The Magic of Niacin

Since the 1950s, Dr Abram Hoffer, MD, PhD, healed countless hearts and minds with his discovery of megadose niacin (vitamin B3) therapy for schizophrenia. This heralded the onset of megavitamin therapy, starting as a niacin/vitamin C treatment. As the therapy developed, other nutrients and health considerations were included, per unique individual requirements. Eventually, worldwide use of niacin and megavitamin treatment contributed to the recovery or great improvement of tens of thousands of people with schizophrenia: voices and psychosis gone, rare, or significantly muted. My earlier blogposts discuss this further: https://www.boragebooks.com/schizophrenia-blog.html For details and studies, see my book, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia at https://www.boragebooks.com/

IIIB. Metal Metabolism, Copper, Paranoia and Voices

Both copper over-accumulation, and problems with metal metabolism itself, can play a pivotal role in turning histapenic anxiety or hyperactivity into full-blown schizophrenia, replete with voices, psychosis and paranoia.

Role of copper 

Copper is critical in bone, connective tissue, blood, and brain. 
It is also a crucial component of SOD, a key antioxidant enzyme made inside the body.
However, excess copper is overstimulating. In fact, 10 mg copper creates an equivalent stimulating effect to a dose of dexedrine.

Copper is also pro-oxidant and, in excess, can increase oxidative stress.

So you need to get adequate copper, but not so much that it causes adverse symptoms.
In histapenics and pyrolurics with schizophrenia, and particularly with paranoid schizophrenia, copper is almost always excessive, and out of balance with zinc, which is almost always depleted.
Excess levels can drive voices, paranoia, insomnia and hypomania.
See more on copper at: http://www.arltma.com/Articles/CopperElimDoc.htm
 

Role of metal metabolism

Excessive copper is a good diagnostic indicator of poor metal metabolism —
specifically, of inadequate enzymes (called metallothioneins or MTs) which metabolize, transport and eliminate divalent metals like copper, iron, and various heavy metals. MTs also serve as potent antioxidants.
Poor metal metabolism leaves the body prey to accumulation of toxic metals and to ever increasing oxidative stress. 

Nutrients which support metal metabolism

Vitamin C — Critical to elimination of excess metals.
Zinc — Critical in eliminating and counterblance copper.
Manganese and B6 (or P5P) — important to metal metabolism. The manganese/B6/zinc ratio may need to be adjusted.
Niacin —used in metal metabolism, and works on receptors to counterbalance dopamine stimulation.
Molybdenum — Important to copper metabolism, particularly for many people with pronounced allergies and high urinary sulfite who show correspondingly low levels.
Vitamin C and E, selenium, other antioxidants — Offer protection against peroxidation due to overstimulation and to elevated copper.
NAC — Critical to MT function in decreasing copper and toxic metals. Introduced slowly, and only after at least three months of zinc, and other nutrients. NAC can cause severe symptoms if given too early.
Limit copper! Even a multiple with 2 mg copper can trigger paranoia in susceptible individuals. Avoid heavy metal exposure. 

In some cases, a nutrient combo finely tailored to metallothionein creation may be needed.

Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Even within the histapenic subgroup, everyone's biochemical requirements are unique.  Copper is important to health and should only be avoided if levels are detrimental. So if you need treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

For more  on histapenia, copper and schizophrenia, plus a free educational consult, get my book Natural Healing for Schizophrenia at:
              http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html
If you want to contact me, click here.
For more posts, follow this blog or join / like my Natural Healing for Schizophrenia page on facebook.

Dr. Hoffer video on true Recovery with Orthomolecular Psychiatry

A great video by the late and great Dr. Abram Hoffer on vitamin approaches for schizophrenia.
Scroll down to the video at:
http://fractalenlightenment.com/11568/enlightening-video/orthomolecular-treatment-of-schizophrenia

More on vitamin approaches for schizophrenia at summary, blog, links, and Natural Healing for Schizophrenia,  at http://boragebooks.com

Eva Edelman workshop at 2013 Alternatives Conference in Texas

I will be speaking at the Alternatives Conference in Austin on Friday, Dec 6th at 3:30 on nutrients, herbs and mental health. Come bring your questions.
I'll also be available through the week for free educational sessions. Look for me!
Historically, the focus of this conference has been mostly psychosocial approaches to mental health, so l am delighted to add orthomolecular approaches to the mix.
BTW, one of the highlights of this conference is consumer/survivor art, music, poetry and theater.

IIIA. Histapenia Vitamins

Doctors Pfeiffer, Hoffer, Walsh and other orthomolecular physicians have, in over ten thousand  schizophrenic patients with histapenia (and here), found the following nutrients and other approaches almost always beneficial, roughly grouped around the following symptoms:
Note: Some choices listed below can be detrimental in other biotypes, particularly histadelia (See Natural Healing for Schizophrenia.)

