I’ve been taking low-dose lithium for the last 10 years. My mother had Alzheimer’s, and I was always doing research on the subject. I came up upon early research on this topic and asked my psychiatrist to prescribe the drug. Of course, I don’t know at the moment, whether it will prevent Alzheimer’s, but I am willing to take the chance.
Good job Anna. As a multidisciplinary scientist in many countries for numerous years, I have a passion for studying our brain-mind (which includes meditation, Tai Chi, mindfulness etc practices, and of course other brain-related sciences), and I concur with your presentation.
Thank you so much for this information! About two years ago my psychiatrist suggested the Pure brand for 1mg a day. I’m happy to know I’ve been using a better brand. I appreciate your videos, thank you again!
At 4:17 you mention inhibitory effects on dopamine, how significant is this? Do those taking lithium experience notable decreases in motivation ? Thanks
Dr. Without espousing as to why, I wanted to thank you for this video. Your presentation is outstanding and, blessedly, without the sensationalism that so many other presenters tend to have. Thank you for a very balanced overview of the subject matter.
Thanks. Very interesting video. I found the full article & your summary was spot on. There were conflicting studies of Lithium in drinking water & mental health effects back in the 1970s when some proposed adding it to urban water supplies (similar to fluoridation). Seems like research stalled for many years after that. LDL is an area that definitely deserves more research funding...
I'm 61 and never considered taking low dose Li, but I just ordered some. I've had depression issues all my life it seems, I'm probably on the spectrum too. Dad has dementia and I'm worried about my brain health. Hoping to see a difference in 2 months!
@AlfredBakovich-ms5dt Food sources of lithium in most parts of the world include green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, and wine. Depends on where these are grown. The "lion diet" is not an appreciable source. Hope that helps. 😊
I thought for sure you were going to explain lithium is an alkali metal or a mineral. The Orotate type definitely helps my anxiety, and helps me relax and sleep better. Magnesium taurate is a good combo
hey may I know how long it took for it to work? I tried it for two days and it didn't seem to help- it seemed like it made it worse.. does it take weeks to show results? it would be helpful if you could let me know thanks!
@havyyoda Personally, I find the non-drowsy calming effect fairly immediate when I dissolve it under my tongue when stressed. I think reactioms do vary though and if you're on pharmaceutical medication, that could override the sensitivity to low-dose lithium. Seek professional advice before making changes though, often wise to make them very gradually.
Is it an SSRI? What if you have Addison's Disease? I'd be extremely thankful for a review of that condition per the pituitary gland. You are extremely smart and I enjoy your comments on music and medical issues.
Hi there! Thank you for your kind comments and insightful questions! Lithium is not an SSRI - these two medications have different mechanisms of action. Lithium is typically used as a prescription medication for bipolar disorder and sometimes is used off label for depression. SSRIs are typically used for depression as well as generalized anxiety disorder. Addison's disease is a disease in which the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol (the major stress hormone - very important for stress response and immune function). Symptoms of Addison's disease typically involve fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, and weight loss. The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it regulates the release of hormones from other glands in the body. In a healthy individual, when a stress response is activated, the pituitary gland will secrete a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotropin hormone). ACTH travels through the blood stream to the adrenal glands which then release cortisol. In Addison's disease, the adrenals cannot secrete enough cortisol, so the pituitary gland will get confused and secrete more ACTH to get the adrenals to work. Based on the literature I've reviewed, lithium is contraindicated in people with Addison's because it can affect hormone function and also interacts with medications used to treat Addison's disease. Hope this was helpful :)
Brian Johnson looks like a 50 year old woman who had botox injections to get rid of her wrinkles. There's 0 chance that man slowed down the aging process.
Brian Johnson does have a unique look! I too personally think that he does not look younger, just different from how he used to..it was interesting to learn that his lab results suggest he's been able to reverse his biological clock though!
