If you or someone you love has bipolar disorder , you probably know all too well what it's like to be incredibly happy and energetic one day and then sink into a deep depression the next. You probably know firsthand how important it is to take your doctor's prescription and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help manage these mood swings. But did you know that some of the things we eat and drink every day can make or break this condition?
What exactly is Bipolar Disorder?
Simply put, bipolar is a complex mental condition that involves unusual, dramatic swings in a person's mood. It can be divided into two main extremes. One is periods of extreme mental and physical energy and euphoria. In medicine, we call this 'mania.' The other extreme is periods of extreme sadness, hopelessness, apathy, and a sense of hopelessness. We call this 'depression.'
These mood swings can happen very slowly, over days or even weeks. Or they can suddenly go up and down in a matter of days. It's not just a mood swing. It affects everything from your sleep to your energy levels, your way of thinking, and your behavior. The important thing is that these symptoms are out of your normal range and last for at least a few days.
There is no specific blood test or scan to diagnose bipolar disorder. Also, because the symptoms can be similar to those of other mental illnesses , it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose the condition correctly. This often leads to people not receiving proper treatment.
Is there a diet specific to bipolar disorder?
To be honest, there's no such thing as a "this is the best diet for bipolar." However, it's important to choose a balanced diet that will help you maintain your overall health and a healthy weight, as some bipolar medications can cause weight gain.
Remember, a healthy diet is one of the biggest things you can do for yourself, in addition to your bipolar treatment.
Let's see what we need to pay attention to.
| Foods to Include | Foods to Avoid/Limit |
|---|---|
| A balanced, nutritious diet: Fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, deep-sea fish, eggs, low-fat dairy products, soy products, nuts and seeds. These provide the body with the nutrients it needs and help protect against disease in general. | "Western" diet: Foods high in red meats, saturated fats, trans fats, and simple carbohydrates. For example, fast food, sugary drinks, fried foods, cakes, and biscuits. These increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. |
| Watch your calorie intake: Eating the right amount of calories for your body and exercising regularly are essential for weight control. Talk to your doctor about ways to prevent weight gain while taking bipolar medication. | Highly Processed Foods: These are low in nutritional value and contain many unhealthy ingredients. |
Is fish oil really good for mood?
You've probably heard about the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. We know they're great for the heart. But some experts believe they also affect brain function and behavior.
Although the results of research on the effects of omega-3s on bipolar disorder are not 100% conclusive, some studies have shown that they may have some benefit, especially for people at risk of heart disease or high blood fat levels (triglycerides). Some studies have also suggested that they may help reduce depression.
However, further research is needed to recommend fish oil as a treatment for bipolar.
If you can eat fish , it's a good idea to include a fatty fish, not fried in oil, in your diet at least twice a week.
- Salmon
- Tuna (Albacore tuna)
- Mackerel
- Sardines (Sa RDI nes)
- Herring
- Trout
If you're a vegetarian, you can also get omega-3s from things like walnuts, flaxseed , and canola oil.
As a person with bipolar, what are the things I should definitely avoid?
You need to be especially careful about these things.
Caffeine and high-fat foods
Caffeine is a stimulant. It's found in coffee, tea, and some soft drinks. Drinking a little caffeine when you're feeling down can give you a temporary boost of energy and alertness. But the problem is, caffeine can disrupt your sleep . Good sleep is essential for someone with bipolar disorder. Caffeine can also cause anxiety, palpitations, and headaches.
Eating a high-fat meal can delay the absorption of some bipolar medications. So, ask your doctor if you need to eat a diet with your medication.
The relationship between salt and lithium
If you are prescribed lithium , you need to be very careful about your salt intake. If your body's salt levels suddenly drop too low, your lithium levels in your blood can become dangerously high. Also, taking too much salt can lower your lithium levels and make the medication less effective. So, follow your doctor's instructions about salt intake.
What are the worst foods to eat with MAO inhibitors?
This is very important. MAO Inhibitors are an old class of medications used to treat depression. If a person taking these medications eats foods containing the amino acid tyramine , their blood pressure can rise rapidly and severely. This can be life-threatening. If you are taking this type of medication, you should completely avoid the following foods.
| Tyramine-rich foods that should not be taken with MAO inhibitors | |
|---|---|
| Aged cheese | Tap beer |
| Aged/cured meats | Some types of wine (e.g. Chianti) |
| Very ripe bananas and banana peels | Fermented soy products (e.g. soy sauce) |
Be sure to remember: Ask your doctor for a clear list of the medications you are taking and what foods are incompatible with them.
Be aware of natural supplements.
Some people take natural supplements like St. John's wort and SAM-e to treat depression. However, these can interact with your bipolar medication, causing side effects or changing how well it works. Therefore, do not take any vitamins or natural supplements without your doctor's advice.
The relationship between alcohol and bipolar disorder
Alcohol is a depressant . People with bipolar disorder are five times more likely to become addicted to alcohol or other drugs than others. They often turn to alcohol as a way to escape the painful emotions of their mood.
But in reality, the opposite is true. Alcohol can make depressive episodes worse. Additionally, alcohol use can seriously interfere with bipolar treatment. Therefore, it is best for someone living with this condition to abstain from alcohol completely.
Is it okay to drink grapefruit juice?
Be very careful with this. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with the action of many medications used to treat bipolar disorder. This can cause dangerously high levels of the medication in the blood. For example, grapefruit interacts with medications such as carbamazepine, quetiapine (Seroquel), and lurasidone (Latuda).
Therefore, be sure to ask your doctor before eating or drinking grapefruit with your medication.
Should I take the medicine before or after meals?
Not all medications are the same. Some medications are best absorbed by the body when taken with food (e.g., `Latuda`, `Geodon`). Some medications are less effective when taken with food (e.g., `Saphris`). Some medications can be taken before or after food. Therefore, consult your doctor for the best advice on how to take your medication.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar is a manageable condition. The most important thing is to stick to your treatment.
- While there is no specific "bipolar diet," a balanced, healthy diet is a great boost to your overall well-being.
- Be sure to ask your doctor about foods that may interact with the medication you are taking (e.g., lithium and salt, MAO inhibitors and tyramine, grapefruit ).
- Avoid alcohol and unnecessary caffeine consumption. These can negatively affect your mood and sleep.
- Do not use any natural supplements or vitamins without medical advice.
- Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet, medications, or lifestyle. You are not alone.
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