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Vitamins that benefit people with schizophrenia or bipolar: For some who suffer depression, anxiety disorder, or symptoms of schizophrenia, vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or low vitamin D may be an influencing factor. In several studies, scientists have noted profound results when patients of behavioral health disorders such as bipolar, clinical depression, or schizophrenia were supplemented with vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
People diagnosed with bipolar disorder alternate between feelings of extreme depression (sadness) and episodes of mania (manic excitement). Scientists are unsure as to the exact cause of bipolar depression, but health experts recommend the following actions for optimum cognitive health benefits:
Visit your doctor and request a vitamin B12 deficiency screening. In a case report reference in PubMed, vitamin B12 deficiency in one patient was spotted as an influencing factor for mood disorders. Patients showing symptoms such as mania, severe depression, delusion, dementia and mood swings benefited greatly following one week’s supplementation of vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).
Increase your intake of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, for optimum brain functioning. Include at least two fish meals every week, use oils with Omega-3 for cooking, and supplement with flax seed oil or fish oil capsules.
Always monitor your blood sugar levels. Consuming large amounts of sugar at one time causes a spike in blood sugar that has a direct effect on your mood. For some people, this effect manifests itself in severe emotional highs and low that may simulate symptoms of manic-depressive disorder.
Take magnesium supplements, which relaxes the muscles and promotes a peaceful state of mind. Additionally, scientists have noted a high incidence of magnesium deficiency in patients suffering depression and anxiety.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia patients experience symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorientation, emotional apathy, difficulty concentrating, and problems remembering things. A series of psychiatric tests are required in order to diagnose schizophrenia, but scientific studies have noted a high incidence of vitamin deficiencies.
Vitamin B12 deficiency creates symptoms similar to those found in mental disorders such as schizophrenia- mood swings, paranoia, disorientation, memory loss, hallucinations, and depression occur among people with severe vitamin B12 deficiency and schizophrenia, as well.
Vitamin D deficiency- According to the Vitamin D Council, vitamin D supplementation sustains a balanced mood, reduces stress, and benefits your body’s response to anti-psychotic medications.
Zinc and vitamin B6supplements were the focus of a study on pyroluria, a condition that affects half of all schizophrenics. Pyroluria causes learning disorders, feelings of apathy, chronic fatigue, and hyperactivity. In the study, patients benefited dramatically when given supplements of vitamin B6 and zinc.
Vitamins that benefit people with schizophrenia or bipolar: For some who suffer depression, anxiety disorder, or symptoms of schizophrenia, vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or low vitamin D may be an influencing factor. In several studies, scientists have noted profound results when patients of behavioral health disorders such as bipolar, clinical depression, or schizophrenia were supplemented with vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Depression
People diagnosed with severe depression experience deep feelings of sadness, isolation, helplessness, and despair, in addition to difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and bodily aches.
Vitamin B12 deficiency- One of the symptoms of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency is depression. For that reason, people with low B12 levels are sometimes misdiagnosed with severe depressive disorder, and given antidepressants as the sole treatment, when they would benefit greatly from vitamin B12 supplements, as well. One quick blood test will determine if you have vitamin B12 deficiency. Following routine vitamin B12 supplementation, most patients start to see a decrease in deficiency symptoms, and notice an increase in stamina, mental focus, and overall sense of well-being.
Zinc Deficiency, as reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, occurs often among people with ADHD and depression. Zinc is essential for healthy nerves, mood, and cognitive functioning. According to the US RDA, adults need approximately 8-11 milligrams of zinc each day. Zinc occurs naturally in meat, shellfish, and whole grains.
Vitamin D deficiency in linked with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that causes feelings of deep depression. This explains why many people become more depressed in the winter, as daylight hours decrease and natural exposure to vitamin D in sunlight plummets. Also, among cultures that necessitate the wearing of full-body coverings, increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and depression have been observed. For treatment of vitamin defiency, ask your physician for a blood test, and request vitamin D supplements.
Anxiety disorder
People diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder experience symptoms such as nervous or obsessive thoughts, heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and panic caused by adrenaline release. Antidepressants are helpful in most cases, but doctors have also noticed benefit with vitamin supplementation.
Vitamin B complex; vitamin B deficiency occurs with excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and caffeine, consumption of which increase with high stress levels. It is crucial end (or at least limit) your exposure to harmful chemicals, such as nicotine and alcohol. Also, taking regular vitamin B complex supplements is helpful for maintaining a healthy nervous system and promoting feelings of well-being.
Vitamin B12 deficiency also creates feelings of anxiety in its sufferers. There is no upper limit for vitamin B12, so if you experience any symptoms of vitamin deficiency, you may begin taking over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin B12 immediately without prescription.