Voices and other psychotic symptoms

Vitamin B3 — Critical to brain circulation and metabolism, histamine production, metal metabolism, copper elimination. Antioxidant. Niacin increases reuptake of dopamine, suppressing dopamine activity. (Walsh) May create a flush.
Vitamin C — Promotes copper excretion, protects brain tissue from oxidation.
Vitamin B6 and/or P5P — May be even more important than B3 in children. Helps form GABA, serotonin, glutathione, CoQ10. Antioxidant. Supports B12 absorption, zinc metabolism. May help decrease available methyl.
Folic acid  — Counterbalances and traps methyl.  Folic acid enhances dopamine reuptake, decreasing availability in the synapse. (Walsh)
Vitamin B12   — As hydroxy- or cyano-cobalamin. Note: Methyl-cobalamine increases methylation so can be problematic for histapenics -- who are already overmethylated.
Zinc — Inhibits copper absorption and promotes its excretion. Facilitates histamine storage. Antioxidant. Helps maintain GABA levels and supports GABA function.
Restrict copper and support metal metabolism — See Metal Metabolism Notes, next post.

Paranoia

Especially: Vitamin C, B3, zinc. Other nutrients as relevant.
Usually critical to restrict copper and support metal metabolism.  See Metal Metabolism Notes, next post.

Overstimulation, grandiosity, anxiety, insomnia

Vitamins B3, C, B6, Zinc, etc. Also:
Magnesium — especially with irritability.
Pantothenic acid (B5) — Supports adrenals. Helps keep copper low. Helps counter overmethylation, and support dopamine reuptake. Helps form melatonin.
Choline or DMAE — Counters dopamine  and norepinephrine.
Manganese — Lowers dopamine. Supports metal metabolism and copper elimination. Makes choline available to form acetylcholine.
GABA — Counterbalances norepinephrine.
B complex — Generally supports neural function and helps prevent deficits due to high doses of  single B vitamin.  Not always helpful as some components can overstimulate.
Often critical to restrict copper and support metal metabolism.  See Metal Metabolism Notes, next post.

Depression  and/or fatigue

Vitamins B3, C, B6, B5, omega 3, folic acid, B12.

Antioxidants — To counter the oxidative stress. 
Omega 3 — Supports neural receptor function.

L-carnitine — Brings fuel (fats) to the mitochondria (cellular energy factories) and protects mitochondria from oxidative stress. Only if needed for fatigue. Stopped if voices or overstimulation worsen.
Iron — only if deficient.

Diet

Fresh whole foods (organic, if possible), omega 3 fish, abundant folic acid-rich vegetables. Avoid allergens, fried or hydrogenated fat, sugar, alcohol, refined carbs.
Meat requirements depend on individual reactions and chemistry.*

* Meat is rich in B3, B6, B12, zinc and carnitine, and benefits hypoglycemia. However, as Walsh points out, meat can markedly increase methionine and methylation.

Cautions

Supplements of methionine, SAMe, methyl-B12, and betaine increase methylation and are usually countraindicated for overmethylated individuals.
SSRI’s and St Johnswort often produce adverse reactions in this biotype.

Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Even within the histapenic subgroup, everyone's biochemical requirements are unique. So if you need treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

To contact me, click here.
For more info on histapenia and schizophrenia, see
    http://boragebooks.com
To order my book, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia, please go to:
              http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html
Note: Ordering directly from Borage Books, gives you a free educational phone session with the author.

II. Histapenia chemistry and general approach

The focus in histapenia treatment is reducing brain overmethylation, increasing folate, and addressing high copper and metal metabolism problems.

Overmethylation increases activity of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, creating overstimulation and histapenia symptoms (e.g., anxiety, voices, hypomania, paranoia...). Methylation does this by decreasing expression of transporters that remove these neurotransmitters from the synapse. For example, methylation decreases the creation of dopamine transporters, leaving more dopamine in the synapse, thereby increasing dopamine messages.

Dr. Walsh suggests that the niacin therapy, developed by Dr Hoffer, turned out to be so important because it increases reuptake of dopamine from the synapse.

Similarly, folic acid helps the histapenic by increasing acetylation enzymes, and fostering creation of transporters to bring dopamine and norepinephrine out of the synapse, so stimulation can subside.

Metal Metabolism

Histapenia alone is generally associated with anxiety, panic and hyperactivity. Add metal metabolism dysfunction, and you can get voices, psychosis and paranoia.
Copper elevation is a good indicator of poor metal metabolism, and prevalent in schizophrenics with histapenia. Copper itself worsens voices, paranoia, overstimulation, insomnia and hypomania.
Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended as diagnosis or treatment recommendations for the individual. Even within the histapenic subgroup, everyone's biochemical requirements are unique. So if you need treatment for schizophrenia, bipolar, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

If you want to contact me, click here.
For more info on histapenia and schizophrenia, see  http://boragebooks.com
To order my book, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia, go to:
              http://boragebooks.com/orderBooks.html
When you order here, you get a free educational phone consult.

