Lithium, a trace element naturally present in tap water and some mineral waters, is also a well-known medication for mood disorders. According to several studies, prolonged and regular exposure to lithium via tap water helps prevent suicides, reduce anxiety, and even drug abuse or criminal violence.
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the lithium is a trace element naturally present in various foods such as vegetables, cereals, or spices. It is also found in soil, groundwater and surface water, and therefore in tap water. Depending on the region, tap water thus contains between 0.1 and 171 micrograms (µg) of lithium per liter, according to Ineris. Some Mineral water, like the waters of Vichy, even contain up to 5 milligrams per liter! However, it turns out that lithium is also a drug commonly used in mood disorders, bipolar disorders and depression. Researchers therefore wondered if it was possible to establish a link between the two.
Low but prolonged exposure to lithium
In 2020, a study of Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience of King’s College London has actually shown that lithium in drinking water could exert a anti-suicide effect, and this, even at infinitesimal doses. ” Lithium levels in drinking water are much lower than recommended when lithium is used as a medicine, but the duration exposure is much longer, from gestation ”, Attests Allan Young, one of the authors of the study who sifted through three decades of research in Austria, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Japan and United States. Another study carried out in Lithuania, published in 2021 in the Journal of Affective Disorders, also suggests that long-term exposure to lithium in drinking water has an anti-suicidal effect on people with affective disorders. ” Even at very low concentrations [au-dessus de 7 µg par litre] can help save lives for these people », Confirm the authors.
Lithium against violent behavior and burglaries
And the benefits of lithium don’t stop there: “ Lithium has anti-aggressive properties, reduces impulsivity, assault, criminal violence and chronic drug use », Lists the King’s College. A study conducted in Texas showed that, in areas where the lithium concentration in water was higher, arrests for cocaine and heroin use, criminal and violent behavior as well as burglaries were less numerous. Lithium could even prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, by promoting neurogenesis.
Suddenly, some researchers advocate outright adding lithium to tap water. ” In these times of pandemic of Covid-19, it is increasingly important to have access to ways to improve mental health and reduce the incidence of anxiety, depression and suicide. », Supports Professor Anjum Memon, King’s College. And if you are not lucky enough to live in an area where water is rich in lithium, you can find it in table salt, chicken, egg yolks, radish, beet, potato and dairy products. A good chicken and fries, nothing like to cheer up!
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