In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, hosts Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek talk about lithium orotate, a compound different from the commonly prescribed lithium carbonate used for bipolar disorder. They explore its potential advantages including better brain absorption and fewer side effects at lower doses, while also clarifying that although it should not replace prescribed medications, it may have valuable uses. The conversation also covers how lithium orotate may have a role in clinical practice for mood disorders and depression with a genetic component. The historical context of lithium's use and the repercussions of its bad PR in the past are also noted, alongside emerging research on its possible preventive role for conditions like Alzheimer's.

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to the Joy Lab Podcast 00:39 Unveiling the Topic: Lithium Orotate 00:57 Understanding the Different Types of Lithium 01:42 The Benefits and Precautions of Lithium Orotate 01:56 Exploring the Nature and Uses of Lithium 03:25 Lithium Orotate in Clinical Practice 09:32 The History and Perception of Lithium 14:12 Lithium's Role in Brain Detoxification and Prevention 16:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects 17:45 Outro and Disclaimer

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Sources and Notes:

• Lithium Orotate and Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Lithium orotate that we like: https://us.fullscript.com/u/catalog/product/U3ByZWU6OlByb2R1Y3QtNzEzMTg
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/
• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
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• Corcoran, A. C., Taylor, R. D., & Page, I. H. (1949). Lithium poisoning from the use of salt substitutes. JAMA, 139(11), 685–688. doi:10.1001/jama.1949.02900280001001
• Pacholko, A. G., & Bekar, L. K. (2021). Lithium Orotate: A superior option for lithium therapy?. Brain and Behavior, 11, e2262. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2262
• Strobusch, A. D., & Jefferson, J. W. (1980). The Checkered History of Lithium in Medicine. Pharmacy in History, 22(2), 72–76. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41109216
• New York Time's article about possible lithium chloride deaths.
• Time article about possible lithium chloride deaths.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148536245

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