Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition characterized by unpredictable, severe shifts in your mood, energy and behavior. You may experience depressive episodes, during which you feel restless, anxious, foggy-headed and lose interest in activities you typically enjoy; and manic episodes, which cause extreme "highs," edginess and risk-seeking behaviors. In addition to mood-stabilizing medications and psychotherapy, a healthy diet may help minimize your symptoms. For best results, seek guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Function
Dietary measures cannot cure or cause bipolar, nor can they eliminate your symptoms. A healthy diet may, however, help reduce the frequency or intensity of your symptoms and promote your overall health. An appropriate diet can also provide energy necessary for regular exercise and promote relaxation and healthy sleep -- important aspects of lifestyle remedies for bipolar disorder, according to MayoClinic.com. Maintaining proper blood sugar balance, which promotes stable energy and moods, may also be accomplished through healthy eating habits. Your diet should also help you maintain a healthy weight, since obesity is a potential complication of bipolar disorder and its medications.
Guidelines
Dietary guidelines for a bipolar-friendly diet are similar to those recommended for optimum wellness. Depression and bipolar disorder specialist Dr. Wes Burgess recommends a balanced diet, based upon nutritious foods from all food groups, including complex carbohydrates, lean protein sources and healthy fats. Consume meals and/or snacks at regular time intervals to prevent blood sugar and mood imbalances. You may require more protein, particularly at breakfast, than people without bipolar disorder, according to Burgess. He suggests incorporating at least 25 grams of protein into your morning meal for enhanced energy, moods and brain function throughout each day.
Optimum Foods
The healthiest carbohydrate sources include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Whole grains digest slowly, thus affect your blood sugar levels and moods less than refined carbohydrate sources, such as white bread, potato chips and sweets. Whole fruits and vegetables provide more fiber, nutrients and blood sugar benefits than juices and fruit with added sweeteners.
Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your meals may improve brain function and help reduce your symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Good sources include fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut and sardines; ground flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil. For protein, consume skinless white-meat poultry, legumes, low-fat dairy products, fish and tofu. All are prefereable to red and processed meats, which contain saturated fat.
Supplements
An assortment of dietary supplements promise reduced bipolar disorder symptoms. Since supplements may pose side effects and interact with medications, seek your doctor's guidance before using them. You may be helped by St. John's wort, an herbal remedy for depression; or S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), an amino acid supplement believed to promote brain function and improve depressive symptoms. Most herbal supplements containing various types and combinations of herbs said to treat bipolar disorder lack scientific research and testing for safety. If you have difficulty reaping proper nutrition from foods, your doctor may suggest a multi-vitamin or omega-3 fatty acid supplement.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Bipolar Disorder: Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- "The Bipolar Handbook for Children, Teens, and Families"; Wes Burgess; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- MayoClinic.com: Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Alternative Medicine
