[MusicLover82]

Dear Friends,

Has anyone found a good book (or other source) that gives guidelines for a diet that helps the bipolar brain? I’m also hoping that when I eat healthier for my mind (and exercise more), I will start losing weight because I’ll be choosing healthier foods.

Thanks!!

[Ezrigirl]

I have been official bipolar for over a decade. And this is the first time anyone said there is a proper diet for being bipolar.

[MusicLover82]

I know it’s not a common focus for bipolar folks, but there are plenty of foods that are better for the brain than others, such as salmon, for example. I’ve found some sources, but I’m trying to find out if anyone here has a good recommendation.

[fern46]

I don't know of a specific diet, but the book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder recommends a diet low in refined sugar, low in caffiene and high in omega 3s. It specifically recommended a fish oil supplement. My therapist seconded all of that.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by fern46

I don't know of a specific diet, but the book Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder recommends a diet low in refined sugar, low in caffiene and high in omega 3s. It specifically recommended a fish oil supplement. My therapist seconded all of that.

Yes! I agree! Thanks, fern46!

[Blue_Bird]

I would imagine a healthy diet in general would be good/beneficial for anyone and their brain, not just specifically bipolar

I have definitely heard about the benefits of omega 3s for not only depression relief, but many health benefits (triglycerides reduction). I'll admit that I tried high-dose OTC fish oil for about a year in the past, and it did little. Perhaps prescribed may have helped more? Or maybe not, just as some prescribed bipolar meds don't help much.

I agree with others that a well-balanced diet low in refined sugars and bad fats is best. I have also read many times that limiting caffeine and alcohol is important. In general, the food pyramid is a great guideline, with starchy stuff important, but whole grain or vegetable/legumes.

I have always felt my best when I ate a well-balanced healthy diet, combined with exercise. Limiting healthful foods (like whole grains) is not a diet I can sustain. A diet that deprives me unnecessarily makes me unhappy. Unfortunately, when I'm unwell, many healthy efforts fall to the wayside due to urges to self-medicate. Boo hiss!

I have read of people with bipolar disorder trying very low carb diets, like the ketogenic diet, for mood control. The ketogenic diet has apparently been helpful for people with some types of severe epilepsy. As many may know, there are interesting links between epilepsy and illnesses like bipolar disorder. However, I see a diet like the ketogenic diet as a last resort type effort that may not necessarily be efficacious for everyone. As I wrote above, one has to weigh the misery of deprivation in diet against other discomforts/issues (i.e. medication side effects, severity of illness, etc.) Unfortunately, sometimes we have to choose between evils/discomforts/challenges. Again, boo hiss!

Here are articles that provide contrasting views on very low carb eating:

* Very low carb may decrease serotonin leading to depression: Low-Carb State of Mind | Psychology Today

* Ketogenic diet may be helpful for bipolar disorder: Ketogenic diet as a metabolic therapy for mood disorders: Evidence and developments. - PubMed - NCBI

[~Christina]

I feel much better when I stay away from carbs....

That says I made Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy for dinner and I do not care how unhealthy it was lol

[Ezrigirl]

They say eating potatoes is good for your brain and helps with your memory.

[sarahsweets]

Personally I do not think you should have any alcohol if you are bipolar. Especially if you are on medication.