Bipolar disorder is a mental illness marked by extreme mood swings. Although there is not much research supporting the claim, it is believed that nutrition plays a role in bipolar disorder. A combination of medication and therapy is often used to treat bipolar disorder and dietary changes might complement this plan to prevent or relieve symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, you should not try to treat this serious condition on your own; consult a doctor or mental health professional if you think you might have bipolar disorder.
Overall Nutrition
Eating a healthy diet plays a large role in mental health. Your brain needs nutrients such as vitamins and minerals in order to carry out its daily functions. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance explains that your body and mind need all the essential macro and micronutrients, including fat, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, minerals and amino acids in order to have optimal health. The alliance recommends eating three or more meals a day to keep your blood sugar level, preventing mood changes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids might help your mood, although there is a lack of evidence to support this claim. These fats are thought to have similar effects to bipolar medications such as lithium carbonate and valproate, claims Jane Collingwood from Psych Central. Also, people with bipolar disorder have shown trouble metabolizing fatty acids, so they might have a deficiency. More research is needed, but to see if they help, obtain these fats through fish, walnuts, flaxseed and soybeans.
Vitamins and Minerals
The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance notes that B-vitamins, zinc and vitamin C all help regulate your mood. Many people with bipolar disorder have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, according to Collingwood. Like omega-3 fatty acids, more research is needed to determine if vitamins truly help people suffering from bipolar disorder, but speak to your doctor about adding them to your current bipolar treatment plan. Folate, one type of B-vitamin linked to possibly treating bipolar, is found in foods such as enriched grains, meat and poultry, legumes and vegetables such as asparagus and spinach. Obtain vitamin C in citrus fruit, peppers, orange-colored fruit such as peaches, papaya and apricots, and many other fruits and vegetables. Zinc is available in meat and seafood, cereal and beans.
Avoid
A lot of people are negatively affected when they consume too much caffeine, alcohol and sugar. These foods can easily cause ups and downs in your mood and worsen bipolar disorder symptoms. Pay attention to how these foods affect you, as you might want to reduce or remove them from your diet. Complex carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables and fish are better foods to keep your mood stable, according to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
