Healing for Bipolar-Cherie Colburn

Healing for Bipolar Biopolar is in the news.  Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are separating, citing very stressful recent years with her battling bipolar and Michael fighting throat cancer. Many people have contacted me about this mood disorder wondering if there is anything natural that can help. Take heart; there is a lot you can do. It is important to self-manage mood swings with healthy lifestyle habits. Certain foods and dietary supplements may play a key role in helping -- or hindering -- this condition. Here’s what you can do: Juice vegetables and drink green smoothies. Vegetables are rich in nutrients that help stabilize the body and prevent mood swings associated with bipolar.  Juices are particularly well broken down so that the body can easily metabolize the nutrients. The brain is one of the organs that is particularly sensitive to free-radical damage and oxidative stress. It is very important to include plenty of antioxidants in your diet to protect your brain. Juicing is one of the best ways you can accomplish that. There are a number of studies showing that fresh juice helps to improve brain function. Fish oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which can help in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Those suffering from bipolar depression need to consume it daily. Fish oil improves brain function and helps to overcome depression associated with bipolar disorder. At the same time it will also decrease the incidence of manic episodes. So, it is essential to regularly eat fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon, herring and trout, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can also take cod liver oil.  Licorice.  This is one of the herbs that can be used in the treatment of various symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. It promotes the production of hormones including the active hormones present in the brain and digestive tract. Those suffering from bipolar disorder should drink  tea made from licorice powder and steep it in hot water for ten minutes; this will help with depression.  Amino acids.  If your brain chemistry is out of balance, amino acids can help.  I’ve worked with a number of people that have controlled their biopolar with vegetable juicing, dietary changes (noted here), and the amino acid program.  To find out if your brain chemistry is imbalanced, go to www.neurogistics.com.  Take the Brain Wellness Quiz and order the urinalysis test. Foods to Avoid When you’re feeling a bit wired, avoid foods containing caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and processed ingredients. Caffeine is a stimulant that can produce a jittery feeling that might ramp up your anxiety. You might think alcohol will take the edge off your mania, but as your body breaks down the chemicals, anxiety and edginess are likely to return. Alcohol can cause dehydration, which also can affect your mood. Sugar contributes to blood sugar highs and lows, which can affect mood. Processed foods may contain chemicals that contribute to mood swings. Gluten, dairy, and soy are foods that many people are sensitive to.  Food sensitivities can cause mood swings and alter brain function.

Recipe of the Week Happy-Mood Morning Fennel juice has been used as a traditional tonic to help the body release endorphins, the “feel-good” peptides, from the brain into the bloodstream. Endorphins help to diminish anxiety and fear, and they generate a mood of euphoria. 1/2 apple (green is lower in sugar) 4–5 carrots, well scrubbed, green tops removed, ends trimmed 3 fennel stalks with leaves and flowers 1/2 cucumber, peeled if not organic 1 handful of spinach 1-inch-chunk ginger root Cut produce to fit your juicer’s feed tube. Juice apple first and follow with other ingredients. Stir and pour into a glass; drink as soon as possible. Serves 1–2. From The Juice Lady’s Big Book of Juices and Green Smoothies