I want me some Lithium water

[ashling]

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/14/opinion/sunday/should-we-all-take-a-bit-of-lithium.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=MostEmailed&version=Full&src=me&WT.nav=MostEmailed&_r=0

Yet despite the studies demonstrating the benefits of relatively high natural lithium levels present in the drinking water of certain communities, few seem to be aware of its potential. Intermittently, stories appear in the scientific journals and media, but they seem to have little traction in the medical community or with the general public.

When I recently attended a psychopharmacology course in which these lithium studies were reviewed, virtually none of the psychiatrists present had been aware of them.

The scientific story of lithium’s role in normal development and health began unfolding in the 1970s. Studies at that time found that animals that consumed diets with minimal lithium had higher mortality rates, as well as abnormalities of reproduction and behavior.

Researchers began to ask whether low levels of lithium might correlate with poor behavioral outcomes in humans. In 1990, a study was published looking at 27 Texas counties with a variety of lithium levels in their water. The authors discovered that people whose water had the least amount of lithium had significantly greater levels of suicide, homicide and rape than the people whose water had the higher levels of lithium. The group whose water had the highest lithium level had nearly 40 percent fewer suicides than that with the lowest lithium level.

So I want to know

Where is all this Lithium water?

Of course, these days ANY water is hard to come by

[clydefrand]

1. Look for some very old 7-UP

It was originally very high in lithium and was sold as a health drink.

[tanyev]

2. Interesting.

[ashling]

3. My aunt always had some in her pantry

7Up and Dr. Pepper


?itok=6wV7jc7O



Lemon, Lime—and Lithium? Turns Out, 7-Up Used to Contain the Potent Drug

http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/09/16/7up-lithium?cmpid=tpdaily-eml-2014-09-17

[DhhD]

4. Map of Lithium in Groundwater Sources Below Is From July 19, 2013.

http://illinois.edu/blog/view/789/95197

There isn’t a great deal of data on lithium in groundwater, it’s not routinely analyzed and concentrations are often below instrument detection limits. The USGS recently published a report of trace elements in groundwater in the U.S. which included a map showing lithium concentrations in about a dozen aquifers. Highest concentrations were found in the Texan Panhandle (part of the High Plains Aquifer) and an unconsolidated sand stream valley aquifer in Wyoming. They stated that concentrations were generally greater in unconsolidated sand and gravel aquifers than in any other aquifer groups.

USGS Li map

So what do you think? A potential widespread benefit for society? Or dangerous government overreach, compulsory “mass medication”? I have to say, I need to see a lot more data and research before I’m convinced that there’s a direct causal link between increased lithium and less violent behavior. Seems to me there are a huge number of variables that need to accounted for.

[DhhD]

5. Lithium (medicaton)

Facts surrounding Lithium in link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_(medication)

[MisterP]

6. I smell lithium now

[derby378]

7. Check your local supermarket for Crazy Water

Get the No. 4 strength; it has the most lithium.

Or you could travel to the Crazy Water plant at Mineral Wells. They welcome visitors.

http://drinkcrazywater.com/cw/