Lithium: what it is and why its use is controversial as a treatment

Lithium is considered the standard treatment for bipolar disorder. In addition to being used in pharmaceuticals exclusively for medical use also used in oligotherapy to treat some emotional disorders.

However, as suggested by a Spanish study published in the International Journal of Bipolar Disorders over the last two decades, there has been a downward trend in the use of lithium in several developed countries, including Spain. The main reason for not using lithium salts, according to this research, are the adverse effects it would cause.

Controversy surrounding lithium

Lithium is a rare element in our body and food. In fact, the body barely contains 2 or 3 mg. is known to be one of the lightest elementsboth from the periodic table and from those that make up our tissues. There are doubts as to whether lithium can be classified as an essential mineral, that is, a necessary element for life and whose deficiency can cause diseases.

Although it does not appear as such, yes Many doctors and scientific articles consider it so.

Lithium: the adverse effects of its excess

Yes ok no known problems due to its deficiency, yes have been described the effects derived from its excess.

This has been verified with lithium carbonatea used medication in the treatment of psychiatric disorders moderate or severe (such as manic-depressive syndrome), or in the treatment of severe alcoholismalthough in these cases, obviously, the use must always be medical.

According to a review of studies published in the Journal of the Spanish Association of Neuropsychiatrylithium is highly toxic to the nervous system, which can cause tremors in the hands, slow thinking and diminished creativity. This review suggests that long-term lithium treatment may lead to chronic renal failure and affect the digestive system in some patients. Its effects on the nervous system often cause tremors in the hands, slowed thinking, and diminished creativity. Likewise, an excess of lithium can affect the thyroid gland.

Other side effects but beneficial effects of lithium have been questioned, although they are probablelike what stimulates the immune systemincreases the number of white blood cells or can prevent the development of cancer.

What effects does lithium produce in the body?

Lithium is a rare element in our body and food. In fact, the body barely contains 2 or 3 mg. is known to be one of the lightest elementsboth from the periodic table and from those that make up our tissues.

Lithium stabilizes serotonin transmission in the brain, so it influences mood and humor.

Where is lithium found?

Lithium can be found in some foodsas in seaweed or cane sugar, which contain moderate amountsbut especially in certain bicarbonate and litinic waters, as in the old “litin waters”, today practically disappeared From the market. In these cases the lithium content is a few milligrams, with few or no side effects.

Many natural carbonated waters of volcanic origin contain lithium in its composition; you only have to look at the label to verify it.

These waters yes are healthy, as long as there is no contraindication regarding the consumption of sodium bicarbonate (as happens when you have hypertension, severe kidney or liver disease…), and exert a action in general calming and relaxingboth about the system nervous as digestive and muscular.

The use of lithium in oligotherapy

Lithium, on the other hand, is used in oligotherapy to treat anxiety, irritability, mild depression and skin irritations of psychosomatic origin.

It is suitable in children (over 6 years old) in cases of instability or school or family maladjustmentand in elderly people with aggressiveness or senile dementia.

The dose is low0.2 mg/day (psychiatric is 600-1,000 mg/day), and is taken by placing an ampoule under the tongue every morning.

Even so, The use of lithium oligotherapy should also be restricted exclusively to the healthcare professional. Self-medication is not recommended.