More on Histapenia nutrients next post.

1. Schizophrenia biotypes: Histapenia symptoms

The discovery of the histamine biotypes

Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD, working in New Jersey in the 1960s and 1970s,  discovered extremes of histamine in approximately two-thirds of his schizophrenic patients. He found that the mental symptoms responded well to nutrients which brought histamine into balance.
He dubbed the low histamine biotype, histapenia.
Over the years, Pfeiffer found that almost 50% of his schizophrenia patients fit into the histapenic biotype. Dr. William J Walsh recently suggested that the major biochemistry for 90-95% of paranoid schizophrenics is histapenia.

Symptoms (tendencies)  -- see the pic from my book here

Often, classic schizophrenia or paranoid schizophrenia symptoms.
High anxiety, perhaps panic attacks. Suspicious. Paranoia.

Racing thoughts, grandiosity. General overstimulation. Somewhat hypomanic.
Insomnia. Often turns day into night.
Dysperceptions. Voices. Distorted sense of reality.
Learning disorders, underachiever in school. Problems with abstract thought.
Often artistic or musical. Increased religiosity.
Depression, but usually less than in other biotypes.
 Note: If copper, zinc are sufficient, symptoms usually revolve around anxiety and panic. But with high copper, or low zinc, insufficient B3 histapenics tend to experience not only anxiety and panic, but also,  paranoia, voices, and psychosis.

Physical tendencies

Often overweight. Low metabolism, low libido.
Restless leg syndrome, hyperkinetic movement, ringing in the ears.
Dry eyes, mouth (increasing tendency to tooth decay). Dry skin, tendency to eczema. Hairy.
Food and chemical sensitivity, particularly perfume sensitivity. Seasonal allergies uncommon. Estrogen sensitivity. Increased estrogen (e.g., postpartum) often associated with psychosis.
High pain threshhold. Any pain clusters in the head, neck, upper body.
Reacts poorly to methionine, SAMe, antihistamines.

Labs

Low levels of whole blood histamine and, often, absolute basophils.
Low folic acid, high copper, often low serum zinc.
Elevated norepinephrine and/or dopamine and, often, serotonin.

For more on histapenia, see my compendium on nutrient-based approaches for schizophrenia, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia.
When you order here you can call for a free educational phone consult.
You may also be interested in Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder, available here.

Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you need treatment for schizophrenia, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

0. Hoffer's discovery of Niacin/ Vitamin C megadose treatment

The Discovery of Megavitamin Therapy

Abram Hoffer, MD, PhD, founded Megavitamin Therapy, now called Orthomolecular Psychiatry. He began this research in a hospital in Saskatchewan, Canada, in the early 1950's, with a half dozen double blinds investigating megadose niacin and vitamin C for schizophrenia. These studies introduced double blinds to the field of psychiatry.
One of the early patients was a young boy, who had become catatonic, unable to speak or use the bathroom. He had eventually lapsed into a coma and his doctors, judging him to be dying from his schizophrenia, had placed him on a terminal care list. Hoffer gave him 5 gm vitamin C and 10 gm niacin, divided doses, and the next day he was out of the coma. After two weeks, he was completely recovered. Twelve years later, he was still taking vitamins, still well, and an active member of his community.
Many others in these initial trials showed similarly marked improvement. Hoffer has commented that God must be smiling down on researchers, to give such encouraging results at the early stages of research, steering them in the right direction. (Usually patients who are so ill take a lot longer to improve, with initial improvement not so clearly discernible.)
Orthomolecular psychiatry gathered momentum, with the contributions of hundreds of physicians and researchers. Treatment came to rely on a panoply of nutrients and herbs and, often, differentiation into biotypes, as well as attention to allergies, Candida, toxins, and other health factors. Laboratory testing helped distinguish unique individual needs.
The late and great Dr. Hoffer, for more than half a century, and up til the end of his life, nourished, expanded, and fought for this nascent medical field of orthomolecular psychiatry.

The following series of posts will focus on histapenia, the most prevalent biotype in schizophrenia. Hoffer's original niacin/C therapy is probably essential for virtually all patients who experience voices, but is particularly critical for the histapenia biotype.


For details on niacin, C, other vitamins, and biotypes, see my compendium on nutrient-based approaches for schizophrenia, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia.
Available here.
You may also be interested in  Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder.
Available here.

This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you need treatment for schizophrenia or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

Nutrient-based Psychiatry and Hoffer-Walsh-Pfeiffer Outcomes

Scurvy and pellagra (see Power of Nutrients) are not the only conditions in which severe mental symptoms are "cured" by vitamins.
Others include:
Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis, associated with B1 depletion due to chronic alcoholism.
The dementia caused by difficulty absorbing and/or insufficient intake of B12.
The depression associated with lack of vitamin D and sunlight.
The depression of iron, copper, or B6- deficiency anemia.
And so on.

