Bipolar disorder, or manic depression, affects approximately 3 percent of the American population. This disorder is typically managed with a medication regime and counseling. Changes in diet, however, can also alleviate many of the most common symptoms. With an emphasis based on balancing blood sugars, hormones and neurotransmitters, it may be possible to lower the dosage of prescribed medications. Please check with your doctor before making any changes to your medication routine.
Fruits, Vegetables and Whole Grains
The importance of whole foods cannot be stressed enough in any diet plan. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain active enzymes that cannot be found in any food that is packaged or processed in any fashion. These enzymes contain the necessary components for proper digestion of food, which helps humans to maintain, if not lose weight, naturally.
Fresh fruits contain the highest number of active enzymes and natural sugars. Our bodies process natural plant sugars more efficiently than processed sugars (white table sugar). Therefore, the blood sugar remains at a constant level. Spikes in blood sugar are associated with mood swings.
In addition to the wealth of vitamins and minerals that vegetables and whole grains supply, these foods also carry a great deal of fiber. Fiber, especially insoluble fiber, literally scraps the gut clean of old dried fecal matter. A cleaner intestinal tract leads to clearer, brighter thinking and a lighter mood.
Get Your Omega-3s
Eat fish. It is literally that simple. Even canned tuna is beneficial if it is packed in olive oil. Tuna packed in water contains additives, so avoid it. Salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines all provide Omega-3 fatty acids--nutrients responsible for stabilizing mood swings and cholesterol levels. Olive and canola oils are also rich sources of Omega-3s. Anything that lowers cholesterol levels also lowers fat content in the body. When you feel good about your body, you will feel better about yourself overall.
Avoid Artificial Anything
Foods with colorings, flavorings, preservatives and other additives contain harmful substances, which interact with the body's chemistry in a negative way. These chemicals wreck havoc with your hormones, causing huge rises and falls in hormone levels (which can lead to weight gain) and can block neurotransmitters to the brain (which is tied in with hormone levels and transmission of nerve impulses). Slowly eliminate these foods from your diet.
