Could Nutritional Lithium Supplements Help Treat ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurological disorder characterized by inattentiveness, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. Affecting both children and adults, ADHD is typically treated with medications like stimulants and antidepressants along with behavior therapies.
However, there is growing research interest around using nutritional lithium as a safe supplement to potentially help manage ADHD symptoms. But can lithium really make a difference for ADHD patients? And is it safe?
What Does the Research Say About Lithium and ADHD?
Lithium is a naturally occurring mineral present in variable amounts in food and drinking water. It has long been used at prescription strength for severe mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.
However, studies have found that areas with higher lithium levels in the water supply tend to have lower rates of suicide and mental health issues. This suggests that lithium intake may have protective neurological effects at lower nutritional doses too.
Recent double-blind clinical trials specifically explored whether low-dose lithium supplements can benefit children with ADHD. The lithium was well tolerated and led to significant reductions in ADHD symptoms and aggression.
The researchers proposed lithium may work by encouraging nerve cell growth and neurotransmitter balance in the brain. Clearly further studies are warranted, but the initial findings around nutritional lithium for both mood regulation and attentional control seem very promising.
Should You Try an ADHD Lithium Supplement?
Given the potential side effects with standard ADHD prescription medications, nutritional lithium supplements may offer a safer alternative or adjunctive treatment worth exploring. As always though, its best to discuss trying lithium with your healthcare provider first.
The optimal supplemental dose of lithium for ADHD still needs to be clarified through more studies. But most research indicates doses from 150 mcg to 1000 mcg daily appear effective and are well within safe limits.
Start low with lithium dosing and gradually increase over a few weeks while monitoring symptom improvements and any side effects. Prescription forms can be taken under medical supervision for bipolar disorder at much higher doses up to 900 mg daily.
Benefits of Nutritional Lithium
The benefits of lower dose lithium supplements may include:
- Reduced hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Improved concentration and focus
- Better emotional regulation and aggression control
- Less stress and anxiety
- Enhanced learning and memory
Nutritional lithium also has very few side effects and is not addictive. If lower doses are ineffective for managing individual ADHD symptoms, the dose can potentially be increased incrementally under medical guidance.
Safety, Drug Interactions and Side Effects
When taken in prescription doses, lithium does carry some risks of side effects like nausea, diarrhea, shaking hands, dizziness and weight gain. At nutritional doses below 1000 mcg per day however, side effects are rarely an issue.
As with any supplement though, certain individuals may experience increased thirst, headaches, fatigue, stomach upset or other reactions that should be reported promptly to a doctor.
Conditions Where Caution is Warranted
There are some health circumstances where lithium supplementation is not recommended or requires extra medical monitoring:
- Impaired kidney or liver function
- Low sodium levels
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Heart conditions
- Digestive disorders like IBS or Crohns disease
Drug Interactions
Nutritional lithium supplements taken without doctor awareness can potentially interact with certain medications like:
- ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker high blood pressure drugs
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Diuretics or water pills
- Antidepressants like SSRIs or MAOIs
Signs of Lithium Toxicity
While very rare at nutritional doses, lithium toxicity can become a medical emergency if prescription doses become too high. Toxicity warning signs requiring prompt emergency care include:
- Severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Tremors or uncoordinated muscle movement
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Fainting or seizures
Top Food Sources of Lithium
Before considering lithium supplementation, focus first on obtaining sufficient lithium levels from a healthy whole food diet. Some of the best natural food sources include:
Vegetables and Legumes High in Lithium
- Seaweed kombu, wakame, nori
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Beetroots
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower and broccoli
- Cabbage
- Green peas
- Beans soybeans, lentils, chickpeas
- Sweet potatoes
Fruits Containing Lithium
- Pomegranates
- Oranges and citrus fruits
- Strawberries
- Jackfruit
- Apples
- Grapes
- Blueberries
- Cranberries
Grains and Nuts With Lithium
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Amaranth
- Oats
- Rye
- Wheat germ and bran
- Granola
Beverages to Obtain Lithium
- Coconut water
- Tomato juice
- Coffee and tea
- Beer
Focus on getting plenty of these wholesome foods as the foundation before considering low-dose lithium capsules or tablets to meet remaining lithium needs.
The Future of Lithium Supplements for ADHD
Clearly more extensive research is required to determine the therapeutic role and safety profile for lithium supplementation in ADHD treatment plans.
But given the urgent need for effective alternatives beyond stimulant medications for ADHD, the initial small studies around lithium seem extremely promising and should provide hope.
The unique ability of lithium to apparently enhance emotional control and impulse regulation also makes it an appealing supplemental option for specifically targeting some of the most functionally impairing aspects of ADHD.
Closing Thoughts
While not a quick fix or cure, the emerging research suggests nutritional lithium supplementation may have great potential as an adjunctive, safe way to help reduce ADHD symptoms. As with any new treatment, have an in-depth conversation with your doctor first.
Through further study clarifying optimal dosing regimens for ADHD alongside healthy lithium-rich dietary sources, lithium may soon become recognized as an effective nutritional deficiency to address for supporting mental health.
FAQs
What dose of lithium should be taken for ADHD?
Studies have used daily doses of lithium for ADHD ranging from 150 mcg to 1,000 mcg. Start low at 150 mcg and gradually increase the dose while monitoring effects and side effects with your doctor.
Is lithium safe for long-term use?
At nutritional doses under 1,000 mcg per day, lithium supplementation is considered very safe for long-term use. Prescription doses over 900 mg per day require blood level monitoring for potential toxicity.
Can lithium be taken with ADHD medications?
Always check with your prescribing doctor first, but lithium is often safe to take with stimulants like Adderall or Strattera. Lithium may also allow lower doses of prescription medications over time.
What are dietary sources high in lithium?
Vegetables like tomatoes, onions and mushrooms contain lithium. Seaweed, nuts, seeds and beans also provide lithium. Beverages like coconut water, coffee and beer can contribute smaller traces as well through a balanced diet.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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