|  | Mental Health | Bipolar Disorder

Manic Depressive Diets

The food you eat affects how you feel. It takes a balance of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fiber to create good health and reduce the risk of disease. People with manic-depression, also called bipolar disorder, need to pay particular attention to how different foods may affect their moods. Sometimes keeping a food journal is helpful for tracking purposes.

  1. Manic Depression

    • Manic depression is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, thinking and behavior. You might feel high in a manic phase and low in the depressed phase. Cycles can take place over days, weeks or months and interfere with your ability to function. Manic symptoms include feeling unusually "high" or optimistic, having unrealistic beliefs about your abilities or powers, sleeping little but having lots of energy, impaired judgment and impulsiveness. Depressed symptoms include feeling hopeless or sad, fatigue or loss of energy, irritability and the inability to experience pleasure.

    Foods That Help

    • Helpful foods that contribute to mood stability include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fish rich in oils. A reliable eating schedule of three meals a day, spaced evenly, and at approximately the same time each day is beneficial for keeping blood sugar stable. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, soybeans, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and wheat germ may decrease mood swings in bipolar disorder, according to Helpguide.org.

    Foods That Hurt

    • As important as what to include in the diet is what to leave out. Chocolate, sugar, caffeine and alcohol, in excessive amounts, can contribute to disturbances in mood, according to Helpguide. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines can trigger a manic episode, while alcohol and tranquilizers can bring on depression. Even a modest amount of social drinking can tamper with your emotional balance and possibly interact with medications. Over-the-counter and prescription medications such as cold medicines, appetite suppressants, thyroid medications and corticosteroids can cause problems with bipolar disorder and should be checked with your physician first.

    Supplements

    • If omega-3s are not consumed in food, they can be taken as dietary supplements. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch (2010) recommends the amino acid L-tyrosine, which boosts the production of adrenaline and raises dopamine levels that affect moods. They also recommend B vitamins, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system and brain. They can be taken by injection or orally. Folic acid, a B vitamin, and the mineral zinc have been found to be deficient in those suffering from depression. Calcium and magnesium have a calming effect on the nervous system.

Bipolar Disorder - Related Articles