Lithium Atomic Structure
For hundreds of years people have been taking advantage of the healing powers of the mineral springs in Saratoga, NY. When consumed, a feeling of well-being is realized along with the healing of one’s body. We now know that the feeling of well-being is derived from the natural Lithium present in the water. We also know that in areas where there is a higher concentration of natural Lithium in the drinking water, reduction in the rates of suicide and mood disorders are clinically significant. When we think of Lithium in terms of health the first thing that comes to mind is its role in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder (BPD). Although the large doses of Lithium Carbonate prescribed are useful in the treatment of BPD, it can have some unwanted and even dangerous side effects. The most well know side effect of prescription Lithium is its negative effect on Thyroid function. It is the main reason why people using Lithium Carbonate tend to gain weight. While this may be true for pharmacological doses of Lithium, physiological doses (amounts supplied naturally in small quantities) do not have this unwanted effect. Lithium benefits the Nervous System and Brain by stabilizing cell membranes and protecting neurons from certain toxins. In my opinion, Lithium does such a good job at protecting the Brain that anyone with a family history of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkison’s Disease or Dementia should consider supplementing with this mineral. Supplementation should begin well in advance of the development of any symptoms as prevention is preferred to intervention.
Lithium’s Positive Effects on Traumatic Brain Injury
Lithium has such positive impacts on Brain health that it is being studied as a treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). You can read the entire NIH article here. I believe that we have only begun to discover the amazing healing powers of this mineral.
According to our government, Lithium is not an “official” micronutrient and so a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) has not been set. However, I think this is soon to change and will eventually be a part of every multivitamin. Consider this brief excerpt from the NIH: “Lithium compounds have been widely used in psychopharmacology, particularly in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Their normothymic and neuroprotective properties when used at high doses have been well established. However, a number of observations suggest that environmentally relevant lithium doses may also exert beneficial health effects, leading to a decrease in the rate of suicides and levels of violence. Despite the fact that this element is not officially considered to be a micronutrient, some authors have suggested provisional recommended intakes set at 1000 μg/day for a 70-kg adult (14.3 μg/kg body weight). The present paper reviews the biological action of lithium, its bioavailability and metabolism, and content in different foodstuffs and water. It also assesses epidemiological data on potential correlations between lithium intake and suicide rate as well as examines the concept of fortifying food with this element as a strategy in the primary prevention of mood disorders and pre-suicidal syndrome.”
How Lithium Supports Health
The Health Benefits of Lithium:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May help to prevent Heart Attack. Epidemiological demonstrate that that populations with the highest amount of naturally occurring Lithium in their drinking water have the lowest incidence of Heart Attacks.
• Can minimize Brain damage that occurs subsequent to Ischemic Stroke.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• May help to prevent both Duodenal and Gastric Ulcers. Epidemiological demonstrate that that populations with the highest amount of naturally occurring Lithium in their drinking water have the lowest incidence of Duodenal and Gastric Ulcers.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May help to prevent certain types of Cancer.
• Oral supplementation can reduce the number of Herpes Simplex outbreaks, shorten their duration and reduce symptom severity. Likewise, the topical application of Lithium Succinate ointment helps accelerate the healing of both Type 1 and Type 2 Herpes Simplex lesions.
• Applied topically as Lithium Succinate cream for four weeks may alleviate Genital Warts.
• May enhance Immune System function.
• Can help stimulate the production of Lymphocytes.
• Helps to stimulate Stem Cell activity.
• May depress Suppressor T-Cell activity.
• Helps increase the production of White Blood Cells in those with low WBC counts.
METABOLISM
• Tends to concentrate in the Thyroid Gland.
• May be useful in the treatment of Grave’s Disease.
• Hyperthyroidism may be attenuated with supplementation.
• May increase serum Parathyroid Hormone levels.
• May increase plasma Vasopressin levels.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• Concentrates in the Bones.
• Useful in the treatment of Fibromyalgia.
• May help to prevent and treat Gout. Studies have shown that those with the highest levels of Lithium in their drinking water have the lowest incidence of Gout.
• May prevent Rheumatism. Studies have shown that those with the highest levels of Lithium in their drinking water have the lowest incidence of Rheumatism.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Helps reduce Aggressiveness.
• Inhibits the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease by protecting Neurons from Amyloid-Beta Protein and Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 induced Cell death.
• May be useful in the treatment of Anorexia Nervosa.
• Sedates the Central Nervous System.
• Can prevent and treat Depression when Depression is caused by a defect in the Sodium Transport System.
• Can help treat Major Depressive Disorder.
• Alleviates the Mania associated with Manic Depression.
• May alleviate the pain associated with Cluster Headaches.
• Can improve Learning ability.
• Physiologic dosing can improve Memory while pharmacological dosing may impair Memory.
