This is a work on the internet written by Michael Ellsberg on what he did
to overcome Bipolar II illness. It's worth your reading and confirms what
I've talked about to you regarding the illness.

Please Google http://How I Overcame BipolarII.com (And Saved My Life) Go down the list of websites (about 4 until you see his article in Forbes magazine.)

He saw a New York Specialist in Orthomolecular medicine (after trying to work with a psychiatrist who prescibed lithium initially). The doctor did some
testing and advised him of what he had to do to overcome the illness.

It was a very simple diagnosis and one that he applied and relieved all the symptoms of bipolar II illness.

It really is worthy of your attention, and there's no way of knowing whether it might be beneficial for you, but it's good to know in case you want to think about what to do for yourself.

Good wishes,

Genetic

[BNLsMOM]

I am doing my own version of his challenge by eating as much raw vegan food as I can. I have been doing it for two weeks. The first week was great, complete with weight loss, but the second week I gave in to a lot of cravings, ate some cheese and sour cream in a bean burrito, and had a beer and a couple of cups of coffee (the article didn't mention decaf... I wonder if decaf messes with the blood sugar.). Not very vegan of me. I just made the connection after reading his article that last week's agitation may have been from my giving in to cravings. Today I am eating clean and I feel better. I tend to feel effects of good eating right away. Now, to ignore those darn cravings!

My blender is on the fritz so I ordered a new one. It should be here in 1 to 2 weeks.

That's wonderful that you see improvement so quickly, BNLsMOM.

I've read that decaffeinated drinks are just as bad as the caffeinated ones because
of the chemicals used in creating a caffeine-free drink. Scientists say there is still
an unknown chemical in decafeinated drinks that makes them harmful.

You just have to use your own good judgment about what works for you, though.

Glad you responded favorably; you may be the one person whom I've been writing for all this time on the forum!

Genetic

[BNLsMOM]

Originally Posted by genetic

That's wonderful that you see improvement so quickly, BNLsMOM.

I've read that decaffeinated drinks are just as bad as the caffeinated ones because
of the chemicals used in creating a caffeine-free drink. Scientists say there is still
an unknown chemical in decafeinated drinks that makes them harmful.

You just have to use your own good judgment about what works for you, though.

Glad you responded favorably; you may be the one person whom I've been writing for all this time on the forum!

Genetic

Darn it! I had a feeling about decaf being no good...

I am sure there are others on the forum who are interested in nutrition and MI. It is hard to commit to a program of no sugar, alcohol and coffee. White sugar, by design, is addictive, and not to belittle substance abuse programs, there are no treatment centers for sugar addiction. Not to mention, the brain needs glucose to function, so cravings for sweet foods are built in to our systems. Fruit and occassional other sweeteners such as agave nectar, or coconut nectar, and even raw honey should be enough if taken sparingly. (I know there is a debate among vegans about whether or not honey is a vegan food.)

I am very new to the raw vegan lifestyle, and I am lucky to have found some local resources to help me including a group to meet with and a raw cafe where I can get food. I have been interested in it for years and have some knowledge, but I am always happy to learn more.

It would be nice to go off my meds because of the side effects, and especially if the itching I have had is an allergic reaction to meds. I need a plan of action if I need to come off the meds, and nutrition is a big deal.

Thanks for posting the article. I wonder if you have posted it before, because I know I have read it in the past. Maybe I came across it on my own once when I was searching alternative treatments for bipolar.

The craving for sugar will cease about one week of no sugar at all. The craving may come back strong one or two days after that, but if you can avoid them someway, you're on your way to freedom from a very harmful product. I think
adding extra Vitamin C at the time is helpful in stopping the cravings, too.

The body can break down slow-acting carbohydrates (vegetables, potatoes,etc.) into all the glucose the brain needs.

Otherwise, it's mostly breaking the habit of caffeine first and then going after the
sugar cravings. One day, you'll feel the fog completely gone.

Those two are the ones most difficult to remove from the diet but the two that
are most beneficial when removed.

Did you see the article on the news today about wheat being really bad for us
in this country because of genetic alterations of the grain by the farming industry during the l970's?

It supposedly has gliadin in it which acts on opiate centers in the brain (that's what heroin does) and it causes addiction....I've known that grains were addictive for ages. Dr. William Davis (who gave the report) said that it had no relevance to gluten--which celiac patients can't use at all.

This is another thing that has come to the attention of the medical field. Apparently, in Dr. Davis' thinking, the omission of current wheat products could cause a transformation in this country with the overweight problem. I thought it was interesting. (He had no views on oats, barley, etc.--just wheat.)

Keep up the good work.

Genetic

[BNLsMOM]

That's interesting about the wheat. That could explain why it is used as such a comfort food for some people.

