Posted by GabaGirl on March 21, 2004, at 11:34:03
Hi:
I've been reading Syd Baumel's book "Dealing with Depression Naturally" and more specifically am diagnosed with bipolar which he addresses thankfully. Others before him like Rita Elkin did not, just depression, and as we know now bipolar depression is almost a whole other issue to be treated more carefully.
But both he and my new pdoc recommend adding magnesium for mood regulation. Ironically I had just started a new diet including more nuts and seeds which are high in magnesium prior to my doctor suggesting this. Yesterday at her suggestion I also started a magnesium/calcium supplement.
It's too soon to tell much, but I'm hopeful it will help. My question is if others have tried magnesium, what form, what dosage, and if they have found it helpful. And is it a problem to take with Calcium?
Additionally I am on Neurontin, 1800 mg per day, and Zyprexa 2.5-7 mg per day, supplementing with a high fish, fruit and vegetable diet, fish oil --just ordered a bottle of Carlson's Finest as my Costco discount brand is not so good for EPA -- and taking a high potency multivitamin and B-Complex off and on, as needed. Also I may try Inositol soon. But that is another thread altogether!
But my questions again: With magnesium, do others take it by itself or with calcium? The advice is confusing about calcium and bipolar. On the one hand I may need extra calcium at my age -- nearly 40 -- and being female, plus it works well with magnesium. On the other hand calcium may be contraindicated for depression and bipolar according to Baumel's cited research.
Just curious though about other's experience with this supplement and whether to take it alone or with calcium, plus what forms are most easily absorbed and effective.
Best,
GabaGirl
poster:GabaGirl
thread:326677
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040225/msgs/326677.html