Shows
Brain Health and HealingThyroid Effects on Brain FunctionThis episode focuses on thyroid health, and its potential impact on bipolar and schizophrenia. We also discuss what low and high thyroid look like, difficulties detecting thyroid problems, and the importance of tyrosine and iodine. Books and websites:Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, by Broda O. Barnes, MD, PhD: http://brodabarnes.org/Solved: The Riddle of Illness, by Stephen E. Langer, MD: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/421731Alan Christenson, NMD: https://www.drchristianson.com/blog/ and https://www.drchristianson.com/thyroidresetdiet/Izabella Wenz, PharmD: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/For details on...
2023-07-1923 minBrain Health and HealingSeizures and Mental HealthThis episode explores the intersection of seizure disorders, particularly temporal lobe epilepsy, with mental health. We talk about the prevalence of misdiagnosis, and about common symptoms and treatments in temporal lobe epilepsy and bipolar.Note: While some underlying factors may be identical, these are distinct illnesses, and should be treated as such.STUDIESMula M, The clinical spectrum of bipolar symptoms in epilepsy: a critical reappraisal, Postgrad Med. 2010 Jul;122(4):17-23. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20675967/Reynolds EH , Trimble MR, Epilepsy, psychiatry, and neurology, Epilepsia. 2009 Mar;50 Suppl 3:50-5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov...
2023-06-1719 minBrain Health and HealingWhy is it so hard to stop eating junk food?In this episode we discuss excitotoxins. which are chemicals, such as MSG and aspartame, that are often added to junk food to make it taste good. We talk about how these chemicals, made of aminos acids in ultra-concentrated doses can injure and destroy brain cells. They can impair normal brain development in children, and may play a role in mania, anxiety, seizures, intellectual deterioration, and various neurological diseases. Books and videosExcitotoxins, The Taste that Kills by Russell Blaylock, MD Aspartame Disease by HJ Roberts, MDDr. Russell Blaylock: Excitotoxins - The Ta...
2023-05-2420 minBrain Health and HealingYeast, Candida, and the BrainThis episode discusses effects of Candida and other yeast on mental health. Candida can influence mood, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity, psychosis, and overall health. We also overview treatment approaches including paleo diet, immune support, oregano, pau d'arco and other herbs, oxygenation, administration of Candida dilutions, and more.BooksThe Yeast Syndrome by John Parks Trowbridge, MD The Yeast Connection by William G. Crook, MDThe Missing Diagnosis, or The Missing Diagnosis II by C. Orian Truss, MD ArticlesLandmark article by Dr. Orian TrussExcellent article from...
2023-04-2624 minBrain Health and HealingFood sensitivities and mental healthThis episode is an introduction to the influence of food allergy and sensitivity on mental function. We look at effects on schizophrenia, depression, mania, anxiety, insomnia, hyperactivity, autism and other conditions. We also mention various treatment approaches and list some of the tests.Links to a sampling of studies and books:Dohan, FC, Relapsed schizophrenics - earlier discharge from hospital after cereal-free, milk-free dietMcEwen, Len, Enzyme-potentiated desensitizationRandolph, Theron G, Beginnings and bibliographies of clinical ecologyRapp, Doris. Is this your child? Rea William, Treating food allergies Shaw, Wil...
2023-04-1016 minBrain Health and HealingCholine for bipolar, anxiety, stress, ADHD, mania, dementia, memory, learningThis episode looks at the effects of choline in calming mania, overstimulation, anxiety and stress, and at its role in recovering from stress and enhancing memory and learning. We also talk about how excess choline may contribute to depression, especially in people who are undermethylated (histadelic), Studies mentioned:The Stoll (1996) trial in which added choline led to a substantial reduction in manic symptoms in 5 of 6 lithium-treated rapid cyclers.More info:Check out my books, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia and Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder at https://www.boragebooks.com#choline, #phosphatidyl choline...
2022-07-2921 minBrain Health and HealingMagnesium for Bipolar, Anxiety, Agitation, Psychosis, DepressionThis episode discusses the balancing effects of magnesium, and its role in moderating bipolar, anxiety, agitation, voices, and stress. Also its potential benefit for depression and addictions.Studies and ReviewsGeorge A. Eby, Karen L. Eby, and Harald Murk, "Magnesium and major depression"Weston PG. Magnesium as a sedative. Am J Psychiatry. 1921-22;1:637–8.Sarris J, “Adjunctive nutraceuticals with standard pharmacotherapies in bipolar disorder: a systematic review of clinical trials,” Bipolar Disord,. Aug-Sep 2011;13(5-6):454-65. My booksNatural Healing for Bipolar DisorderNatural Healing for Schizophrenia#Brain Health and Heal...
