Chemical imbalances in the brain are the main component to bipolar disorder. Genetics and environmental factors also contribute to its development. There is no cure for bipolar disorder and medication only treats symptoms. According to Dr Elizabeth Brondolo and Dr Xavier Amador, authors of "Break the Bipolar Cycle," lifestyle changes and eating vitamin-rich food can aid in the treatment of bipolar disorder by extending the time between mood swings. Although vitamins help in treating bipolar disorder, they should not replace standard medication without your doctor's consent.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Authors Dr. Ruth C. White and John Preston write in their book "Bipolar 101" that omega-3 fatty acids positively affect mood in people suffering from bipolar disorder, particularly the depressive phase. The University of Maryland reports that in a clinical study of 30 people affected with bipolar disorder. They took fish oil supplements with standard medication and experienced fewer mood swings and relapses for four months. UMMC also reports omega-3 fatty acids are in fish such as halibut, salmon and tuna. Omega-3 is a source for high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D, which are in few foods. Talk with your primary physician before using fish oil supplements to aid your treatment of bipolar disorder.
Thiamin
Thiamin, which is vitamin B-1, helps with anxiety, night terrors and circulation problems. Anxiety is common in people with bipolar disorder, and night terrors are common side effects of medication. In addition, thiamin keeps nerves and muscle tissue healthier. According to the National Health Service, good sources of thiamin in food include pork, vegetables, milk and whole-grain bread. The recommended thiamin is 1 mg a day for men and 0.8 mg for women, and you can obtain these through food.
Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine, which is vitamin B-6, helps in bipolar patients with high irritability and is useful in allowing the body to store and use energy from proteins and carbohydrates. It is in white meat, pork, potatoes and eggs. If you cannot add these to your diet, take vitamin B supplements with your doctor's consent.
Vitamin B-12 and Folic Acid
Vitamin B-12 and folic acid helps with fatigue associated with depression because it turns food into energy. Vegetarians may need to take supplements because B-12 is primarily in meat. It works well with folic acid. Vegetables and brown rice are good sources of folic acid, particularly broccoli, asparagus and brussels sprouts.
Considerations
Vitamins alone have not proven effective in treating bipolar disorder; however, they help aid in its treatment and alleviate several of its symptoms. According to Dr. Jim Haggerty of the Psyche Central website, the best way to get your daily intake of vitamins for bipolar disorder is a varied and healthy diet. Haggerty also reports that some of the vitamins can counteract certain medication. For example, folic acid counters the effects of anticonvulsants such as Depakote and Depakene. It is imperative that you discuss this with your doctor before incorporating high doses of vitamins into your diet.
References
- NHS:Vitamins and Minerals - B vitamins and Folic acid
- PsychCentral: Vitamins for Bipolar Disorder; JIM HAGGERTY, MD.
- "Bipolar 101: A Practical Guide to Identifying Triggers, Managing Medications, Coping with Symptoms, and More"; Dr. Ruth C. White, et al.; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center
- "Break the Bipolar Cycle"; Elizabeth Brondolo, PH.D, et al; 2007
