Lithium

Lithium is a nutritionally essential trace element with the atomic number of 3. It has the potential to decrease mortality and provide anti-aging capabilities and has therapeutic properties with bi-polar and manic-depressive disorders. Lithium also has an effect on the potassium and sodium balance in the body.

In addition to treating patients with depression, lithium has been used with some success for Ménière’s disease, Huntington’s chorea and alcoholism. It may also be beneficial for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury and strokes and but trials are still underway.

Lithium deficiency

Lithium deficiency can cause bloating, gastrointestinal disorders, heartburn, low stomach acid (lower part of stomach) and bipolar/manic depressive disorders. Patients with bipolar disorder usually have low lithium levels and very high sodium levels as lithium provides a balancing effect and can displace sodium in the body.

The intake of higher amounts of lithium tends to raise calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium levels through its effect on kidney function and it has tendency to raise manganese through its effect on liver function (which depresses thyroid activity).

Lithium, bismuth and low stomach acid

Bismuth and lithium frequently test low in patients who suffer from low stomach acid levels corresponding to upper (bismuth) and lower (lithium) parts of the stomach. Plus they are always low in those with an active infection of the Helicobacter Pylori bacterium, which is responsible for some gastric ulcers and a number of other medical conditions.

Bismuth, through its antimicrobial action, is more appropriate for peptic involvement to inhibit H. Pylori activity, where it supports an increase in upper stomach acid levels, while lithium is more indicated for lower gastric duodenal involvement, where it supports an increase in lower stomach acid levels.

Lithium and Alzheimer’s disease

Harvard scientists have discovered that people with Alzheimer’s disease have depleted levels of lithium in their brains, and reversing this deficiency could restore lost memories. Lithium is a mineral that naturally exists in the brain at levels scientists never knew were so biologically critical.

Lithium overdose warning

Lithium supplements should never be taken as excessive lithium can cause the many symptoms listed below and even be fatal. Drug interactions can occur with lithium supplements. Certain medications including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and NSAIDs can affect lithium levels in the body.

Lithium overdose symptoms

• Brain damage
• Colitis
• Confusion
• Diarrhoea
• Encephalopathy
• Frequent urination
• Goitre (swelling of the thyroid gland)
• Hallucinations
• Hearing disturbances
• Hypo-adrenalism
• Hypothyroidism
• Kidney disorders
• Lethargy
• Liver disorders
• Memory problems
• Mental confusion
• Muscle twitching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Oedema
• Slurred speech
• Staggering gait
• Tremors
• Visual disturbances
• Weight gain

NOTE: Magnesium can be used to treat lithium overdose.

Highest sources of lithium in micrograms per kilogram

NOTE:  One µg is one microgram.

Natural sources of lithium in alphabetical order

Related subjects

• A-Z of nutrients
• Alcohol dangers
• Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
• Bismuth
• Brain and mental health disorders (depression, memory problems)
• Dementia (Alzheimer’s disease)
• Gland disorders (hypothyroidism)
• Intestinal disorders
• Magnesium
• Ménière’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Strokes
• Urinary system disorders

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