Dr. Mercola writes about the overuse of antipsychotic medications and their frightening side effects as a prelude to introducing Dr. Andrew Saul and his new book, Niacin: The Real Story: Learn about the Wonderful Healing Properties of Niacin.
According to Dr. Mercola, Dr. Saul co-wrote the book with Abram Hoffer M.D., Ph.D., who published over 600 reports and articles as well as 30 books. “His early work led to the use of niacin for schizophrenia and as an cholesterol treatment. Dr. Hoffer died in 2009 at the age of 91, but he successfully treated many thousands of patients with high dose niacin for psychotic disorders. He presented some very compelling evidence to support treating most psychotic disorders as a vitamin B3 deficiency.”
Those B vitamins may be more important than we had realized to maintaining a healthy state, mentally and emotionally as well as physically.
Vitamin B3 (niacin) helps the body process fats and stabilize blood sugar and cholesterol. Niacin deficiencies may appear as general weakness, skin infections, digestive problems or lack of appetite. And, apparently, lack of niacin can manifest as psychiatric symptoms.
It wouldn’t hurt to increase your intake of vitamin B3 if you are struggling with mental illness. Foods that are highest in vitamin B3 (niacin) include crimini mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, chicken, and tuna. Other sources include salmon, chicken breast, asparagus, halibut, venison, calf’s liver, and turkey.