Can mercury cause mood swings? I find that sometimes I have a black mood out of nowhere and am very irritable. I know that women are supposed to get this with PMS, but as my female cycle is mixed up, I don't know if that it is.
I know that Bipolar disorder can be influenced by mercury, so I was wondering if moods can be a lesser symptom of that? I wonder sometimes why I get moody for no apparent reason.
[*sigh* I just typed a long reply and the post never showed up -- trying again]
Yep, mercury definitely affects mood, which is why many narrow-minded, lazy GPs will immediately mis-diagnose people with CMP as having depression. I've actually read how some individuals have ended up in mental institutions as a result, when in reality, the root cause was the mercury.
In fact, my symptoms are primarily mental, not physical (although I realize that distinction is hazy at best). I seem to go through periodic "down spells" that appear to be cyclical. And I assure you it has nothing to do with PMS. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
In order to mitigate these effects, I try to exercise only in moderation, get lots of sleep, and try goji berries for mood enhancement (see
http://www.gojiberry.com/). Pregnenolone also helps for some people, including me.
And of course a healthy diet is imperative (sweets, alcohol, and dairy should be avoided if possible, in my opinion).
For me the big thing was moderating exercise -- I have found that engaging in strenuous exercise, like weight lifting or running, actually makes me feel worse, if not done in moderation. The reason, I believe, is that aerobic exercise tends to redistribute mercury, causing symptom flare-ups.
I still press weights, but I don't push myself. I've found that walking, hiking, and yoga are the best forms of exercise.
Hope that helps.
Tom
