Bipolar disorder is a multiple-type illness where the patient experiences unusual shifts of varied severity to their mood and energy levels. These shifts are not exactly mood swings; the episodes come in the form of manic or depressive episodes or simultaneously experiencing both mania and depression at once. Bipolar disorder comes with four diagnosed sub-disorders called Bipolar Disorder I, II, Cyclothymic, and Other.

Bipolar patients may have impaired judgement, a change in behavior, high or low energy levels, and a lack of sleep due to their episode shifts. Seeking proper psychological help is important when diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. In addition, a proper diet helps the patient live a healthy lifestyle and minimize psychological triggers during an episode. Here are some bipolar dietary tips:

1. Manage salt intake
Humans need salt to maintain homeostasis in the body. However, high intake of salt-rich food in a diet can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause an effect with a bipolar patient where the patient may experience an episode. Salt is also an important chemical when it comes to lithium levels in the body. Lithium is often prescribed for some bipolar patients and low salt consumption may increase the amount of lithium in the bloodstream. It’s important for patients to keep their salt intake at a moderate level.

2. Avoid fatty foods
Medical professionals would agree that a diet high in trans and saturated fats is not ideal and can lead to the possibility of obesity. Bipolar patients may have an increased chance of obesity due to their episode shifts. This could be due to poor eating choices during those episode shifts. Consuming a high fat diet, in addition to poor eating choices with a bipolar disorder, could increase the chances of the patient becoming obese. In addition, if the patient is medicated for their bipolar disorder, a high fat diet could impair the absorption of the medications. Eating a healthy diet with a mix of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats will not only reduce the chances of obesity but keep the patient’s body at a level of homeostasis during their bipolar episodes.

3. Moderate caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant and as a stimulant caffeine may serve as a trigger during an episodic shift. Caffeine naturally increases dopamine in the brain and increases the possibility of anxiety. A large intake of caffeine could radically impact a bipolar disorder patient’s mood and any episodic shift they are experiencing. For example, the boost in caffeinated energy may exacerbate a high activity manic episode. It’s important to limit caffeine intake throughout the day to reduce anxiety.

4. Alcohol
Unlike the stimulant of caffeine, alcohol is a depressant. As a depressant, alcohol impacts the mood of a person immensely. Studies show many bipolar patients are susceptible to abuse alcohol along with other types of drugs. Too much alcohol may cause a large depression episode for the bipolar patient. Alcohol intake is recommended to be managed carefully if not avoided completely for a bipolar patient.