Bipolar and Sense of Smell
Published: Sun, 05/29/11
Hi ,
How are you doing?
I hope you're doing fine.
Did you know that certain odors
can have a profound effect on your
memory, energy and even your mood
swings?
Even on your overall health in general?
As far as memory, think about it.
For example, think about the smell of baby
powder.
If you have grown children, and you smell
baby powder, doesn't it automatically
trigger memories of your children when they
were babies?
Or if you smell chlorine, don't you associate
it with a swimming pool?
An ocean breeze with the beach?
The smell of roses with a romantic evening?
Just a whiff of a special scent can trigger
a happy, magical memory.
But today, neuroscientists are learning
that our sense of smell is worth more
than just remembering pleasant memories.
So what does this have to do with bipolar
disorder?
Well, new research shows that it can lower
our stress levels and even help with insomnia,
both of which are problems for people who
have bipolar disorder.
There is even some research that shows that our
sense of smell can help us lose weight, and many
people with bipolar disorder struggle with weight
because of some bipolar medications which make
you gain weight.
Now, some people accuse me of being against
natural remedies for bipolar disorder, and my
stand is pretty sure.
I am against natural CURES, since there is NO
cure for bipolar disorder.
I am pretty protective of the people who read
my courses and materials, website material and
emails, so I always try to make sure they know
the truth.
Just be careful to read the small print.
Natural herbs and remedies, etc., like fragrances,
are ok, if they help you (always IN ADDITION
TO medication, and never IN PLACE OF it).
In fact, in my courses/systems, I talk about
natural herbs and remedies and alternative
forms of therapy such as aromatherapy:
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The process is complex. But researchers
recently discovered how a particular
fragrance can change your mood.
In a brand-new study from Ohio State University,
they exposed subjects to two fragrances -
lavender, which is known to have a calming
effect, and lemon - which many studies have
shown to be invigorating.
Subjects were then told to sniff these fragrances
before and after a mildly stressful event (in this
case, after putting a foot in freezing water).
In the tests that followed, scientists uncovered
"robust evidence that lemon oil reliably
enhances positive mood."
In fact, blood levels of an energizing hormone,
norepinephrine, spiked and stayed high for the
subjects who smelled the lemony scent, while
the subjects who smelled the lavender scent
got no boost.
In an Austrian study, researchers had some
participants smell oranges while others smelled
lavender.
The two groups felt less anxious, more positive,
and calmer when compared with participants
who were exposed to no fragrance at all.
Aromatherapy is a big deal these days, making
all kinds of claims about lowering stress levels.
Like I said, I'm not against aromatherapy in
itself.
I'm only against natural CURES (because there
is none), remedies, therapies, etc. that claim
to have healing properties or tell you to go
off your regularly prescribed medication for
bipolar disorder.
Something like aromatherapy, which has been
shown to help people with bipolar disorder
(as in the use of lavender I was telling you
about), can help you as long as you use it
IN ADDITION TO your regularly prescribed
medication.
You should still always check with your
doctor first.
I'm not a scientist or anything, but if it helps,
let me know!
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Well, I have to go!
Your Friend,
Dave
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