I'll just keep working toward my health

[Anika.]

Gentic, thanks for this post. I wasn't dx with bipolar II, but I don,t think that type of bipolar really matters here. I am always looking for more information on diet and bipolar.

It's funny, because my mom just mentioned dr.davis to me this morning on the telephone. She has eliminated caffeine, sugar, and wheat and has gotten off effexor with the help of her dr. She was on it for 8 years, for depression, not bipolar. She and I have both noticed drastic improvements in her mood, weight, vitality over the last few months.

I'm so glad you are sharing this with us here! I think it's important for us all to know, so thank you.

[LiveThroughThis]

Many years ago, I'd cut out caffeine and simple sugars completely. I had more energy, and lost a healthy amount of weight, and in a generally good state of mind. It did become easy to live without all of that stuff.

However, looking back, I see much of that time I was either hypomanic or towing the line---lots of the typical stuff. I did not get to the point where it severely affected my life. However, I was in my early twenties then, and my hormones have most likely changed since.

I'm all for cutting out caffeine (though I see no problem with some caffeine on occasion) and sugar--the simple sugars I'm trying to cut back heavily on, if not eliminate entirely. But with everything else I deal with currently, I can't focus on that as strongly as I'd like. Nor am I saying in any way not being on all of that caused my hypomania or that there is any correlation. I'm just saying at least in my experience--so far--it may ease some of the symptoms, but hasn't rid me of Bipolar entirely.

I will be looking into the article you posted, Genetic. I'm all for learning more about this.

Well, thank you, folks!

Live Through This, I think that caffeine is related most specifically to those of us who have a sensitivity to it. If you're not especially sensitive to it, I see no reason why a cup or two per day would be harmful.

But for those of us who are! Wow! It has to go to improve the stability of moods.

The reason is that, and I've posted this before--and you may see it at a website called http://DoctorYourself.com (go down the left-hand column 'til you see the article "caffeine allergy" by Ms. Ruth Whalen) caffeine is not eliminated from the body normally in people sensitive to it. It builds in the tissues and organs and is addictive. In addition, it produces a high at first and then causes a drop below normal feeling tone.

The author,Ms. Whalen, communicated with me via e-mail on her article and gave me permission to quote it, but it's too long for me to do that. You can log on to the website though and see what she has to say as a lab technician who has examined the brains of people who have had years of caffeine ingestion. (It affects the frontal lobes of the brain, as I recall.)

Well, have a good night, and we'll talk some more as we all try to get better and better from removal of sugar, caffeine, and now wheat! (By the way, chocolate bothers me more than coffee does--I have no idea why, just ultra sensitive to theobromine (close first cousin to caffeine), I guess.

I'll be with you all in trying to stop these things completely. (It's easier to do when others are working together.)

I will add that Dr. Kathleen Desmaissons, who has written extensively about diet changes for treating alcoholic patients says to "be gentle with yourself". Don't try to do too much at once. I'm all for that, but do let me know how your days go as you work on eliminating these diet problems. I'll let you know how I fare, too.

Take care.

Genetic

P.S. Dr. Desmaissons' first book was called "Potatoes, Not Prozac". Since then, she has produced at least one other, but I haven't read that one. She's really good on this subject and is the first woman to be awarded a PHD in nutrition for alcohol allergies.

[purpledaisy]

I couldn't get the link in the original post to work, so I Googled it.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaele...me-bipolar-ii/

Originally Posted by genetic

This is a work on the internet written by Michael Ellsberg on what he did
to overcome Bipolar II illness. It's worth your reading and confirms what
I've talked about to you regarding the illness.

Please Google http://How I Overcame BipolarII.com (And Saved My Life) Go down the list of websites (about 4 until you see his article in Forbes magazine.) Remember to Google this site.
He saw a New York Specialist in Orthomolecular medicine (after trying to work with a psychiatrist who prescibed lithium initially). The doctor did some
testing and advised him of what he had to do to overcome the illness.

It was a very simple diagnosis and one that he applied and relieved all the symptoms of bipolar II illness.

It really is worthy of your attention, and there's no way of knowing whether it might be beneficial for you, but it's good to know in case you want to think about what to do for yourself.

Good wishes,

Genetic

________________________________________

Originally Posted by purpledaisy

I couldn't get the link in the original post to work, so I Googled it.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/michaele...me-bipolar-ii/

__________________________________

Thanks, Purple Daisy.
Gen

[ellipsisdream]

I do think there is a link between what we put in our bodies and mental health. I do not know if I believe it is a cure all, but I do believe it can really help or really hurt us.