2022-06-2818 minBrain Health and HealingA Table of Contents Relating to Bipolar DisorderIn Season 1 we looked first at the effects of light on mood, and then went on to the Major Biotypes, and some of the key related nutrients: Episode 6: Influence of Light on Mood and Sleep: Mania, Depression, SAD, BipolarEpisode 7: A Major Stress Disorder, Pyroluria. In: Anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, etc. Episode 8: Copper and Zinc. Re: mood, voices, paranoia, hyperactivity, autism, anxiety, mania, insomnia, violenceEpisode 9: Vitamin B6 (P5P): Depression, Anxiety, Learning problems, Autism, Childhood Psychosis, etc.Episode 10: Undermethylation and chronic depression, schizoaffective, bipolar, OCD, learning and behavior disordersEpisode 11...
2022-06-0213 minBrain Health and HealingNiacin for Anxiety, Schizophrenia, and ManiaIn this episode we discuss niacin (vitamin B3), and how it helps counter brain overstimulation and so, anxiety, mania, and schizophrenia. We also talk about the use of B3 for confusion, learning disorders, dementia, and nicotine and alcohol withdrawal. BooksHoffer A, Saul AW. (2015) Niacin: The Real Story, Basic Health Pub, Inc. Hoffer A, Adventures in Psychiatry: The Scientific Memoirs of Dr Abram Hoffer. Edelman, E, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia, and Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder A couple of Dr. Hoffer's early studiesHoffer A, Osmond H, Smythies J. (1954) Schizophrenia; a n...
2022-05-0119 minBrain Health and HealingHistapenia (overmethylation), re: Schizophrenia, Paranoia, Mania, Anxiety, HyperactivityHistapenia (overmethylation) is associated with significant anxiety, and, beyond that, is a major biotype in schizophrenia and bipolar. In this episode, we discuss symptoms of histapenia, and nutrients associated with improvement. Recommended ReadingAbram Hoffer, MD, PhD: Bibliography https://omarchives.org/dr-abram-hoffer-md-books/Carl C Pfeiffer, MD, PhD: Nutrition and Mental Illness pdf https://www.andalanpelajar.com/nutrition/nutrition_and_mental_illness_an_orthomolecular_approach_to_balancing_body.pdfWilliam J Walsh, PhD: Nutrient Power https://www.walshinstitute.org/nutrient-power.htmlEva Edelman: Natural Healing for Schizophrenia/ Bipolar https://www.boragebooks.com/
2022-04-1219 minBrain Health and HealingFolate (folic acid): Depression, Mania, and BiotypeWhy folate (folic acid) can have opposite effects on mood. How It can worsen undemethylated depression, by reducing serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the synapse. How, conversely, it can be antidepressant for people who do not create enough antidepressant neurotransmitters. Also discusses how folate can, in some cases, help counter voices and mania.Reference booksWalsh WJ, Nutrient PowerEdelman E, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder/Schizophrenia#Folate, #depression, #mania, #folate depression, #folate mania, #folate bipolar, #folic acid, #BH4, #biopterin, #methyl-folate, #OCD, #overstimulation, #voices, #paranoia
2022-03-1817 minBrain Health and HealingUndermethylation and chronic depression, schizoaffective, bipolar, OCD, learning and behavior disordersBrain undermethylation is frequently associated with chronic severe depression and schizoaffective. It is also common in autism, OCD, and learning and behavior disorders. This podcast describes the means by which methylation regulates the availability of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine to counter depression. We also discuss effects on mental and physical health, and look at methionine, SAMe, methyl-B12, and other nutrients which support methylation. Studies and BooksPfeiffer: Histamine in schizophreniaJaffe/Kruesi: BiotypesWalsh book: Nutrient PowerEdelman book: Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder#brain undermethylation, #methylation, #histadelia, #depression, #schizoaffective, #OCD #a...
2022-03-0216 minBrain Health and HealingVitamin B6 (P5P): Depression, Anxiety, Learning problems, Autism, Childhood Psychosis, etc.Brief overview of the importance of B6 to cognition, mood, and neuroprotection. Discusses dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, GABA, taurine, and MAO. Looks at effects on depression anxiety, learning, autism, psychosis, etc.Some of the studies:Learning disordersAnxiety depression, epilepsyVitamin B6 infoRimland on autism#vitamin B6, #P5P, #depression, #anxiety, #learning disorders, #autism, #childhood psychosis, #pyroluria, #pyrrole disorder, #serotonin
2022-02-0509 minBrain Health and HealingCopper and Zinc. Re: mood, voices, paranoia, hyperactivity, autism, anxiety, mania, insomnia, violenceCopper and zinc exist in a dynamic balance. High copper with low zinc is overstimulating and can contribute to symptoms in anxiety, paranoia, violence, hyperactivity, schizophrenia, bipolar, autism and insomnia. Discusses the effects of zinc and copper on body and brain.Studies:Copper infoZinc and wound healingMetal metabolism enzymeWalsh on copper in autism, postpartum issues, and violence.#copper, #copper zinc ratio, #bipolar, #schizophrenia, #violence, #insomnia, #anxiety, #mania, #paranoia, #autism, #anxiety, #hyperactivity, #copper anxiety, #copper autism, #copper schizophrenia, #cooper violence, #copper mania, #zinc anxiety, #zinc paranoia, #zinc insomnia, #brain health an...