@@neurogalmd I watched some of the documentaries about him and his diet, and I honestly believe he only managed to minimize the inflammation by consuming a mostly alkaline diet. That doesn't mean that his diet is doing wonders, since - as a carnivore myself - most carnivores in the online groups I am a member of, managed to do the same thing by consuming meat only, without the constant need of supplementing thousands of $ worth of products in order to get the nutrients needed for a proper nutrition. My organs were 45-50 years old, and after jumping on the carnivore train, my "inner biological clock reversed" and my organs are now getting "younger" at around an average of 25 years old. And all that by eating a cheap steak every day, and not by spending millions on a futuristic diet that only looks good if you're a fan of Sci-fi movies.
A good food source of lithium is alfalfa. When I began using hair trace elements analysis in my healing practice I tested my hair and found my lithium levels off the chart. I had been chewing 25 alfalfa tablets daily for years. I began taking them as part of a vegan cleansing diet back in the late 90s, and continued taking them after I went back to being an omnivore because I love the taste, specifically the tablets made by Bernard Jensen. After seeing my lab results I reduced to 5 tablets daily. A few months later I retested my hair and lithium had come down into the normal range. (I weigh 200 lbs).
I once had a hair analysis done, and I had zero lithium. The naturopath said that is odd. I didn't know there were supplements for it. That was twenty five years ago... I'll give this a shot! I have a lot of trouble sleeping
Could you list the studies your presentation refers to in general & specific? Thanks for all your inclusion of caveats to the studies you mentioned. I appreciate your inclusion of describing terms & physiology, and your presntation❣
I have thyroid damage from years of high dose lithium for bipolar; although it does seem to stop mania, it should be (in my opinion) discontinued during depressive episodes.
I've taken massive amounts of noopept in the past at one poi t a whopping 1 gram per day. It's addicting and you should take it with Lekithos Organic Sunflower lechtin. I was taking it without lecthin for a short period of time and started getting stroke symptoms based on no science I think it was sapping my Choline for structural integrity of cells. It's best to cycle on and off. I get mine from China about 1000 grams at a time then lab test it for about 200 bucks. It's way cheaper getting it on alibabba. I don't take it anymore, but for short cycles it is kinda interesting. Long term memory it didn't seem to benefit as much. It'll make you feel very sober like sulbutiamine does after drinking a lot of alcohol. I drarely take it cause it does sometimes stir up anxiety which i dont really experience anxiety in general and big doses make my pupils huge.
This was intriguing. I am so conservative when it comes to supplements, I would buy the lowest dose and take half once a month. It is a trace mineral, after all. I was aware for a long time that the water in Texas has the highest amounts in the US, and I suspect that it is beneficial and possibly necessary for optimal health, if not essential for life. I've always been concerned about not having it in my water at all. That doesn't sound good, either. I'd like to hear about studies that compare regions with it and without it in their water. I've heard of people going to spas once a year where the lithium in the water is high. I'd like to replicate that.
Thank you! Curious if there is any difference in the benefits of low dose lithium for someone who previously took high dose lithium for bipolar disorder.
Given the study about the safety concerns is it recommended long term for overall brain health? What’s the cost/benefit? The kidney side effect is a bit worrisome
If some bright student could measure the lithium in the drinking water and estimate what dose range that would correlate to it would be helpful. It seems reasonable to try 1mcg.
Hello Doctor, so as per your research do you think this will help ppl with aggressive behaviour due to excessive thoughts like borderline personality disorder
Curious about any long-term or permanent neurotransmitter downregulation from micro Lithium use. This is a big area of concern for all drugs, especially those impacting GABA and Glutamate receptors. Downregulation is the iceberg below the calm waters in psychopharmacology.
Glutamate itself can be worse since it often overstimulates muscle and nerves, while GABA supplementation (including GABAergic molecules) is almost always beneficial, and 5 mg of lithium can synergize with magnesium bisglycinate, sodium butyrate, calcium D-glucarate, iodine, zinc, boron, silicium, MSM and chromium for immunitary balance, electrolyte balance, gut health impacting neurotransmitters' balance, and hormonal balance in men (women would also need selenium, copper, germanium-132 and iron)
Just purchased 10mg Lithium Orotate from a company that uses a GMP facility.. You're saying that, as it's a supplement, there would then be 10mg of elemental lithium in these capsules? Is that a lot?
Lithium micro-what? I'm taking 1.35 grams of lithium carbonate daily for the last 12 years...haven't seen any improvement in cognition or memory. Bipolar, autism, memory issues, 'missing time', disassociation. And that's on my good days! I don't appear to be the audience you were looking for.
