Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition defined by dramatic mood swings – both highs (mania) and lows (depression). Symptoms can range from mild to extreme in terms of severity and intensity. Although mood swings come and go, sudden occurrences affect the overall health. Bipolar depression foods are believed to be effective in improving moods.

Consuming bipolar depression foods combined with medicines and therapies can control this emotional instability.

1. What diet is recommended for bipolar depression?
Although there is no specific diet for bipolar depression, it is essential to make healthy food choices, maintain body weight, and stay fit.

• Firstly, avoid the Western-style diet. These diets are rich in saturated fats, trans fats, simple carbohydrates, and red meat. As a result, this type of diet increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, depression, heart diseases, and obesity.
• Eating a balanced diet with nutrient-dense and protective foods that help manage bipolar depression is essential. Foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, cold-water fish, lean meats, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, and soy products are healthy. These foods not only provide necessary nutrients but also prevent diseases.
• Watch daily calorie intake and exercise regularly for a healthy body weight. Some findings reveal that people with bipolar depression may have risks of obesity.

Foods for bipolar depression diet are planned around the symptoms and intensity of a patient. It varies from case to case. However, it is possible to narrow down a list of bipolar depression foods that may help every patient.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids for managing bipolar depression
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), eating non-friend fatty fish at least twice a week can boost mood. Good choices of fish include albacore tuna, anchovies, herring, salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout.

Fish oil is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost heart health. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, flaxseed oil, canola oil and walnuts could be your choices.

3. Bipolar disorder – Foods to avoid
Some foods may have a negative effect on patients with bipolar depression. Here are some bipolar depression foods and drinks to avoid.

• Avoid high-fat meals
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Reduce salt intake if you have hypertension
• Avoid alcohol
• Watch your sugar intake if you are diabetic and otherwise
• Avoid general trigger foods like fat-free products, lactose, processed cheese, carbonated soft drinks, and food dyes

4. How do probiotics help?
Our gut has millions and millions of bacteria. While some of them are healthy bacteria, others are responsible for ailments. Scientists are attempting to understand how healthy bacteria, or probiotics, can promote immune function and health, including reduced inflammation. People with bipolar depression have increased levels of inflammation.

Besides, researchers are trying to find how these bacteria can help control our emotional health and state of mind. Some bacteria release stress hormones like norepinephrine while others release serotonin, a calming bacteria. Probiotics-rich food includes kefir, yogurt, kombucha, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso.

Certain foods may be effective in calming the mind, but they are no replacement for a prescribed course of treatment. Thus, consult a doctor before taking any step.