2022-01-2020 minBrain Health and HealingA Major Stress Disorder, Pyroluria. In: Anxiety, PTSD, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, etc.We talk here about a major stress disorder, pyroluria, that occurs across the gamut of mental health conditions: schizophrenia, bipolar, anxiety, panic, PTSD, learning and behavior disorders, etc. People with pyrrole disorder react intensely to stress. The good news is it’s very responsive to nutrient treatment, particularly to zinc and B6 (or P5P), which are constantly depleted by pyrroles. (But similarly, people can go downhill fast if nutrients are discontinued.) This podcast looks at signs, symptoms, and nutrients.Definitions useful for this episode:Pyrrole - a natural biochemical used in forming the hemoglobin in re...
2022-01-0622 minBrain Health and HealingInfluence of Light on Mood and Sleep: Mania, Depression, SAD, BipolarExplores the profound influence of sunlight on mood. Also goes into the effects of light dark cycles on hormone rhythms, on serotonin and melatonin production, and on cortisol and sleep interactions. And how these changes further alter mood.See also:Vitamin D history.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876201816301757Two studies on predominance of mania inequatorial regions:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/10882671_Predominant_Polarity_of_Bipolar_Patients_in_Israelhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1876201816301757
2021-12-1922 minBrain Health and HealingNerve Cell Communication BasicsA short segment on neural communication. A nerve cell is like a tree with a filament-like trunk, and branches on either end. Messages go to receptors on dendrites (the initial branches). Second messengers transfer information through to the nerve cell body, which computes whether to send it on through the neural axon. Sequential interchange of sodium and potassium ions creates an electrical potential down the axon to the terminal branches. Here calcium smashes vesicles filled with neurotransmitter against the terminal branch membrane, spilling neurotransmitter into the synapse. Neurotransmitter stimulates receptors on one or many other nerve cells. Reuptake transporters...
2021-12-0305 minBrain Health and HealingBiochemical IndividualityBiochemical individuality. In 1957, Dr Roger Williams, with his book, Biochemical Individuality, brought attention to the concept that each person is biochemically unique. Some people are born with 3 kidneys or a heart on the “wrong” side of the body. Some have thyroid glands that can get so overactive under stress, as to trigger mania. Or overproducing adrenals that foster mania or psychosis. Or poor function of certain enzymes, like NAD, a key to brain metabolism, underactivity of which may lead to voices, dementia or depression. This uniqueness is one reason why nothing we say here should be interpreted as a pres...
2021-11-2103 minBrain Health and HealingFoundations of Nutritional PsychiatryThe foundations of orthomolecular psychiatry. Nutrient treatment of the anxiety, depression and psychosis in scurvy and pellagra. Dr Abram Hoffer’s niacin and vitamin C megavitamin therapy for schizophrenia. Dr Carl Pfeiffer’s histamine axis biotypes. The research on pyrrole disorder. Dr William Walsh’s methylation imbalances and applications to bipolar, autism, violence, etc. Nutritional psychiatry continues to evolve through the work of many noted researchers. Suggested books: Adventures in Psychiatry by Abram Hofferhttps://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1974/pdf/1974-v03n04-p223.pdf
2021-11-0515 minBrain Health and HealingWhy Nutrients?The brain is made from, and runs on, nutrients. Enzymes, proteins, neurotransmitters, hormones, and all brain cells are made of nutrients. Nutrients protect the brain from oxidative stress and toxicity. Nutrients (and environment) determine genetic expression, regulating stimulating and inhibitory brain activity and other brain processes. All of which underlies the effectiveness of nutrients in schizophrenia, as per the outcomes of Dr Carl Pfeiffer and Dr Abram Hoffer; and in bipolar, autism, learning disorders, violence, and other mental health conditions, as per the extensive database of Dr William Walsh.https://www.walshinstitute.org/uploads/1/7/9/9/17997321/293801829-pyrrole-and-methyl.pdf
2021-11-0517 minBrain Health and HealingIntro: Brain Health and HealingNutrient-based approaches for anxiety, insomnia, depression, mania, voices, autism, etc, from a functional perspective. We focus mainly on orthomolecular and integrative psychiatry, and nutrients like zinc, magnesium, niacin, other B vitamins, omega 3, antioxidants, etc, Also: methylation imbalances, pyrrole disorder, and various health factors, such as thyroid, allergies, malabsorption, Candida, metal metabolism toxins, blood sugar, and other health conditions.Who we are. Eva Edelman, author/researcher (see Borage Books), and Simone Jeanette, notorious bipolar. Listen for more.https://www.boragebooks.com/bipolar.htmlhttps://www.boragebooks.com/schizophrenia.html
2021-11-0518 min