Natural Treatments for Bipolar in Children

Food Intolerances

• Bipolar children may be extremely sensitive to flavors, colors and preservatives added to food. Making meals at home from scratch is the best way to avoid these substances. Some chemicals, salicylates and amines, are also present in "healthy" foods, especially fruits that are harvested early and shipped long distances, so buying locally and in season reduces exposure. Using concentrated forms of fruits can also increase levels of salicylates, associated with silly behavior, and amines, associated with irritable, or "mean," behavior. Red meats, chocolate and cheeses also contain amines. A Cardiff University study found that children who ate chocolate every day were more likely to commit violent crimes as adults. Chemical sensitivity is cumulative and dose-dependent but wears off over time if exposure is limited.

  Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, is also associated with mental illness and mood disorders. Children who are sensitive to gluten, a substance contained in wheat, barley and rye, may also be sensitive to casein, or milk protein. A strict gluten-free and casein-free diet has helped some bipolar children. It may be possible to add dairy products back in after several months, but gluten intolerance is permanent.

Supplements

• The philosophy of most mental health professionals who prescribe medications to treat bipolar disorder in children is to "start low and go slow," to minimize side effects and tolerance to drugs. Using natural supplements whenever possible is in line with this philosophy.

  Lithate, or lithium asparate, is an alkaline mineral available without a prescription. It is said to be ten times as potent as the prescription drug Lithium, so it can be given in lower doses without risking toxic side effects. An initial dose of 5mg daily can be increased from once a day up to four times a day over two weeks until moods stabilize. Higher doses should be used only under the supervision of a health care professional. Do not restrict salt intake while using this supplement. Lithium occurs naturally in tobacco, sugarcane, seaweed, and French mineral waters such as Lithee and Perrier.

  A balanced B complex vitamin has lithium-like effects for many bipolar children. Getting all the B vitamins in sufficient quantity is important for stable moods. Children's formulas are available; follow manufacturer's directions.

  Tryptophan is an amino acid helpful in treating depression and also for calming manic episodes. It also helps alleviate stress. Taken with 10mg to 25mg of vitamin B6 regularly, 1g to 4g of tryptophan can provide mood balance and works well with Lithate. 5-HTP is an alternative to tryptophan; the dose is 100mg once or twice a day for children.

  Essential fatty acids can be found in foods such as eggs, coconut oil, fish, soy, flax seeds, hemp seeds and sunflower seeds or obtained in supplement form. They build and maintain brain function.

  Chamomile and passionflower teas, as well as the minerals zinc and magnesium, are calming and can induce sleep. Zinc lozenges and milk of magnesia are two safe sources that can be given to children. Be sure to use products that are free of colors and flavors. Epsom salts baths are another way to use the calming power of magnesium.