The basis of medical treatment: A period of sufficient intake of respective vitamins to resolve the psychosis / dementia / mood symptoms for almost all patients.

So perhaps we can extrapolate the power of nutrients to address those same symptoms in some of what is now thought of as exclusively psychiatric disorders.

Hoffer-Pfeiffer-Walsh Clinical Outcomes

To support this contention, we can look to the clinical outcomes reported by Drs. Hoffer, Pfeiffer and Walsh. Together, these three giants of orthomolecular psychiatry, treated at least 50,000 patients with severe psychiatric disorder, focusing on nutrients tailored to individual biochemical requirements, and considering, where relevant, metal metabolism, environmental toxins, and confounding health conditions. Outcome for schizophrenia, anxiety, and mood disorders was 75-85% great-improvement or recovery, in the higher range when patients were treated early in the illness. Follow-up was generally one year or longer.
Recovery (defined by Hoffer) meant that people could go back to school or work at comparable level to that at which they left off, and that they again got on reasonably well with the people with whom they associate.
Furthermore, each of approximately 40,000 of these patients were assessed with hundreds of tests of nutrients, enzymes, and health status, which correlated nutrient-induced biotype and other biochemical changes with psychiatric improvement.

ABA Subgroup

Which is not to say people get cured, in the sense that to maintain improvement those vitamins tailored to individual biochemical requirements usually must be taken for life. This is actually advantageous because, unlike most meds: nutrient benefits tend to increase slowly but steadily over time; taking many indicated nutrients tends to compound the benefit; and improved physical health is often a side-effect.
Which may have contributed to a decision by many hundreds of the above patients that they were so well they could go off the nutrients. Almost invariably, they deteriorated, then were started again on the vitamins. These situations produced an ABA (on-off-on) within-subject experimental design bolstered by several factors: (1) Most biochemical parameters (except those being manipulated by the vitamins) were as identical as you are going to get (since it was within patient). (2) During the "off" stage, the deterioration was opposite to subject expectations (which was that they were well). (3) Accompanying labs tracked biotype-related biochemistry as it related to psychiatric status.
So this ABA group produced particularly strong data.
The results for almost all patients were deterioration during B, improvement during both A stages, although slower the second time around. Improvement in biotype biochemistry correlated with psychiatric improvement.

How can anyone ignore these amazing outcomes

Altogether, we have long-term outcome on tens of thousands of individuals reported from three distinct clinics, with most recovering over time, or improving greatly, and with the degree of recovery largely unheard of in mainstream psychiatry. And this, using nutrients, which, by definition, are essential to life, and which, accurately-used and tailored to individual requirements, are not going to cause the heart-rending side effects we see with many psych drugs.
Now add to these outcomes, the many thousands of positive studies and clinical results from all other nutrient-oriented physicians and researchers, a fertile body of research, constantly expanded by new insights and findings. And just possibly, what we as a society will find ourselves moving towards is a way to treat the brain with all due respect to its natural processes.

For an extensively-referenced compendium of nutrient-based approaches for schizophrenia, see my book,  Natural Healing for Schizophrenia.
Available here.
You may also be interested in  Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder.
Available here.

This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you need treatment for schizophrenia or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.
Warning: Changes in medication can trigger episodes which are worse than the initial illness. If changes are desired, please consult a knowledgeable doctor. Orthomolecular doctors usually add the new nutrients to the prior drug regimen. They then reduce meds in very gradual steps, and each stage, only when enough improvement on the nutrients allows it. 

Schizophrenia: Vitamins work! But take Time and Fine-Tuning.

Patience

Drugs, when they work, usually create relatively rapid improvement, until tolerance develops and side effects set in.
Nutrients are usually slow, so that at first it may not be obvious that they are working at all. Usually, improvement is subtle, almost unnoticeable day-to-day. Much subtler than drugs.
But effectiveness compounds with time. Multiple nutrients have a multiplicative effect. And, tailored appropriately to the individual, virtually no significant side effects (except enhanced general health). After all, nutrients nourish and are essential to health by definition.

Degree of Improvement

The clinical outcomes of Doctors Pfeiffer, Walsh and Hoffer, over tens of thousands of patients with schizophrenia, suggest that approximately 75-85% get better. To start, improvement may be almost unnoticeable, but progresses -- especially when treated relatively soon -- to a remarkable extent, as compared to meds. Many people can go back to school, pursue previous career goals, take up where they left off. They get their lives back. Nutrients work!

Education critical

But nutrient treatment does have to be tailored to individual requirements. In some cases repeated fine-tuning is needed and patience is essential. Education is critical for everyone involved. The more the individual, the physician and the family know about what each nutrient does, the role of biotypes, and the influence of other health factors (allergies, metals and toxins, thyroid and adrenal function, blood sugar, Candida, neurological issues, etc.), the more the long-term outcome is likely to improve.