You are using the worst form of Lithium. The better form of Lithium is Lithium Orotate. Ask your physician which is the best dose for you. Many people start from 5 mg for one week and if everything is ok no side effects they increase to 10 mg for a couple weeks if needed more and if everything is ok (no side effects) if needed they increase to 20 mg per day. 20 mg per day of Lithium Orotate is the max limit for a couple months. It's a big difference between Lithium carbonate and Lithium Orotate and Lithium Orotate is the best form. 5mg -20mg Lithium Orotate ( equipment to 27-107 mg lithium carbonate). Do your own research and discuss with your doctor what is best for you.
@@MarthaHenson-zp1kwboo to your comment! Where is your compassion for someone who has clearly suffered? Do better try harder, now. The world depends on it
Lithium (granted lithium carbonate at prescription doses) has been down to have fetal harm. It does cross placenta and blood brain barrier. Would not recommend during breast feeding or pregnancy.
Cool I have 2 lithium stones because this seemed like it would help me but I didn't want to take high doses of lithium I don't know if my stones work when I wear them as my necklace or if it's just placebo since I'm just wearing it but I think it helps my mind either way if it's helping me change my behaviour
I think prescription lithium is to help you calm down right? I think that's what my Dr was going to give it to me for not every day just when I needed to calm down and couldn't
Thank you for your comments and for sharing your experience with lithium stones! I had not heard of this, so it is interesting to hear that wearing the stones generated a positive effect on you! Regarding prescription lithium, you're correct that it's often prescribed to help stabilize mood and manage symptoms of conditions like bipolar disorder. It's typically taken regularly to maintain therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. I've not heard of it being taken on an as-needed basis, however. If you have any concerns/questions about your treatment plan, it's best to discuss them openly with your doc for personalized guidance. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and experiences!
The most annoying part about YT educational videos, is every single one start with repeating the basics. It's almost like every contentcreater are unaware, that this info is already out there
Thanks for your comments and feedback! I too have been concerned about being repetitive in my videos but have just not been able to come up with a solution that would make the video feel well organized and complete. Starting with the basics is a way to ensure that viewers, regardless of their familiarity with the topic, can follow along smoothly. I'll definitely keep working on improving the structure of my videos to provide a better viewing experience. Your input is valuable in helping me refine my content. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Enjoyed the blurb about 7up, lovely content!
I've been on course for some months, definitely improved my after sleep freshness
I’ve been taking low-dose lithium for the last 10 years. My mother had Alzheimer’s, and I was always doing research on the subject. I came up upon early research on this topic and asked my psychiatrist to prescribe the drug. Of course, I don’t know at the moment, whether it will prevent Alzheimer’s, but I am willing to take the chance.
What dose are you using? Any side effects?
Good job Anna. As a multidisciplinary scientist in many countries for numerous years, I have a passion for studying our brain-mind (which includes meditation, Tai Chi, mindfulness etc practices, and of course other brain-related sciences), and I concur with your presentation.
Thank you so much for this information!
About two years ago my psychiatrist suggested the Pure brand for 1mg a day. I’m happy to know I’ve been using a better brand.
I appreciate your videos, thank you again!
Have you noticed any difference in mood or behaviour after taking 1 mg??
At 4:17 you mention inhibitory effects on dopamine, how significant is this? Do those taking lithium experience notable decreases in motivation ?
Thanks
Or Anhedonia.
Dr. Without espousing as to why, I wanted to thank you for this video. Your presentation is outstanding and, blessedly, without the sensationalism that so many other presenters tend to have. Thank you for a very balanced overview of the subject matter.
You are very welcome! Glad it was helpful :)
Thanks. Very interesting video. I found the full article & your summary was spot on. There were conflicting studies of Lithium in drinking water & mental health effects back in the 1970s when some proposed adding it to urban water supplies (similar to fluoridation). Seems like research stalled for many years after that. LDL is an area that definitely deserves more research funding...
I'm 61 and never considered taking low dose Li, but I just ordered some. I've had depression issues all my life it seems, I'm probably on the spectrum too. Dad has dementia and I'm worried about my brain health. Hoping to see a difference in 2 months!
How is it going so far?
@@SM-hs8gk I had a near immediate decrease in libido after 5 days, and no noticeable mood / mental improvements. I stopped taking it.
omw to have a snack from the recycled batteries bin at my work
😂🎉
Democrats
@AlfredBakovich-ms5dt Food sources of lithium in most parts of the world include green leafy vegetables, root vegetables, tomatoes, garlic, and wine. Depends on where these are grown. The "lion diet" is not an appreciable source. Hope that helps. 😊
dude try some emphasis on the word "dietary"
gotta recharge!
I thought for sure you were going to explain lithium is an alkali metal or a mineral. The Orotate type definitely helps my anxiety, and helps me relax and sleep better. Magnesium taurate is a good combo
hey may I know how long it took for it to work? I tried it for two days and it didn't seem to help- it seemed like it made it worse.. does it take weeks to show results? it would be helpful if you could let me know thanks!
@havyyoda Personally, I find the non-drowsy calming effect fairly immediate when I dissolve it under my tongue when stressed. I think reactioms do vary though and if you're on pharmaceutical medication, that could override the sensitivity to low-dose lithium. Seek professional advice before making changes though, often wise to make them very gradually.
@@Murgatroydian I've been taking it for about a month now and it does seem to be effective.. it must vary from person to person
Is it an SSRI? What if you have Addison's Disease? I'd be extremely thankful for a review of that condition per the pituitary gland. You are extremely smart and I enjoy your comments on music and medical issues.
Hi there! Thank you for your kind comments and insightful questions! Lithium is not an SSRI - these two medications have different mechanisms of action. Lithium is typically used as a prescription medication for bipolar disorder and sometimes is used off label for depression. SSRIs are typically used for depression as well as generalized anxiety disorder.
Addison's disease is a disease in which the adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol (the major stress hormone - very important for stress response and immune function). Symptoms of Addison's disease typically involve fatigue, weakness, low blood pressure, and weight loss. The pituitary gland is known as the master gland because it regulates the release of hormones from other glands in the body. In a healthy individual, when a stress response is activated, the pituitary gland will secrete a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotropin hormone). ACTH travels through the blood stream to the adrenal glands which then release cortisol. In Addison's disease, the adrenals cannot secrete enough cortisol, so the pituitary gland will get confused and secrete more ACTH to get the adrenals to work. Based on the literature I've reviewed, lithium is contraindicated in people with Addison's because it can affect hormone function and also interacts with medications used to treat Addison's disease. Hope this was helpful :)
Brian Johnson looks like a 50 year old woman who had botox injections to get rid of her wrinkles. There's 0 chance that man slowed down the aging process.
Brian Johnson does have a unique look! I too personally think that he does not look younger, just different from how he used to..it was interesting to learn that his lab results suggest he's been able to reverse his biological clock though!
@@neurogalmd I watched some of the documentaries about him and his diet, and I honestly believe he only managed to minimize the inflammation by consuming a mostly alkaline diet. That doesn't mean that his diet is doing wonders, since - as a carnivore myself - most carnivores in the online groups I am a member of, managed to do the same thing by consuming meat only, without the constant need of supplementing thousands of $ worth of products in order to get the nutrients needed for a proper nutrition. My organs were 45-50 years old, and after jumping on the carnivore train, my "inner biological clock reversed" and my organs are now getting "younger" at around an average of 25 years old. And all that by eating a cheap steak every day, and not by spending millions on a futuristic diet that only looks good if you're a fan of Sci-fi movies.
@@MasksandrazorsBeing rich and having complete control of your schedule also helps...
A good food source of lithium is alfalfa.
When I began using hair trace elements analysis in my healing practice I tested my hair and found my lithium levels off the chart.
I had been chewing 25 alfalfa tablets daily for years. I began taking them as part of a vegan cleansing diet back in the late 90s, and continued taking them after I went back to being an omnivore because I love the taste, specifically the tablets made by Bernard Jensen.
After seeing my lab results I reduced to 5 tablets daily. A few months later I retested my hair and lithium had come down into the normal range. (I weigh 200 lbs).
Thank you so very much for your time and effort to produce this wonderful video.
RN here. Such well delivered teaching vid Dr. Encouraged me to do more research. Thank you.
I once had a hair analysis done, and I had zero lithium. The naturopath said that is odd. I didn't know there were supplements for it. That was twenty five years ago... I'll give this a shot! I have a lot of trouble sleeping
Clear and concise! 😍
Excellent video. Thank you!
lithium is a mineral which is said to be deficient in our soil in the USA - why is it treated like a drug rather than like any other mineral?
Could you list the studies your presentation refers to in general & specific? Thanks for all your inclusion of caveats to the studies you mentioned. I appreciate your inclusion of describing terms & physiology, and your presntation❣
I have thyroid damage from years of high dose lithium for bipolar; although it does seem to stop mania, it should be (in my opinion) discontinued during depressive episodes.
Can you do a series on experimental Nootropics? Such as noopept etc?
I've taken massive amounts of noopept in the past at one poi t a whopping 1 gram per day. It's addicting and you should take it with Lekithos Organic Sunflower lechtin. I was taking it without lecthin for a short period of time and started getting stroke symptoms based on no science I think it was sapping my Choline for structural integrity of cells. It's best to cycle on and off. I get mine from China about 1000 grams at a time then lab test it for about 200 bucks. It's way cheaper getting it on alibabba. I don't take it anymore, but for short cycles it is kinda interesting. Long term memory it didn't seem to benefit as much. It'll make you feel very sober like sulbutiamine does after drinking a lot of alcohol. I drarely take it cause it does sometimes stir up anxiety which i dont really experience anxiety in general and big doses make my pupils huge.
I use to sell noopept and other Nootropics. Then I got "static" from my online channel and delivery systems. That "static" ruined my business.
I appreciate your well put together video. I was curious on lithium and this presentation was exactly what I was looking for.
Very informative 👏
This was intriguing. I am so conservative when it comes to supplements, I would buy the lowest dose and take half once a month. It is a trace mineral, after all. I was aware for a long time that the water in Texas has the highest amounts in the US, and I suspect that it is beneficial and possibly necessary for optimal health, if not essential for life.
I've always been concerned about not having it in my water at all. That doesn't sound good, either. I'd like to hear about studies that compare regions with it and without it in their water. I've heard of people going to spas once a year where the lithium in the water is high. I'd like to replicate that.
Are you Anna Godvig, MD from Weill Cornell Medicine Neurology, NYPresbyterian? I have questions.
Thank you! Curious if there is any difference in the benefits of low dose lithium for someone who previously took high dose lithium for bipolar disorder.
thank you for citing research studies you are amazing
Great video !
It would be nice to know who was paying for the studies referenced. Thanks
I’m so happy, cuz today I found my friends. They’re In my head.
They're gonna turn on you, don't get too comfortable
FTDP-17 S305N
My wife was 20 years on low dose
I take it and find it helpful.
Given the study about the safety concerns is it recommended long term for overall brain health? What’s the cost/benefit? The kidney side effect is a bit worrisome
Thank you
If some bright student could measure the lithium in the drinking water and estimate what dose range that would correlate to it would be helpful. It seems reasonable to try 1mcg.
Hello Doctor, so as per your research do you think this will help ppl with aggressive behaviour due to excessive thoughts like borderline personality disorder
Curious about any long-term or permanent neurotransmitter downregulation from micro Lithium use. This is a big area of concern for all drugs, especially those impacting GABA and Glutamate receptors. Downregulation is the iceberg below the calm waters in psychopharmacology.
Glutamate itself can be worse since it often overstimulates muscle and nerves, while GABA supplementation (including GABAergic molecules) is almost always beneficial, and 5 mg of lithium can synergize with magnesium bisglycinate, sodium butyrate, calcium D-glucarate, iodine, zinc, boron, silicium, MSM and chromium for immunitary balance, electrolyte balance, gut health impacting neurotransmitters' balance, and hormonal balance in men (women would also need selenium, copper, germanium-132 and iron)
It took me 5 years and 4 attempts to get off of lithium. Such a relief.
Why? Is it addictive?
I've taken several forms and doses of Lithium. None of them made any difference.
Do another more in debth video
Just purchased 10mg Lithium Orotate from a company that uses a GMP facility.. You're saying that, as it's a supplement, there would then be 10mg of elemental lithium in these capsules? Is that a lot?
@12:12
Apparently, the word microdosing makes everything better, regardless of the drug.
Are you aware of any novel treatments for refractory sensory neuropathy of the feet without any decernable cause maybe except metabolic syndrome!
What’s a “lithium supplement”?
Can lithium oratate be taken with prescribed Duloxitine?
You could possibly replace it as I have just speak with a doctor though.
Lithium micro-what?
I'm taking 1.35 grams of lithium carbonate daily for the last 12 years...haven't seen any improvement in cognition or memory.
Bipolar, autism, memory issues, 'missing time', disassociation.
And that's on my good days!
I don't appear to be the audience you were looking for.
You are using the worst form of Lithium. The better form of Lithium is Lithium Orotate. Ask your physician which is the best dose for you. Many people start from 5 mg for one week and if everything is ok no side effects they increase to 10 mg for a couple weeks if needed more and if everything is ok (no side effects) if needed they increase to 20 mg per day. 20 mg per day of Lithium Orotate is the max limit for a couple months. It's a big difference between Lithium carbonate and Lithium Orotate and Lithium Orotate is the best form. 5mg -20mg Lithium Orotate ( equipment to 27-107 mg lithium carbonate). Do your own research and discuss with your doctor what is best for you.
12 years and no improvement.....how long are you willing to try it?
Do you take any kind of high dose B vitamins or VItamin D, vitamin C etc...?
@@MarthaHenson-zp1kwboo to your comment! Where is your compassion for someone who has clearly suffered? Do better try harder, now. The world depends on it
Can I take Lithium Orotat when I'm pregnat?
Lithium (granted lithium carbonate at prescription doses) has been down to have fetal harm. It does cross placenta and blood brain barrier. Would not recommend during breast feeding or pregnancy.
What is the lowest micro dose you reccomend ?
Lithium orotate is safe and helps brain plasticity.
Cool I have 2 lithium stones because this seemed like it would help me but I didn't want to take high doses of lithium
I don't know if my stones work when I wear them as my necklace or if it's just placebo since I'm just wearing it but I think it helps my mind either way if it's helping me change my behaviour
I think prescription lithium is to help you calm down right? I think that's what my Dr was going to give it to me for not every day just when I needed to calm down and couldn't
Thank you for your comments and for sharing your experience with lithium stones! I had not heard of this, so it is interesting to hear that wearing the stones generated a positive effect on you! Regarding prescription lithium, you're correct that it's often prescribed to help stabilize mood and manage symptoms of conditions like bipolar disorder. It's typically taken regularly to maintain therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. I've not heard of it being taken on an as-needed basis, however. If you have any concerns/questions about your treatment plan, it's best to discuss them openly with your doc for personalized guidance. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and experiences!
@@neurogalmd yes I agree fully thanks have a great day much love xoxox
The most annoying part about YT educational videos, is every single one start with repeating the basics.
It's almost like every contentcreater are unaware, that this info is already out there
Thanks for your comments and feedback! I too have been concerned about being repetitive in my videos but have just not been able to come up with a solution that would make the video feel well organized and complete. Starting with the basics is a way to ensure that viewers, regardless of their familiarity with the topic, can follow along smoothly. I'll definitely keep working on improving the structure of my videos to provide a better viewing experience. Your input is valuable in helping me refine my content. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
@@neurogalmd You can make basic videos as needed, and link to those, when making advanced content on the subject
Thanks for the idea!
You can just seek the part you dont need, i find this video comprehensive and thats the case for most people
I appreciate it. This wasn't too long, and had references for those interested.
Nope, pass. Was on lithium for decades. A Dr prescribed a blood pressure meds and wound up with lithium toxemia.
😍
MMS , we need not to be solodiied'
Litium oratate is great for anger anxiety mood swings and add hd. Also pain very cheap and no side effects
why does everyone shine a white light on their face?
Neuro-inflamation 😂😂😂 meningitis 😂😂😂 oxymoron
A “carrier” you couldn’t just say salt?
Lithium orotate 5 to 10 mils is perfect