When most people hear the term lithium, they think batteries or medications for serious mental disorders. What is important to understand it that there are several different forms of lithium designed for human consumption and other Lithium blends for Batteries.
Lithium batteries are made from a variety of blended ions from different metals. The most common being Lithium Cobalt Oxide. This blend is highly toxic to humans as they are designed for batteries only.
Lithium medications are commonly made from Lithium carbonate.
Lithium supplements are commonly made from Lithium Chloride (liquid form) or Lithium orotate (tablet or capsule form).
Lithium has been used for it’s mood stabilizing properties for more serious mental health conditions.
But studies show evidence that low dose lithium supplementation may have positive impacts on the brain and other areas of the body.
As of today studies have shown that Lithium benefits include a decreased inflammatory proteins while boosting anti-inflammatory proteins. (1)
One study suggests that Lithium appeared to have neuroprotective effects against nervous system autoimmunity. (2)
Low dose lithium in studies included more extreme cases of mood disorders, the studies show an increase in calmness and more relaxed participants. Many naturopathic and psychiatric practitioners use the low dose lithium method to positively treat their clients.(3) Dr Suruchi Chandra M.D. states, “Low-dose lithium supplementation is a much safer treatment option with few side-effects. In fact, some patients start feeling less anxious, irritable, and depressed just days after taking low-dose llithium.”
Low-does lithium appears to be very effective in improving a person’s mood and outlook on life. It seems to calm the brain and helps more clarity of mind.
Some Studies have found that low-dose lithium is equally as effective as a higher does without as many side effects. (4)
Low-does lithium has been shown to stablize the mood and boost clearer thinking and reasoning.
While more studies could definitely help in confirming these findings. The problem is that since lithium is a natural trace mineral, there is not enough money to be made from pharmaceuticals to justify the extensive cost of studying this mineral.
A study used data from 27 Texas counties between 1978-1987. These counties were used due to the higher concentration of lithium inthe drinking water. The results suggest that lithium at low doseage levels has a generally beneficial effect on human behavior, which maybe associated with the functions of lithium as a nutritionlaly-essential trave element. It thus concluded that lithium could reduce suicide, crime, and drug-dependancy at the individual and community level. (5)
Dr Chandra said in her clinical observations, “I’ve used low-dose lithium for more than 15 years in my psychiatry practice, and it has consistently been one of the most helpful supplements for patients. I rarey see any side-effects, and patients typically report feeling less depressed and anxous and having fewer suicidal thoughts.”
While more studies are needed to provide a clear picture of how Lithium works in the body. There is still enough evidence to suggest that low-levels of lithium supplementation can be effective in enhancing the mood, assisting with depression, lowing suicide rates, and giving more clarify of mind. Ionic Lithium Chloride and plant based lithium supplements provide the loest dose of lithium and is useful in beginning slow and increasing lithium levels to a moe therapeutic range. High doses of lithium need to be monitored with blood work and must be supervised by medical providers. Low-dose lithium has little risk of side-effects and toxicity and is generally safe due to the fact the low-levels of lithium are similar to the food and water we get.
Refferences
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The product mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information in this article is not intended to replace any recommendations or relationship with your physician. Please review references sited at end of article for scientific support of any claims made.