Hence, my book, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia, so doctor and patient can work together to solve the riddles of this illness.
Available here.
Note: If you buy from Borage Books, you get a free educational consult with the author. 

Warning: If already taking medication, please do not make changes without consulting with a knowledgeable doctor. Changes in medication can trigger episodes which are worse than the initial illness. If the individual is taking meds, orthomolecular doctors usually just add nutrients to the drug regimen. They then reduce meds in gradual steps (often 10% at a time), each stage only when enough improvement on the nutrients allows it. 
This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you need treatment for schizophrenia, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

The Power of Nutrients in Schizophrenia

How important can nutrients be? Can they really do much for severe mental health symptoms? Two old illnesses, whose vitamin cures have been used by modern medicine for the past hundred years, will serve to provide an intuitive glimpse into the potency of nutrients in brain function.

Vitamin C and Scurvy

 

Consider first, scurvy, the disease of the ancient pirates, a prolific killer of olden-day sailors on long sea voyages. Symptoms included easy bruising, internal bleeding, roughening skin, and wounds which would not heal. Teeth would loosen and fall out. As if that was not enough, scurvy also caused profound anxiety and depression, overwhelming fatigue, insomnia and, eventually, in some cases, psychosis. Late stage scurvy often resolves into fever, convulsions, and death.

Scurvy has been known for at least 2000 years, and periodically, people have tried various fresh food cures, only to lose that knowledge in subsequent generations. In the twentieth century, treatment with sources of vitamin C caught on more universally. Sufficient C not only stems the physical changes, but also reverses the often-severe mental symptoms.

Note again: Vitamin C, all by itself reverses the psychosis and mood changes of scurvy! Interestingly, many institutionalized psychiatric patients have vitamin C levels close to that found in people with scurvy.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) and Pellagra 

Secondly, let us look at pellagra, an illness characterized classically by the 4Ds: Dermatitis, Diarrhea, Dementia and Death. That is: various skin and gastrointestinal symptoms, along with increasing weakness and depression, mood instability, aggression, insomnia, confusion eventually resolving into dementia and, in some cases, a schizophrenia-like psychosis.

In the early 1900s, liver, and then, its active ingredient, niacin, was found to cure pellagra. A few hundred mg. of vitamin B3, over several weeks, reversed the unstable mood, the irritability and violent disposition, and the pellagren psychosis.

Since then, orthomolecular psychiatrists have found niacin helpful in many cases of schizophrenia and depression, and critical in up to 90% of cases of paranoid schizophrenia.

If such nutrients can cure the severe mental symptoms of scurvy and pellagra, then perhaps they also have the power to address those same symptoms in psychiatric disorders. Come to my talk April 23rd [LCMH, 6:00] to hear more.

About the author

Eva Edelman is a health researcher and the author of two widely-acclaimed compendiums:

Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder: A Compendium of Nutritional Approaches

Natural Healing for Schizophrenia and Other Common Mental Disorders

For more info on these books, see http://www.boragebooks.com

NAMI/ Lane County/ Spring 2013 Newsletter 

My review of Nutrient Power by Dr. William J Walsh, PhD

NUTRIENT POWER  Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain by Dr. William J. Walsh

Nutrient Power by Dr. William J Walsh grants us a privileged look at the results of 35 years of research by a scientist who never stops pushing the envelope. Research, bolstered  by a scientific database of 25,000 patients and a million assays of chemical factors in blood, urine, and tissue;

This breakthrough book is a bridge from epigenetics and molecular biology to a biochemical psychiatry based on nutrients. It guides us through the brain’s rich biochemical tapestry and healing capacity. We learn about nutrients in terms of:

(1) Treatments for behavior and conduct disorders in youth, promising both a more humane and more effective approach.
(2) The role of metal metabolism, methylation and oxidative stress in autism.
(3) A review of approaches for Alzheimer’s, plus a new nutrient-based therapy.
(4) New theoretical underpinnings for niacin/ folic acid treatment of schizophrenia.
(5) Biotypes underlying ADHD, depression, schizophrenia.

And more. We move, from the methylation and acetylation of DNA histones to neurotransmitter transporters and regulators and synaptic reuptake. From metallothioneins and pyrrole disorders to the repercussions of oxidative stress...

And through it all, we see how nutrients, being intrinsic to how the the brain operates and thrives, directly target errant brain chemistry, while supporting natural brain processes. How nutrients fit intricately with the subtleties and plasticity of brain/body chemistry, as the most accurate biochemical key to neurotransmitter balance, synaptic activity, neuron viability, and genetic manifestation. Nutrients, the natural match for our internal chemistry and structure, created to sustain, build, activate, moderate, repair, and support healthy brain and body function.

The lesson is truly nutrient power!
All packed into one concise gem of a book.
A must-read for anyone who ponders the power of nutrients in mental function.

