Exploring the Mood Plus Supplement for Managing Bipolar Disorder

Exploring the Mood Plus Supplement for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by dramatic shifts in mood and energy levels. While medication is the primary treatment, some evidence suggests certain vitamins and supplements may also provide support.

Mood Plus is one such supplement formulated to target symptoms of bipolar disorder. Below we explore its ingredients, proposed benefits, effectiveness, safety, and more.

Understanding Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder oscillate between emotional highs (mania/hypomania) and lows (depression). These mood episodes cause significant fluctuations in activity levels, behavior, and energy.

Manic phases may lead to impulsivity, racing thoughts, poor judgement, and risky behavior. Depressive episodes involve feelings of sadness, emptiness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts.

Triggers like stress or sleep changes can prompt the onset of mania or depression. Episodes typically last weeks to months and alternate with periods of relative mood stability.

Conventional Bipolar Treatments

Doctors often prescribe medications like mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants to control bipolar disorder symptoms. These aim to balance mood and prevent or shorten episodes.

Psychotherapy provides coping strategies to manage symptoms long-term. Maintaining a stable sleep routine, avoiding drugs/alcohol, and managing stress are also key.

The Potential Role of Supplements

While medications and therapy form the foundation of bipolar treatment, some research indicates certain vitamins and supplements may offer additional support:

• Help balance brain chemicals associated with mood regulation
• Reduce inflammation implicated in bipolar disorder
• Improve brain health and neuron communication
• Combat nutritional deficiencies common in bipolar patients
• Support mental performance and focus
• Relieve bipolar disorder symptoms

Supplements should always be discussed with a doctor first and are not meant to replace standard bipolar medications. But some may provide complementary benefits.

Introducing the Mood Plus Supplement

The Mood Plus supplement was formulated by psychiatrist Dr. Amy Taylor specifically for bipolar disorder. It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, and herbs intended to:

• Stabilize mood swings
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve focus and mental clarity
• Promote healthy sleep
• Soothe irritability and anger
• Boost motivation and energy

The capsules aim to target the biological factors underlying bipolar symptoms without sedative side effects. Lets examine the key ingredients and proposed benefits of each.

Key Vitamins in Mood Plus

Vitamin B Complex

Mood Plus contains essential B vitamins like B6, B12, and folate. Studies show bipolar patients often have deficient levels of these key vitamins.

B vitamins help produce brain chemicals involved in mood, cognition, and nerve signaling. They may help stabilize manic and depressive episodes.

Vitamin D

Many bipolar patients have low vitamin D levels. This vitamin helps regulate hormones, immune function, brain health, and neurotransmitters.

Research indicates vitamin D may improve depression, mania, irritability, and psychosis symptoms in people with bipolar disorder.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage. It also modulates signaling between brain cells.

Some studies show vitamin E may help relieve bipolar depression and anxiety. Its anti-inflammatory effects may also benefit bipolar brains.

Key Minerals in Mood Plus

Zinc

Zinc regulates mood-impacting neurotransmitters. Bipolar patients often have low zinc levels.

Supplementing with zinc appears to improve mania and depression symptoms for some people. It may also reduce anger outbursts.

Magnesium

Magnesium influences nerve transmission, hormones, neurotransmitters, and brain pathways tied to bipolar disorder.

Studies indicate magnesium supplements can stabilize mood, reduce bipolar depression, and improve sleep quality for patients.

Lithium Orotate

Low-dose lithium orotate provides trace amounts of the same mood-stabilizing lithium used in psychiatric medications.

Some research suggests lithium orotate may help balance manic and depressive mood swings without significant side effects.

Key Herbs in Mood Plus

Rhodiola

This adaptogenic herb can help the body adapt to stress. For bipolar patients, it may provide mood balancing, antidepressant, and calming effects.

Animal studies also indicate rhodiola may regulate neurotransmitters involved in mania. More research is still needed though.

Bacopa

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, bacopa is an adaptogen that may help protect brain cells from neurotransmitter damage.

It also has antioxidant, anti-anxiety, mood stabilizing, and memory enhancing effects that could benefit bipolar patients.

Ginkgo Biloba

Gingko biloba promotes blood flow and neuron transmission in the brain. It also has antioxidant properties.

For people with bipolar disorder, ginkgo may improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and cognitive dysfunction during manic or depressive episodes.

Evaluating the Evidence on Mood Plus

There is preliminary research supporting the use of individual ingredients in Mood Plus for bipolar disorder, including the B vitamins, magnesium, and rhodiola.

However, Mood Plus itself has limited clinical research completed specifically on its formulation. The company cites initial surveys showing users experienced benefits like:

• Less severe mood swings and episodes
• Reduced irritability and anxiety
• Improved focus and motivation
• More stable energy and sleep

But more rigorous, large-scale studies are still needed to evaluate the efficacy of Mood Plus as a bipolar disorder supplement. Researchers have yet to compare it to a placebo or standard medications.

Is Mood Plus Safe?

Mood Plus contains vitamins and herbs generally considered safe at appropriate dosages. But its still important to take precautions:

• Consult your doctor before use, especially if taking bipolar medications
• Start with low doses and increase slowly while monitoring effects
• Watch for potential side effects like nausea or digestive upset
• Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical approval
• Dont exceed recommended dosage

Speak with a doctor immediately if you experience any concerning mental health changes after starting a new supplement like Mood Plus.

Using Mood Plus for Bipolar Disorder

When used as directed and under medical supervision, Mood Plus may support conventional treatment for some people with bipolar disorder.

It should not replace prescribed medications, but may help manage symptoms like mood instability, low energy, poor concentration, and sleep disruption.

The makers of Mood Plus suggest taking 2 capsules daily with food and water. Effects may be more noticeable after consistent use for 4-6 weeks.

Of course, individual results can vary dramatically. Keep your doctor informed and stop use if any unpleasant side effects develop.

A Holistic Approach to Managing Bipolar Disorder

Supplements

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.