Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness that negatively affects your brain and causes abnormal, often extreme shifts in your mood, energy and activity levels. Symptoms usually appear before age 25, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and may include sleep problems, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, depression, impulsive behavior and suicidal thoughts. Bipolar disorder is treatable, often through medication, psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, such as eating a nutritious, balanced diet.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon, lake trout, albacore tuna, halibut, mackerel and sardines, provide rich amounts of omega-3 fatty acids -- healthy fats that promote positive heart health and brain function. According to research published in "European Neuropsychopharmacology" in May 2007, omega-3 fats may also improve symptoms of bipolar disorder. In the study, children with bipolar disorder were given omega-3 fatty acids daily for eight weeks. At the end of the study, researchers observed modest improvements in manic symptoms. Although additional research is needed, consuming fatty fish regularly may improve brain function and support treatment for bipolar disorder for children and adults. Fatty fish also provide nutritious alternatives to saturated fat-rich protein sources, such as red meat. Limiting saturated fat is important since obesity -- a condition linked with excessive saturated fat intake -- is a potential complication of the disease.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are grains that contain all nutritious components of the original grain plant. As a result, whole grain foods provide more nutrients, fiber and protein than refined grain foods, and have a more positive effect on your blood sugar and energy levels. Since "junk" foods, such as candy and soft drinks, may disrupt mood balance, according to Julie A. Fast and John Preston, authors of "Taking Charge of Bipolar Disorder," opt for whole grain foods more often. Increasing your whole grain intake may also help prevent or reduce cravings for sweets and processed snack foods. Examples of nutrient-rich whole grain foods include long-grain brown rice, wild rice, 100 percent whole grain breads and cold cereals, steel-cut and old fashioned oatmeal, barley soup, quinoa, and air-popped popcorn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables supply rich amounts of antioxidants -- nutrients that help protect your body from infections and diseases that may trigger or worsen bipolar disorder symptoms. Fast and Preston recommend leafy greens in particular, as nutrient-rich foods for bipolar disorder patients, and fresh fruit as fiber-rich sweet alternatives to candy and commercially prepared desserts. Consume a variety of whole, colorful fruits and vegetables, which tend to provide greater nutritional and blood sugar balancing benefits than juices and canned fruit stored in heavy syrup.
Lean Protein-Rich Foods
Protein-rich foods enhance brain function and, since they digest slower than carbohydrate-containing foods, have a mellowing impact on your blood sugar levels. Protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, poultry and low-fat dairy products, are valuable sources of vitamin B12 -- a nutrient that may be deficient in people with bipolar disorder, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plant-based protein sources, such as beans, lentils and tofu, provide additional heart-healthy alternatives to fatty red meats and processed meats. Incorporate lean protein-rich foods into nutritious, balanced meals routinely for best potential results.
References
- "European Neuropsychopharmacology"; Omega-3 fatty acid monotherapy for pediatric bipolar disorder: A Prospective Open-Label Trial"; Janet Wozniak; May 2007
- "Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder"; Julie A. Fast, John Preston; 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Bipolar Disorder -- Diagnosis
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
