Bipolar disorder is a serious mental condition characterized by severe shifts in mood over relatively short periods of time. The disorder used to be called "manic depression" because sufferers experience manic episodes where they are filled with energy to an unhealthy degree and episodes of depression that bring them down so low they consider suicide.
While there are pharmaceutical treatments available for bipolar disorder, it would be in your best interest to help stave off symptoms by adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle. There are certain foods you should cut out of your life completely due to their tendency to exacerbate bipolar disorder symptoms.
Processed Foods
Processed foods come in the form of pretty much anything that's pre-packaged at the supermarket. And while these foods are convenient, they've been so processed and preserved that most of their nutrients have been removed. And being nutritionally deficient has been known to cause wider mood swings in bipolar patients.
Coffee and Caffeine
While a lot of people enjoy waking up in the morning with a hot cup of coffee, it's damaging to those with bipolar disorder. Consuming caffeine in general might temporarily boost your mood, but it's often responsible for a crash afterwards. And any sort of crash in a bipolar patient can lead to a bout of depression.
Sugar
Sugar, especially carbohydrates and simple sugars, holds little value for your body. These substances might taste good, but their lack of nutritional value can contribute to mood swings. When shopping for food, be careful to read the labels, as sugary additives are placed in many foods, not just those that are sweet.
Alcohol
When you are taking drugs to control bipolar disorder, it is a bad idea to consume alcohol. Psychotropic drugs can have serious interactions with alcohol, which could ultimately make your condition worse. While moderation is always the way to go with alcoholic drinks, it is in your best interest to avoid the substance altogether.
Salt
Maintaining your nutrient levels is important in managing your bipolar disorder. Sodium, which is found in salt, is essential for proper body function, but can cause damage if consumed in excess like high blood pressure and edema. Keep your sodium intake below 2,400 mg a day and you'll do well to keep your mind and body in balance.
Saturated Fats
Watching your fat intake is another important component to keeping control of your bipolar disorder with your diet. You need to consume fat in order to absorb vitamins properly, but cut back on your saturated fat and cholesterol intake, especially, and you'll notice a difference in how well your bipolar disorder can be managed by your prescription medications.
Foods High in Tyramine and Grapefruit Juice
If you are prescribed MAO inhibitors to treat the depression symptoms of your bipolar disorder, you will need to avoid certain foods that contain a substance called tyramine. Examples of such foods include Champagne, liver, bananas, fermented cheeses and soy sauce. Eating these foods while taking MAO inhibitors can cause you to develop hypertension. On a related note, while there is nothing wrong with grapefruit---it is good for you---eating it or drinking grapefruit juice can interact negatively with common bipolar medications, leading to confusion and toxicity.
Tags: bipolar disorder, bipolar disorder, your bipolar, your bipolar disorder, best interest, certain foods, mood swings