Is it harmful to take Lithium for bipolar disorder with fasting and paleo diet?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am on fasting for the auspicious month (dry fast), but I also have to take Lithium for my bipolar disorder. I have seen that higher Lithium concentration can cause serious damage to the kidney due to dehydration and also to the metabolism. During fasting and with keto diet the body needs a lot of potassium, but the cells get lithium instead. What is your opinion about that? Is dry fasting, keto diet, and lithium intake at the same time harmful?

I take normal Lithium carbonate 650-1250 mg a day.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

See, Lithium can be harmful if hydration is not well maintained. In such cases, we recommend to increase the amount of fluid. That is to consume a good quantity of fluid in the morning before your fast starts and to drink fluids once you open your fast in the evening, and continue till the next morning.

Take Lithium tablets along with two glasses of water each time. Do not go for the Keto diet. You should take a proper balanced diet. Avoid taking a high protein diet.

So usually in auspicious month, the fasting duration is for 12 hours. In the remaining 12 hours, keep on taking fluids to compensate. There is no indication to stop or reduce the dosage of Lithium during Ramadan.

I hope this helps.

Is it harmful to take Lithium for bipolar disorder with fasting and paleo diet?

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