Best Diet Tips For Bipolar Disorder - Healthy Diet For Bipolar Disorder

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Does any person you know surprise you with mood swings, i.e. found to be elated for some time and depressed the very next moment without a rational cause for such a mood alteration? Does this person show unusual thinking patterns and unsocial behavior in addition to mood swings?

If yes, then this person is probably suffering from bipolar disorder, which is a psychological aberration. Genetic defects, environmental factors, brain abnormalities, and less commonly, neurological defects are responsible for the onset of this disease. Foods that can help reduce the intensity of mood swings and maintain overall health should be consumed.

Diet Tips For Bipolar Disorder

Fish Oil

Fish oil is found to be effective in treating mood swings, as it has omega -3 fatty acids, EPA ( eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexanoic acid), which play an important role in brain functions.

It is particularly helpful when the bipolar patient is at a strong risk of cardiovascular diseases. Albacore Tuna, Salmon, Trout, Herring and Mackerel are considered as good sources of bipolar supplementation.

Low-Fat Foods

Low-fat and low-calorie foods make a good dietary option for those suffering from bipolar disorder as foods that are high in fats, calories, simple sugars and trans fats will spike up body weight, which is not desirable for a person suffering from bipolar disorder, as these persons are administered antidepressants that increase weight.

Double-toned milk, low fat cottage cheese, fat-free yogurt, whole wheat tortillas, green leafy vegetables, and applesauce are some of the foods that belong to this category.

Non-Tyramine Foods

Tyramine is a chemical compound that is naturally found in dairy products, certain fruits and vegetables. Persons suffering from the bipolar disorder are usually given depressants, which may be MAO Inhibitors.

These anti-depressants react with dietary tyramine resulting in a number of morbid bodily conditions such as increase or decrease in blood pressure, headache and diarrhea. Low or no tyramine foods include fresh meat and dairy products, eggs, fish, legumes, and poultry meat, which you can safely consume.

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Vitamins

Persons with bipolar disorder are found to be deficient in folic acid and vitamin C. Folic acid is known to reduce Homocyestine, a non-proteinaceous amino acid in the body, which contributes to depression in the body. Vitamin C eliminates vanadium toxicity. Vanadium is a trace mineral that is found to be in high concentration in people with bipolar disorder.

Beans, legumes, green leafy vegetables, liver, fortified bread and cereals, and fortified citrus juices are some of the foods that are rich in folic acid. Guavas, bell peppers, red and green chillies, broccoli, kale, kiwi fruits, papaya, orange, strawberries are foods that have a high proportion of vitamin C.

Lithium-Rich Foods

Lithium is seen to beneficial in the case of treating mood disorders. It is believed to provide strength to the nerve connections of the nerves that are responsible for mood management of a person. Lithium is found to be very effective in treating bipolar disorder, and is therefore administered in the form of medication.

However, foods rich in lithium can also be eaten to regulate bipolar mood swings. Dairy products, seaweed, lemons, eggs, sugarcane and potatoes are some of the foods that are rich in lithium. You can include them as a part of your daily menu in moderation, as having excess foods containing sugars and carbohydrates may result in obesity.

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