010, at 20:01:54
Christ empowered, do you take fish oil?
I take regular niacin(nicotinic acid) and get the flush. Niacin is great for cholesterol. I do think niacin is good for the brain since it increases blood flow and improves circulation.
Posted by Christ_empowered on August 19, 2010, at 23:14:41
In reply to Re: maybe try niacinamide? » Christ_empowered, posted by morgan miller on August 19, 2010, at 22:53:07
No, I don't take any fish oil. Should I? I did for a brief while, but there were so many pills to take, so many different brands...I just didn't know what to do. Plus, I didn't seem to be getting any quick benefits; one reason I've stuck with the niacinamide is that it provides relatively fast anxiety reduction (plus helps my rosacea) and its cheap.
Posted by morgan miller on August 20, 2010, at 1:26:34
In reply to Re: maybe try niacinamide?, posted by Christ_empowered on August 19, 2010, at 23:14:41
I think taking fish oil not only helps the mind work better but also helps medications work better on the mind.
I would try fish oil again. Even if you don't notice a significant mental health benefit, there are just too many other health benefits that make taking fish oil worth while-anti-inflammatory, eye health, neuroprotection, heart health, and healthy cholesterol levels.
It may take some experimenting with dosage and EPA to DHA ratios in order to find a therapeutic benefit from fish oil.
Morgan
Posted by Lao Tzu on August 23, 2010, at 15:18:36
In reply to Re: maybe try niacinamide? » Christ_empowered, posted by morgan miller on August 20, 2010, at 1:26:34
I agree with Morgan on the fish oil. Even a small dosage can help. Some people also need omega-6s in addition to the fish oil, but not everybody needs the omega-6s.
In answer to your question, I have tried niacinamide, but unfortunately, it doesn't work for me. In fact, I stay away from any form of vitamin B3. I just can't tolerate it.
I am also on medication. A heavy dose of Risperdal for psychosis, Zoloft for depression, and Lamictal for mood stability. I find, however, that adding the vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, and a couple herbs helps tremendously above and beyond what the meds do. Don't get me wrong. I wouldn't be where I am without the medication, but the supplements just make me feel a whole lot better.
I am a believer in combining supplements with medication, and I have done it successfully so far over the past 4 years since I started the Risperdal. I would say that my psychosis and depression are so much better than they were a few years ago. It's much more manageable.
I'm glad the niacinamide works for you. It does wonders for some people. Unfortunately, I always felt worse on either high dose Niacin or niacinamide. I don't know why exactly. Everyone told me it was great, but I never got the feeling it was for me.
As far as the B vitamins go, I actually do much better on B1, B2, and B6. If you have psychosis, B1 and B6 would definitely be beneficial, and perhaps B12, if you tend to be deficient.
How is the juice fast working for you?
Thanks for your post.
Lao
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