Review by Eva Edelman, author,
Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder: A Compendium of Nutritional Approaches
Natural Healing for Schizophrenia and Other Common Mental Disorders

Great orthomolecular psychiatry ebooks - free

Repost of an article from Orthomolecular Medicine News Services. A generous offering of ebooks in honor of Dr. Riordan. For schizophrenia info, see Dr. Pfeiffer's: The Schizophrenia, Ours to Conquer.  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This article may be reprinted free of charge provided 1) that there is clear attribution to the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, and 2) that both the OMNS free subscription link http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2044&l=-http--orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html and also the OMNS archive link http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2045&l=-http--orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/index.shtml are included. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, August 30, 2012 Books by Nutritional Medicine Pioneers Now Available for Free Download (OMNS Aug 30, 2012) On Friday, January 7, 2005, a physician and pioneer in orthomolecular medicine penned what would later be discovered to be his final thoughts: "What we learn from these superb observers and orthomolecular doers can literally change our lives for the better." The doctor was Hugh D. Riordan, M.D..In honor of Dr Riordan, his maverick spirit, and his contribution to orthomolecular medicine over the years that continues today through his clinic, a number of books written by or about pioneers in orthomolecular medicine are now available for open access and free download as described below: ------------------------------------------------------         The Wonderful World Within You: Your Inner Nutritional Environment by Roger J. Williams, Ph.D. (1998) Understanding your individual differences can be the key to a healthier, more vigorous life. This 21st century edition neatly summarizes Dr Roger J. Williams' lifetime of wisdom about many topics: nutrition, wholesome foods, nutritional supplements, our individual differences, preventing alcoholism, and finding a healthy and satisfying life. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2046&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/The_Wonderful_World_Within_You.pdf ------------------------------------------------------        The Vitamin C Controversy: Questions and Answers by Emanuel Cheraskin, M.D., D.M.D. (1988) Professor of Medicine Dr. Emanuel Cheraskin became interested in lifestyle as a solution to many serious medical problems. This led to studies in nutrition eventuating in this publication, The Vitamin C Controversy: Questions and Answers, is intended to respond to the fifty most commonly asked questions dealing with vitamin C research studies. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2047&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/The_Vitamin_Controversy.pdf ------------------------------------------------------        Health and Happiness by Emanuel Cheraskin, M.D., D.M.D. (1989) It almost seems as if there is no rhyme or reason to health and happiness. But there is... and it's lifestyle. Those who seem to be well are characterized largely by positive social habits (pluses). The unhealthy and unhappy are more often than not laden with poor lifestyles (minuses). Within these pages you will find the simple techniques for measuring your own way of life. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2048&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/Health_and_Happiness.pdf ------------------------------------------------------         The Schizophrenias: Ours to Conquer by Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D., Richard Mailloux, B.S. and Linda Forsythe, B.A. "This impressive volume contains the observations and theories about the schizophrenias gathered by Carl Pfeiffer and colleagues over more than twenty years. I have heard Dr. Pfeiffer lecture dozens of times and have always enjoyed listening to his clear exposition of his work. More important, I always learn something. Unfortunately, too few psychiatrists have been wise enough to attend his lectures. They can remedy this deficiency by studying this book. " - Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2049&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/The_Schizophrenias_Ours_to_Conquer.pdf ------------------------------------------------------         Medical Mavericks Vol. 1 by Hugh Desaix Riordan, M.D. (1988) Often reviled by their contemporaries, medical mavericks blazed the trail of scientific progress. These tales of discovery, personal hardship, court intrigues, and hardball professional rivalry make for fascinating reading. Medical Mavericks will raise the eyebrows of many, and bring a sense of relief to contemporary mavericks who can take comfort in the thought that at least they aren't being burned at the stake. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2050&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/Medical_Mavericks_Vol1.pdf ------------------------------------------------------         Medical Mavericks Vol. 2 by Hugh Desaix Riordan, M.D. (1989) Medical Mavericks, Volume Two continues what Volume One started. This is a good book for medical professionals, history buffs, and anyone who wants to learn more about the pioneers in the field of medicine. After all, even the concept that physicians need to wash their hands was once ridiculed. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2051&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/Medical_Mavericks_Vol2.pdf ------------------------------------------------------         Medical Mavericks Vol. 3 by Hugh Desaix Riordan, M.D. (2005) Dr. Riordan was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin Medical School, and had practiced clinical medicine for nearly 50 years. Medical Mavericks, Volume Three, is the completion of Dr. Riordan's trilogy of biographical vignettes about these fascinating trailblazers. It also marks Dr. Riordan's final publication. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2052&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/Medical_Mavericks_Vol3.pdf ------------------------------------------------------ For further reading: ------------------------------------------------------         Pyramid on the Prairie by Craig Miner (2011) This is the story of the first quarter century of Dr. Riordan's Center for the Improvement of Human Functioning (now the Riordan Clinic), which pioneered an alternative approach to medicine despite fierce criticism from within the medical profession and staunch resistance from the insurance industry. http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2053&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/ebook/Pyramid_on_the_Prairie.pdf ------------------------------------------------------ The Riordan Clinic is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate an epidemic of health worldwide. For more information about the Riordan Clinic, visit http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2054&l=-http--www.RiordanClinic.org . To review the listing of free publications online, visit http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2055&l=-http--www.riordanclinic.org/education/books/ . Nutritional Medicine is Orthomolecular Medicine Orthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness. For more information: http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2056&l=-http--www.orthomolecular.org Find a Doctor To locate an orthomolecular physician near you: http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2057&l=-http--orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v06n09.shtml The peer-reviewed Orthomolecular Medicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource. Editorial Review Board: Ian Brighthope, M.D. (Australia) Ralph K. Campbell, M.D. (USA) Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D. (USA) Damien Downing, M.D. (United Kingdom) Dean Elledge, D.D.S., M.S. (USA) Michael Ellis, M.D. (Australia) Martin P. Gallagher, M.D., D.C. (USA) Michael Gonzalez, D.Sc., Ph.D. (Puerto Rico) William B. Grant, Ph.D. (USA) Steve Hickey, Ph.D. (United Kingdom) Michael Janson, M.D. (USA) Robert E. Jenkins, D.C. (USA) Bo H. Jonsson, M.D., Ph.D. (Sweden) Thomas Levy, M.D., J.D. (USA) Stuart Lindsey, Pharm.D. (USA) Jorge R. Miranda-Massari, Pharm.D. (Puerto Rico) Karin Munsterhjelm-Ahumada, M.D. (Finland) Erik Paterson, M.D. (Canada) W. Todd Penberthy, Ph.D. (USA) Gert E. Schuitemaker, Ph.D. (Netherlands) Robert G. Smith, Ph.D. (USA) Jagan Nathan Vamanan, M.D. (India) Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D. (USA), Editor and contact person. Email: omns@orthomolecular.org Readers may write in with their comments and questions for consideration for publication and as topic suggestions. However, OMNS is unable to respond to individual emails. To Subscribe at no charge: http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2056&l=-http--www.orthomolecular.org/subscribe.html To Unsubscribe from this list: http://www.cihfimediaservices.org/12all/lt.php?c=195&m=273&nl=3&s=26c68761f7e8b062d7b560ebd281802f&lid=2056&l=-http--www.orthomolecular.org/unsubscribe.html -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ©2004-2012 All rights reserved - Orthomolecular.org Orthomolecular.org | 3100 N. Hillside Ave | Wichita, KS 67219 | USA

