What is a good bipolar diet?

Question

I have bipolar, i am taking my medications, but i was wondering...

Is there some lifestyle and eating tips that i should also be following?

Answer 1

In addition to taking your medications every day as prescribed, you can help control mood swings by eating a healthy and balanced diet. A balanced diet includes foods from different food groups including whole grains, dairy, fruits and vegetables, and protein. Eat a variety of foods within each group (for example, eat different fruits from each fruit group instead of only apples). A varied diet helps you get all the nutrients you need, since no single food provides every nutrient. Eat a little of everything, but nothing in excess. All foods can fit in a healthy diet if you eat everything in moderation. Among other recommendations, it has been suggested a diet free of sugar, alcohol, soda and caffeine may be best. Alcohol should be avoided, since it may trigger episodes and may interfere with your prescribed medications.

Answer 2

Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids may also be used as a treatment for bipolar disorder, particularly as a supplement to medication. An initial clinical trial by Stoll et. al. produced positive results. However, since 1999 attempts to confirm this finding of beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in several larger double-blind clinical trials have produced inconclusive results. It was hypothesized that the therapeutic ingredient in omega-3 fatty acid preparations is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and that supplements should be high in this compound to be beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids may be found in fish, fish oils, algae, and to a lesser degree in other foods such as flaxseed, flaxseed oil and walnuts. Some researchers have found that only omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish products shows efficacy, whereas omega-3 fatty acids derived flaxseed oil or supplements are ineffecrtive.

Zinc 25mg per day have had an antidepressant effect in an experiment.
Zinc is found in oysters, and to a far lesser degree in most animal proteins, beans, nuts, whole grains, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Phytates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, legumes and other products, have been known to decrease zinc absorption. Clinical studies have found that zinc, combined with antioxidants, may delay progression of age-related macular degeneration, but the effect is extremely small and not likely to be clinically important. Significant dietry intake of zinc has also recently been shown to impede the onset of flu. Soil conservation analyzes the vegetative uptake of naturally occurring zinc in many soil types.
The (US) recommended dietary allowance of zinc from puberty on is 11mg for males and 8mg for females, with higher amounts recommended during pregnancy and lactation.

The amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine have also a favorable effect on easy forms of depression. They enhance the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenalin.

Eat a maximum variety of fruit, vegetables, nuts etc...

Answer 3

Nothing that would interfere with the medication. Read the label directions on the medication.

Answer 4

Just avoid things that would interfere with your medication, including caffeine, alcohol, and grapefruit juice (the latter interferes with the absorption of your medication).