Balancing Bipolar Disorder Through Nutrition
By Stephen R. Farris
People who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder typically have moments that can shift from being up on top of the world, to falling deep down in the dumps. They can go from being extremely happy one moment, then minutes later, act as if the world is totally against them. Their moods can shift rather quickly and without warning.
Usually bipolar patients are prescribed medication to help them deal with their disorder. However, there are a few things that can aid in helping to lessen the episodes naturally, and that's with a change in your nutritional habits.
Whole Grains
Whole grain foods (oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, etc.) are great to have in your diet and with the right ones, they're good for your heart and overall nutrition. When it comes to emotional health, whole grains can provide a calming effect.
Omega-3
Research is still ongoing as to whether omega-3 fatty acids can help with certain mental conditions, such as bipolar disorder and depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to help with mood, but not so much with mania. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in seafood such as tuna, salmon, trout, sardines, and other foods, including eggs, to name a few.
Selenium
Foods that are rich in selenium are shown to be essential for brain health. Selenium-rich foods consist of several types that are not only good for the brain, but also beneficial for overall nutrition. They include a few of the following selenium-rich foods for example:
- Brazil nuts
- Tuna
- Halibut
- Sardines
- Ham
- Shrimp
- Steak
- Turkey
- Beef liver
Beans
Beans contain magnesium. Although the research is still in its infancy, magnesium has shown good results in the reduction of mania symptoms in people suffering with bipolar disorder. Try a few types of beans from the legume family, such as black beans, lima beans, chickpeas, or lentils. They're good as a meal themselves, or as a side to complement most any entree.
If you want to find out more about nutrition and how it can also benefit your mental health, talk with your local chiropractor to see what tips and suggestions they can offer you to get back on track to a more healthy you. And if you're experiencing aches and pains in your lower back, joints and/or neck, your local chiropractor can help give you relief in those areas as well.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Orem, Utah.