A TV series, Highlighting Food and Herbs as Medicine

This is an incredible series, set in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. It is based on the the life of the first female physician to the King, in the context of a society where food and herbs were highly valued as medicine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dae_Jang_Geum#Synopsis

Curación Natural para Esquizofrenia

 
Curación Natural para Esquizofrenia
por fin está disponible en español. Ir a:
 
https://www.createspace.com/3811210
o
http://www.amazon.com/Curaci%C3%B3n-Natural-Para-Esquizofrenia-Trastornos/

Más profundo agradecimiento al traductor, la Señora Graciela Martínez de Zepeda, y el Editor, la Señora Norma Reyna.

Curación Natural para Esquizofrenia abarca décadas de experiencia clínica y la investigación pionera a nivel mundial por los médicos. Describe la importancia de cada nutriente y hierba a la salud mental, y representa a los principales subgrupos bioquímicos. También explora el papel de las alergias, desequilibrios de azúcar, metales pesados ​​y otras toxinas, y las enfermedades que contribuyen. Contiene un glosario, recursos, bibliografía y referencias extensas.

Dr. William J. Walsh, PhD: Este es el volumen más útil de los métodos nutricionales para trastornos mentales que se ha escrito en los últimos 20 años. Creo que será un recurso de gran valor para los investigadores, especialistas clínicos y familiares por igual. Es una lectura necesaria para nuestros investigadores y médicos.

Dr. Oscar Rogers Kruesi, MD: Un recurso invaluable para cada familia afligida no sólo por la esquizofrenia, sino por cualquier trastorno mental. Este libro nos ilumina a todos los de la profesión médica y dará una gran esperanza y consuelo a los pacientes. Lo recomiendo entusiastamente.

Dr. Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, Padre de la Psiquiatría Ortomolecular: Una descripción magnífica y pormenorizada de los tratamientos ortomoleculares, con suficientes detalles para que cualquier médico, con sólo el material aquí presentado pueda empezar a usar el tratamiento. Al mismo tiempo, este libro provee un excelente plan de estudios, de lo que podría ser un curso de varios semestres, para enseñar a los médicos acerca de los mejores tratamientos para esquizofrenia que se encuentran disponibles hoy.

