Lithium is a naturally occurring mineral , and trace amounts are present in the water many of us drink. And areas with more lithium in the water supply tend to have lower suicide rates!
What foods are high in lithium?
The highest concentration of lithium has been found in nuts, pastries as well as cold meat and sausages [8], but also in samples of tofu and fish [7]. Grains, vegetables, dairy products and meat have also been considered major dietary sources.
What are some natural sources of lithium?
Lithium is a highly reactive, light metal naturally found in very low levels throughout the body. It is available as a dietary supplement and is commonly found in drinking water and in many foods, including grains, vegetables, mustard, kelp, pistachios, dairy, fish, and meat .
What are the symptoms of lithium deficiency?
(2) Low levels of lithium have been associated with a number of disorders associated with the central nervous system (CNS), including depression, impulse control disorder, mood disorders, violent behavior, drug dependency, reduced fertility, and learning disorders .
Where is lithium naturally occurring?
Lithium is a naturally occurring element and is found in variable amounts in vegetables, grains, spices and drinking water . It is present in trace amounts in virtually all rocks, and is mobilized by weathering into soils, ground and standing water, and thus into the public water supply.
Does the body need lithium?
Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania . It may also help relieve or prevent bipolar depression. Studies show that lithium can significantly reduce suicide risk. Lithium also helps prevent future manic and depressive episodes.
What should you avoid when taking lithium?
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking lithium. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication. Avoid low sodium diets and dehydration because this can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.
What is a good substitute for lithium?
Second generation mood stabilizing anticonvulsants carbamazepine and valproate are now widely used as alternatives or adjuncts to lithium.
What is the alternative to lithium?
Current alternatives to lithium for the prevention of relapse in affective disorder are antidepressants (especially in unipolar illnesses), carbamazepine and maintenance ECT . There are numerous other potential pharmacological agents, in particular val- proate and valpromide.
Can I get lithium over the counter?
The other difference is that lithium supplements can be purchased over the counter without a prescription , making it readily available to more people.
What medicines have lithium in them?
Lithium is a mood stabilising medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder . It can be prescribed as: lithium carbonate (Camcolit, Priadel, Liskonum) lithium citrate (Li-liquid, Priadel).
What happens when your lithium levels are too low?
At a level of 1.2 mEq/L, lithium can start to cause problems. If your levels are too high, you could get lithium poisoning and need treatment right away. Too much lithium can be fatal. If your levels are too low, the medicine may not help your condition .
Does lithium make you calmer?
Lithium is known to have a mood stabilizing and calming effect in individuals thus used in schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder treatment. Lithium carbonate is used in the reduction of aggressive behavior in people who suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Where is the largest deposit of lithium?
Chile has the largest lithium reserves worldwide by a large margin. Chile had an estimated 9.2 million metric tons of lithium reserves in 2020. Australia came in second, with reserves estimated at 4.7 million metric tons that year.
What are 5 uses of lithium?
Lithium and its compounds have several industrial applications, including heat-resistant glass and ceramics, lithium grease lubricants, flux additives for iron, steel and aluminium production, lithium batteries , and lithium-ion batteries. These uses consume more than three-quarters of lithium production.
What causes low lithium?
Dehydration, other medications, and other conditions including kidney problems , can affect how your body handles lithium. Over time, these factors can cause lithium to slowly build up in your body.