I was vegan for a couple of years and recently fell off of the wagon. My depressive episodes still happened (I am a rapid cycler), but they were not nearly as severe. Mania wise... I believe I was still hypomanic quite a bit of the time, but it was a more positive/productive and less agitated hypomania, if that makes sense.

Since I have fallen off of the wagon (about a year ago), I have had much more severe episodes in both directions. It seems we finally have a med regime that is helping, but I still struggle quite a bit.

I am in the process of transitioning back to vegan... although I believe fish will be the last thing to go. Who knows? I may keep the fish while continuing to eliminate all meat and dairy. I have not decided yet if I will go back to it completely.

I know I feel a lot better without sugar and refined carbs, as well. I have eliminated the sugar already- still working on the carbs- no pasta is a challenge for me.

Thanks for the awesome article!

Just a suggestion, Ellipsisdream,

Keep the fish in your diet, if you're willing. It's the fatty acids that are very helpful to brain tissue. I agree that removing sugar and refined carbohydrates will go a long way toward calming the emotions.

I'm not much of a raw vegetable eater, except for salad food. I am a big lover of steamed green vegetables, however.

Cutting out the grains is the one that is so difficult for me, even though I've read years ago that bipolar patients have a strong allergy to grains. I know someone who declares that grains give her a headache. Me, too.

Dr. William Davis has his best-seller in New York testifying about the poison of Gliadin in grains. I'm thinking strongly about giving them up, difficult as it's going to be.

Take care; keep us posted on how you get along.

I blew my diet today, ladies, with a tossed salad (drank water, though) by having an individual chicken pot pie. It's the bread again!

Will do better tomorrow; how did you all get along today?

Genetic

[BlueInanna]

i like the article, thanks Genetic. i'm trying to eliminate caffeine atm. it's really difficult because i have low energy. i think i have sluggish liver. and it has to change, i cannot keep trying to function like this. i have too much to do!

the sluggish liver symptoms seemed to start around when i started depression meds. i've got a lot of changes to make.

cutting out wheat makes sense. but bread is such a staple. i like oats and oatmeal, and other grains. flax is supposed to be very healthy, right?

Yes, Blue, flaxseed is good for the omega 3 fatty acids. My psychiatrist recommended it, but I chose to go with another one that is just as good and has probiotics in it, as well.

For the sluggish liver, try the lemon thing again! A fresh lemon squeezed into about a 7ounce glass of very cold water is very alkalizing for the body organs and tissues.

It's actually considered a detoxifer of the liver. You might have to take the lemon juice as one lemon at four-hour intervals, using, say two lemons per day, until you recapture your natural feel-well tone. Lemons always help me feel calm; about 2 is the maximum for relief for me.

Take care.

Genetic

[BNLsMOM]

Hello all,

I met with my raw group and the leader made us a delicious dinner and dessert. I can't wait to try the recipes myself. Yum.

I did well today, however I did have a cup of coffee. It's that darn Starbucks and their Salted Caramel Mocha. I had it with soy milk and no whip so at least it was vegan.

I will continue to improve.

I didn't hear from my Pdoc. She is actually a NP but it is easier to say pdoc because she does all my prescribing. If I don't hear from her tomorrow morning, I will call her again.

It sounds as if today, October 1st was a good day all-around for everyone posting.

So-oo-o glad to see you taking an interest and making the changes necessary to
keep your emotions steady and calm.

BNLsMOM, I see that you've talked to your husband about having another child.
Is this dieting you're doing giving you confidence in the strength to have another little one? Great for you, lady!!!

Has the itching eased up some for you?

See you all another day. I've a busy schedule this week but will stop in at least once each day to catch up on all your good habits!

My best thoughts to all,

Genetic

[BNLsMOM]

The itching is better, but not gone, so I still want to investigate that.

I think that my new eating habits are giving me the hope that I can regain my former physical health and have the third child I have always wanted. We're still in the very early talking stages. We haven't even bounced it off our T yet. We see him Saturday.

I'll also check this thread each day to see how people are doing.

[BlueInanna]

Thanks Genetic. And happy for you BNLs, inspiring to me, I'm interested in the raw foods. I made it through the day with no caffeine. And I'm ok, think I can do it again tomorrow, will try.

[Anika.]

Genetic,

When I cut out gluten it was pretty hard, the thing is, I don't use a lot of other grains either. When I first dropped gluten, I pretty much dropped all grains until I could figure out exactly what I was doing, and after that I just haven't felt the need to put much back.

I went through some very crazy whithdrawl symptoms for almost the first month. A lot of these symptoms were physical, and yes mental. But after I got passsed that point, I started to feel so good. But the craving for the most part just are not there anymore at all. Now when I see those products they do not have much appeal, when I look at them I see tiredness, fatique, general feeeling ill and it doesn't seem to tempting.