• Various Mental Ailments, especially Mood and Mood Disorders are helped by supplementation.
• Can alleviate the pain associated with Migraine.
• Helps facilitate the re-myelinization of Myelin Sheath.
• Due to its ability to stabilize Nerves, may alleviate Neuralgia.
• Stimulates the growth of Neurons.
• Facilitates the regeneration of damaged Neurons.
• May alleviate Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
• Helps increase the duration of Slow Wave Sleep (deep sleep).
• Protects NMDA Receptors from Glutamate Excitotoxicity.
• Helps promote production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF).
• Enhances synthesis of Acetylcholine.
• Helps stabilize the transmission of Serotonin throughout the Central Nervous System.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• Since Lithium concentrates in the Ovaries, it has been speculated that Female Infertility may occur during times of Lithium deficiency.
SKIN
• Applied topically as Lithium Succinate cream for four weeks may alleviate Genital Warts.
• Oral supplementation can reduce the number of Herpes Simplex outbreaks, shorten their duration and reduce symptom severity. Likewise, the topical application of Lithium Succinate ointment helps accelerate the healing of both Type 1 and Type 2 Herpes Simplex lesions.
TOXINS
• May inhibit the toxic effects of Kainic Acid.
• Inhibits Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3.
• Helps remove (chelate) Aluminum from the body.
• Inhibits the ability of Amyloid-Beta Protein to destroy Neurons.
• May reduce Alcohol cravings in Alcoholic patients.
USAGE
Lithium is very rapidly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. It requires no specific absorption process so it may be taken at any time. 70%-90% of ingested Lithium is absorbed via the Intestine, levels peaking anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours after administration. Lithium is slow to cross the Blood-Brain barrier so multiple doses will be needed in order to realize its effects.
When Lithium became available as a supplement many holistic and integrative practitioners put considerable effort into monitoring blood levels due to its possible effect on Thyroid function and potential for side effects. Over time it was realized that the physiologic doses being used posed no concern. It is only when Lithium is prescribed at pharmacologic doses that regular blood monitoring is required. The upper dosing limit for Lithium before testing may be required is somewhere between 20mg-30mg. If you have any kind of Thyroid issue, you may want to monitor Thyroid function a couple of times per year (which you should already be doing). Actual measurement of serum Lithium levels is generally not required unless one was to exceed 30mg daily or was experiencing side effects.
Lithium may be taken without regard to meals so long as you take it the same way every day as to ensure consistent results. In working with my clients, I have found the best results are obtained when Lithium is taken on an empty stomach. For those in otherwise good health wanting general brain protection and support, 5mg daily is sufficient. For those with Anxiety and or Insomnia, a daily dose of 10mg-15mg is usually adequate. Prophylactic use to prevent diseases of the Brain and to preserve cognitive function utilize doses in the 10mg-20mg range and depends on one’s age, risk factors, and lifestyle. For serious Depression or Mania doses of up to 30mg daily are often used. For dosages above 30mg daily consider working with a holistic professional as plasma levels and Thyroid function will need to be spot checked at the very least.
CAUTION:
Over the years Lithium has developed a poor reputation primarily due to physicians prescribing it in megadoses. Keep in mind that extremely large doses of this mineral can be fatal. Fortunately, the doses used in holistic medicine are 20-75 times less than any prescription dose. Studies have shown therapeutic effects even at these low physiological doses with no side effects. None the less, I would be derelict in my responsibility to you if I did not cover the side effects of excessive Lithium intake. Please keep in mind that these side effects would only come into play at pharmacological doses. If you take Lithium as a prescription drug, you will want to pay close attention to the following section.
When using Lithium as a prescription drug, blood levels must be closely monitored as there is a fine line between therapeutic and toxic levels. Blood Plasma levels of Lithium should be held as close to 0.7mg/100ml to avoid side effects. As levels approach 1.0mg/100ml the following side effects may occur:
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Edema
• Frequent Urination
• Excessive Thirst
• Lethargy
• Muscular Tics
• Speech Impairment
• Acne
• Even if you are not experiencing any side effects, Lithium can cause the depletion of Folic Acid, Inositol and Vitamin B12. When using Lithium, it is wise to supplement with these vitamins.
My Personal Recommendation:
Lithium Orotate Molecular Structure
My favorite form of Lithium for supplementation is Lithium Orotate. It is easily absorbable, may be taken without regard to meals and has been time tested and proven safe when used as directed.
Lithium Aspartate Molecular Structure
Lithium Aspartate is another highly absorbable form of Lithium. It may be taken without regard to meals although I prefer dosing on an empty stomach. There is some concern that the Aspartic Acid component of this form of Lithium may be too stimulating for some. However, if you have tried Lithium Orotate and were not satisfied with the results, this form may work better for you. If you are sensitive to excitotoxins such as Monosodium Glutamate you should avoid this form of Lithium.
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