Sources Of Lithium
Small amounts are found in a wide variety of foods
Ceramics and glass
Used in medication to treat bipolar disorder
Functions Of Lithium
Decreases manic symptoms in manic-depressive patients
May modulate the conversion of essential fatty acids into prostaglandins
May stabilize serotonin transmission
Roles In The Body
- Research by Frazier found that those patients who were helped by lithium experienced increased uptake of sodium through their cell membranes.
- According to Sheard, lithium can replace sodium in the cells, and its structure resembles calcium and magnesium. It appears to have the same stabilizing effect on nervous cells as calcium and magnesium.
Symptoms Associated With A Lithium Deficiencys
Deficiency is associated with excessive aggressiveness, manic states and depression.
Symptoms Associated With A Lithium Toxicity
Disturbed mineral transport and fluid balance, nausea, vomiting, tremors, thirst, excessive urination, thyroid swelling, weight gain, drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, delirium, skin eruptions, possible kidney damage, and even seizures, coma and death.
Hair Analysis Notes
- Lithium appears to lower sodium levels. This would correlate with the research by A. Frazier.
- The meaning of hair lithium levels is a topic of research.
Indications For Supplementation
Aggressive behavior, manic-depression and some cases of depression.
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Copyright © 2012 - The Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd.