Dear Dr. Cutler,

I am a 55-year-old woman with a twin sister who has recently been diagnosed as bipolar. We share a house, and I want to be supportive of my sister, but I would like to encourage her to try natural methods to control the disorder. Her doctor is already prescribing heavy-duty prescription meds. Could you give me some ideas? Also, as her twin, am I destined to become bipolar, as well?

—Jessica N.

Dear Jessica,

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive mood disorder, can wreak havoc on a person’s life and the lives of those around them. The severe ups and downs create a roller coaster existence for everybody involved.

Although bipolar disorder doesn’t have one single cause, there is a strong genetic influence. However, studies have shown that identical twins usually do not both have bipolar disorder, and if they do, they don’t have it to the same degree.

Treatment—and response to that treatment—can be very positive, and you should have your sister talk with her doctor about applying these natural methods…

1. Good nutrition is the first step. Eliminate refined and processed foods and add nutrient-rich foods such as raw leafy green vegetables that include spinach, kale and leaf lettuces… solid green vegetables including artichokes, asparagus and broccoli… and non-green, non-starchy vegetables such as onions, garlic and tomatoes.
2. Detoxification is the next step. Cleansing the body of chemicals and toxins is an important part of the treatment process.
3. It is essential that your sister address any stressors in her life. Individuals with milder bipolar conditions can achieve powerful benefits from psychotherapy, group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy or emotional therapy.
4. Safe and effective natural remedies such as GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid), SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine), St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) ,valerian root, passion flower, L-Tryptophan, niacinamide, 5-HTP, DHEA, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, inositol and L-tyrosine can improve bipolar symptoms dramatically.

All the best!

Michael Cutler, M.D.