Nutrition to Treat Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme "highs," or mania, and extreme "lows," or depression. Common forms of treatment for bipolar disorder include therapy and medication, but holistic methods such as nutrition planning, are also used to treat bipolar disorder.

Features

• Bipolar disorder is believed to be caused by a combination of hereditary and environmental factors, and with nutritional planning, some people have been able to alleviate and even eradicate the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Expert Insight

• In his book, The Omega-3 Connection, Dr. Andrew Stoll claims that ingesting high doses of omega-3 fatty acids may offer some relief, as they act as natural mood stabilizers and antidepressants.

Identification

• Omega-3 fatty acids, which are a type of unsaturated fat, are found in foods such as fish, especially cold-water fish like salmon, herring and mackerel. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be taken as dietary supplements in pill form.

Prevention/Solution

• Some foods can have a negative effect on people with bipolar disorder. Chocolate, caffeine, aspartame and gluten may trigger irritable moods. Also, blood sugar levels have an effect on mood---avoiding refined sugars in favor of whole grains can help stabilize blood sugar levels and mood.

Warning

• Nutrition planning may help alleviate bipolar symptoms, but it is important for bipolar patients to seek professional counseling as well.