Nutrients and Herbs
Certain nutrients and herbs have been shown to improve mood and psychological health. They include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phospholipids, adrenal adaptogenic herbs, etc. The books on this list are excellent resources of information about the effect of food, nutrients and herbs on the brain and easy practical ways to feel better. However, this is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychiatric care and is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your physician or a qualified mental health professional regarding symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, by David Winston
The Antianxiety Food Solution, by Trudy Scott, CN
The Better Brain Book, by David Perlmutter, MD
Healing Depression & Bipolar Disorder Without Drugs: Inspiring Stories of Restoring Mental Health Through Natural Therapies. by Gracelyn Guyol
Healing Schizophrenia:Complementary Vitamin & Drug Treatments, by Abram Hoffer, MD
Nutrition and Mental Illness, by Carl Pfeiffer, MD
Optimum Nutrition for the Mind, by Patrick Holford
A Promise of Hope, by Autumn Stringam
The Rhodiola Revolution, by Richard P Brown, MD and Patricia L Gerberg, MD
Supplement Your Prescription, by Hyla Cass, MD
Micronutrients
The following scientific papers provide information about a particular micronutrient formula, Empowerplus. Originally formulated specifically for bipolar disorder, it has been shown to also be helpful for other psychiatric disorders - OCD, ADHD and autism. You can read the papers by clicking here.
Kaplan BJ, Crawford SG, Field CJ, Simpson JS: Vitamins, minerals, and mood. Psychol Bull 133:747-760, 2007
SAM-e
SAM-e (s-adenosyl methionine) is an amino acid, sold over the counter in the US, but is a prescription medicine in some countries in Europe. The following scientific papers provide evidence that SAM-e is as effective as prescription antidepressants.
Bressa GM. S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1994;154:7-14.
Mischoulon D, Fava M. Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: a review of the evidence. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002;76(5):1158S-1161S.