Dr. Ralph Golan, MD: Edelman ha compilado y hecho contribución magnífica y necesaria en el campo de la salud mental. Bien organizado, claramente escrito, entendible, será cambiará sin lugar a dudas la vida de los que sufren una enfermedad mental y la de sus familiares. Su lectura, debería ser obligatoria para psiquiatras, psicólogos y otros profesionales de salud, así como, para aquellos que planean una carrera médica o una política nacional de salud. Es un excelente trabajo y un faro de esperanza.

Schizophrenia: Histapenia Symptoms

History

The histamine imbalance biotypes were initially introduced by Dr. Pfeiffer, who found extremes in blood histamine in two-thirds of his schizophrenic patients, with improvement occurring as nutrients brought histamine toward normal (as indicated by biochemical tests). He gave the name, histapenia, to the biotype associated with low histamine.
Dr. Walsh later suggested that the primary imbalance underlying the low histamine chemistry is, simply put, neurotransmitter overmethylation plus insufficient folic acid.  More on this later.


In detailed labs taken for over 25,000 schizophrenics (just in the two clinics of Doctors Pfeiffer and Walsh), 45-50% fell into the histapenia subgroup, making histapenia the most common biochemistry in those diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Symptoms of histapenia (tendencies)
High anxiety, perhaps panic attacks. Racing thoughts, grandiosity. General overstimulation.
Obsessions, suspicious, dysperceptions.
Learning disorders, underachiever in school. Problems with abstract thought.
Depression, but usually less than in other biotypes,
Often artistic or musical. Increased religiosity.
With high copper / low zinc, insufficient niacin (vitamin B3): paranoia, voices, psychosis, usually classic schizophrenia symptoms.
Physical tendencies
Dry eyes, mouth (increasing tendency to carries). Dry skin, tendency to eczema. Hairy.
Low libido, often overweight, low metabolism.
High pain threshhold. Any pain clusters in the head, neck, upper body.
Restless leg syndrome, ringing in the ears. Insomnia, turning day into night.
Food and chemical sensitivity, particularly perfume sensitivity. Seasonal allergies uncommon. Increased estrogen (e.g., postpartum) often associated with psychosis.
Reacts poorly to methionine, SAMe, antihistamines.

Labs
Low blood histamine and often absolute basophils, low folic acid, high copper, low serum zinc, elevated norepinephrine and/or dopamine, and often, serotonin.
For further discussion and visuals, see the sample pages from
 my schizophrenic book at:

http://boragebooks.com/schizophrenia_3_histapenia.html
http://boragebooks.com/schizophrenia_4_histapenia.html


Reminder: This information is presented for educational purposes only, and is not intended for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you need treatment for schizophrenia, or any other medical condition, please consult a knowledgeable physician.

Orthomolecular Treatment of Schizophrenia: Key Bibliographies

Some studies by practitioners discussed in: Research and clinical data supporting the therapeutic use of nutrients for schizophrenia (March 22, 2010 post), which see.


Bibliography from the work of Dr. Abram Hoffer, MD, PhD,  Father of Orthomolecular Psychiatry.

Bibliography from Dr. Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD, the major force behind the schizophrenia biotypes.

Bibliography from Dr. William J. Walsh, PhD, who expanded the use of biotype treatments to other mental disorders.

Nutritional Approaches for Schizophrenia: Overview

For an overview of orthomolecular (vitamin) approaches to the treatment of schizophrenia,
See Natural Healing for Schizophrenia: Nutritional Approaches, at the Borage Books website.

But note, this is only an overview. For more comprehensive descriptions, and for lab tests, contraindications, studies, etc., see my book, Natural Healing for Schizophrenia. 
You can buy it here.

Major schizophrenia nutrients: Vitamin B3 and Vitamin C

Megavitamin Therapy (which evolved into Orthomolecular Psychiatry) began with the Hoffer/Osmond research into niacin (a form of vitamin B3) and vitamin C. See my post at: http://naturalhealingforschizophrenia.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-did-orthomolecular-psychiatry-begin.html

Over the next half century, although other supportive nutrients have been discovered, orthomolecular physicians and researchers have continued to find megadose vitamin B3 and megadose vitamin C to be major therapeutic agents for most adult psychoses. This applies to all biotypes, even histadelia (more on biotypes later). 

That is, niacin and C, within the context of a complex of indicated nutrients, health therapies, and other treatments, as per individual biochemical requirements, including contraindications.

For references, consult the literature, and see Natural Healing for Schizophrenia

Caution: My blog entries are solely educational. If you need treatment, consult a knowledgeable physician.

* Some exceptions: for pyrolurics and for young people, B6 or B6 plus B3, may often be more effective than B3 alone.

Nutritional (orthomolecular) psychiatry film: Masks of Madness

For a great video introduction to the field of Nutritional (Orthomolecular) Psychiatry (Megavitamin Therapy),
see this 15 minute excerpt from the film,

Masks of Madness

at http://orthomed.org/isf/isfmasks.html   

produced by the International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine