Bipolar Disorder Diet – Know Which Super Foods Can Help You Manage Your Mood Swings

Bipolar Disorder is characterized by varying extreme highs and lows. Mood stabilizers and other therapies are what help you in controlling your mood shifts. However, there are certain other foods that can further help in managing your bipolar disorder. Although these foods do not cure the disorder, choosing the right ones may help you feel better and ease the condition.
  1. Fish Oil – The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends consuming fatty fish’s Omega-3 oil at least two times a week.  Fish oil keeps your heart healthy, but it is also seen that it plays an important in brain functionality and behavior. Some experts believe that fish oil can prove helpful for people with bipolar disorder, particularly if they have the higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Choices of food include:
    • Albacore tuna
    • Herring
    • Mackerel
    • Salmon
    • Trout
  2. Whole Grains – Whole Grains are great for your digestive system and heart, but it has also been seen that whole grain has a calming effect on your brain. Whole grain breaks down slowly in the digestive tract, keeping the blood sugar levels stable and improving both concentration and alertness.
    Food options include:
    • Whole-Grain Toast
    • Whole-Grain Pasta
    • Oatmeal
    • Brown Rice
    • Quinoa
  3. Beans – Lima beans, chickpeas, black beans, soya beans, and lentils all are a rich source of magnesium. Research suggests that magnesium reduces mania symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. So, a cup of any of these can help - fulfilling more than 40% of your recommended daily amount of magnesium.
  4. Nuts – Nuts are also high in magnesium, providing a positive effect on mania. Magnesium helps calm an overactive nervous system and plays an important role in regulating the body stress. The RDA in the diet is 420mg for adult men and 320 mg for adult women.
    Foods include:
    • Almond
    • Cashews
    • Peanuts
  5. Dark Chocolate – Chocolate is often found to the ultimate comfort food. Dark chocolate particularly has been found to be calming. Nibbling an ounce and a half in a day, dark chocolate can help lower your stress level.
Trigger Foods to avoid
  • Caffeine
  • High Fat Foods
  • Carbonated Drinks
  • Alcohol
  • Sugar
  • Processed food
By keeping a food and mood journal, you may be able to find patterns between your mood swings and eating habits. Once you recognize the pattern, you will know what to avoid to keep bad episodes at a minimum.

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