Home remedies for bipolar disease present a unique opportunity for a person to take control of their health and properly manage a mental health condition without pharmaceutical drugs and without risky side effects. Understanding what this ailment is knowing what causes it and recognizing its symptoms helps in using home remedies for bipolar disease and is the first step in a natural treatment.
Bipolar Disease Definition
Also commonly referred to as bipolar disorder, bipolar disease is a treatable mental health condition. Characterized by opposing mood changes, which range from exuberance to depression, bipolar disease typically has a negative effect on the life of a person stricken with it if it remains untreated.
Bipolar Disease Causes
The cause of bipolar disease is largely unknown. Research suggests that it may not be a single factor, but multiple factors that contribute to its development, such as nutritional deficiencies, hereditary traits, or neurological irregularities.
Bipolar Disease Symptoms
Symptoms of bipolar disease may include, but are not limited to:
- Rapid mood swings
- Excitement or extreme joy for no apparent reason
- Depression or extreme sadness for no apparent reason
- Sleep irregularities
It is not uncommon for people with bipolar disease to function normally for long periods of time and exhibit normal behavior before rapidly shifting to either a manic or depressive state. In some cases, the depressed state may be so severe that it may include suicidal tendencies or attempts.
People with bipolar disorder will often feel as though their feelings and behaviors are uncontrollable. With natural cures and home remedies for bipolar disease, however, many are able to overcome their feelings of no control and, once again, effectively manage their good health.
Home Remedies for Bipolar Disease
It is important to note that the majority of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder will require medication prescribed by thier physician. The home remedies listed below are for complementary treatments and are to be discussed with your prescribing physician prior to trying any specific treatments.
Home remedies for bipolar disease include:
- Increased consumption of foods or supplements containing Omega-3 fatty acids
- Increasing folic acid and B12 to stimulate increased serotonin levels
- Increasing S-adenosylmethionine, also known as SAMe (an amino acid that helps in manipulating serotonin levels)
- L-tryptophan amino acid supplementation
- Increasing vitamin C consumption in foods or by supplementation
Other natural remedies for bipolar disease include a change in lifestyle. Persons with this disease should practice a daily exercise plan, including yoga or tai chi. Also, acupuncture, massage therapy and daily meditation helps in alleviating symptoms. Group counseling and spiritual counseling are also effective home remedies for bipolar disease.
It is not uncommon for people with bipolar disease to turn to illegal drugs or alcohol in an attempt to manipulate or soothe their moods. However, this practice typically exacerbates their issues and increases the likelihood of an addiction, as well as can have other negative side effects commonly associated with long-term drug use. Therefore, drugs and alcohol should be strongly avoided and safe, effective home remedies for bipolar disease used instead.
Some specific food and herbal remedies for bipolar disease are:
- Ashwagandha
- Black cohosh
- Gingko biloba
- Damiana
Although St. John’s Wort is commonly used in the treatment of depression, it can cause manic episodes in those with bipolar disease and should especially be avoided if a person is also taking a prescribed medication, as St. John’s Wort may not interact well with pharmaceutical drugs.
For people who suffer from bipolar disease, gaining an education on the condition and investigating all possible remedies helps in making the right choice for that individual. Home remedies for bipolar disease have been extremely helpful to some in reducing its symptoms and is one of the best treatments that is available to everyone.