Anyways, just my experience with that, I got hard before it got better, but it did pass.

Anika, that's exactly what grains can do to us. They leave us with this dreadful fatigue, headache (in some cases), mucus buildup, and allergic reactions in those who are really sensitive to it.

You may remember that I posted much earlier about having read in a book that a doctor said that bipolar patients have a severe allergy to grains. I've never quite forgotten that and think that he may have been right in his evaluation. We'll see as we all
feel better trying to remove it from our diets. I wonder if you
had special things that you did that helped you to keep the
omission of breads going for you until the cravings stopped?
(Also, my allergist told me once that the foods that we are addicted to are the ones we are most likely allergic to.)

I know it's hard to give it up. I did it once and felt great, but fell back into bad habits and have never really stopped. I'm going to give it my best effort this time. Dr. William Davis' book is one I plan to pick up this week and try to read if I can find the time to get over to Barnes & Noble book store.

Have you found it necessary to give up caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, etc? Usually, that's difficult, too, for several weeks.

The really big one, I think, for us all to watch is going to be cutting out sugar completely. That is so addictive and so much like breaking a smoking habit which was the hardest thing I ever tried to break...but did successfully conquer that one after about 3 tries. (Reading the 1963 Attorney General's Report on what smoking does to the system prompted me to stop it.)

Thanks so much for sharing.

Genetic

[Anika.]

Well, I added a really good protein shake that is gluten and dairy free called vega. That helped with my cravings a lot. I do have celiacs, so going off gluten wasn't much of a choice if I wanted to get better. I had symptoms of migraines, bone and joint pain ( some days I could barely walk or brush my hair ) , gasrointestinal problems, bathroom regulation, severe abdominal distention, brittle nails and hair, vitamin dificiancies in b and k. Oh boy seriously the list of symptoms is huge. When I when off gluten every single symptom disappeared.

Even tho I had taken up yoga and a lot of other lifestyle changes which did help stabilize me mentally, it wasn't until I had the gluten out of my system that I stopped having bp symptoms. Twice when I have ingested gluten the bipolar symptoms.returned almost immediatly, like the next day, agitated mania, followed by some down time. Once the gluten was gone from my system again, which is not immediate the bp symptoms disappeared quickly. So for me I have an obvious connection to that.

I still have caffeine but I have been working on cutting it back, I don't drink tea as always get heartburn from it. Most chocolate in the store has gluten in it, well and dairy. There is some you can get but I don't bother with it. I don't have very much refined sugar in my diet since I mostly only eat whole foods, I just stick to my veggies, fruit, fresh meat when I have it, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes, once in a while I will have so me quinoa or volcano or jade rice, maybe once a month. Gluten can be found in almost any food on the shelf that is processed, even our toothpaste, so I just stay away from that stuff, which because I am not a cook was hard. But it has helped me change me eating habits so much.

There is some research on gluten and schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar. Some psychiatrists also believe that add, autism, bipolar, shizoaffective, and shcizophrenia is a spectrum. Which kind of does make sense. Gluten free diets are already used to help treat autism with a lot of success, and schizophrenia.. Gf diet is being used there also.

I read a study that showed that about half of the bipolar patients studied had the genes that predispose you to celiacs. Even if someone does not have celiacs, there is still gluten intolerance ( like allergy ). Gluten intolerance will not be picked up by blood tests for celiac. With our newer " super gluten " grains in the west this is fast becoming a problem for many. I do wonder about all grains tho.

I can find some articles is you would like. I think that is very true of allergies, which I have a lot of. Your autoimmune system is so much at play, like autoimmune disorders or disease they reak so much havoc on the body and mind.

Now, if I can get through the caffine cravings, that one is my problem area. Do you have any tips for that ?

[Anika.]

Oh, I know that peptides from gluten and bovine caesin both react with opiod receptors mimicking the effects of opiate drugs. When you remove these from your body, that is what creates the heavy opiate like withdrawal symptoms.

I am not sure about caffeine and sugar, as I never really looked into it, similar cause of withdrawal maybe?

But you can see why then the withdrawal from grains can be so strong.

[Anika.]

Oh one more thing I think is important to know, I know im writing a novel here.

With gluten intorllerance, and with celiac, people do not all present with the same symptoms, some people with celiacs don present any symptoms either, and some not until so much damage has been done to the intestines and villi, so even if one does not have all the stomach pain and discomfort, but some other unanswered symptoms it is worth checking out.

The symptoms are wide spread all across the board, not just related to tummy troubles. Even my teeth have been affected, my baby teeth came in with no enamel, and my adult teeth have enamel defects, and discoloration due to celiacs. Something people don't even think about, which is actually a common occurrence.