 |
|
Healthy Diet Plans >>
Ask a question >>
Alternative Health |
Bipolar Alternative Treatment
Does changing your diet help in treating bipolar disorder?
(May 11, 2010)
|
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that is typically characterized by extreme mood swings. This medical disorder is also commonly known as Manic- depressive illness. Bipolar disorder is generally caused on account of a chemical imbalance in the brains and is also known to be genetic. Bipolar disorder is not gender or age specific. A person suffering from bipolar disorder may at times be extremely happy and experience high energy levels and suddenly for no logical reason may become depressed or dejected. These mood swings tend to fluctuate back and forth.
A person suffering from bipolar disorder may avoid social interactions and may be even referred to a psychiatrist.
People suffering from bipolar disorder are recommended a diet that excludes caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, excess stress etc as these tend to trigger the mood swings. Instead a diet rich is vitamins like vitamin B Complex and vitamin B 12 and natural herbs are recommended. Omega- 3 fatty acids found predominantly in fish oil are also known to be beneficial to control bipolar disorder. Addition of minerals like magnesium in one’s diet also helps curb the mood swings. However magnesium should be consumed in moderation as an excessive intake may cause diarrhea. Lean protein available in chicken, turkey and turkey should be incorporated in ones diet along with complex carbohydrates which are present in natural foods like grains, fruits and vegetables. Omega – 3 and Uridine which is found in nuts and beet are also known to lessen the symptoms of Bipolar disorder. Although there is no prescribed diet for bipolar disorder, most medical experts advise that patients should maintain an ideal weight by minimizing intake of saturated fats and Trans fats. Nutrient dense protective foods like lean meats, soy products legumes etc should be consumed as they help in maintaining optimal health. Consumption of fish that have high amounts of fats or fish oil such as mackerels, herring, trout, salmon etc also helps manage bipolar disorder and keep it under control. Intake of tyramine containing foods like liver, wine, fermented cheeses and bananas should also be restricted as they tend to accelerate the degree of bipolar disorder in individuals. A balanced intake of salt i.e. neither too high nor too low is also recommended as a bipolar diet essential. Additionally there are also certain medications that are prescribed to curb the mood swings but natural cures through a balanced diet is always the safest method of treating bipolar disorder.
|
|
Submitted by R B on May 11, 2010 at 07:20
|
|
|
|
|
Read more questions in Alternative Health
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
