What you consume affects your body, mind and mood. If you’re diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you should avoid certain foods because they can lead to bipolar mood episodes. People with bipolar disorder are often obese and over-weight, so they have to make sure they make healthier choices when it comes to food. One study has shown that certain fatty foods can contribute to bad mental health and that exercise and diet can be really useful in managing bipolar disorder. If you eliminate certain foods from your diet, you’ll improve your physical and physical health, including your heart health.
Here are the 5 foods you shouldn’t consume if you have bipolar disorder:
1. Alcohol
Stop consuming alcohol, if you have bipolar disorder. Alcohol can interact negatively with medications such as lithium and can also cause terrible mood swings. One study has shown that people with bipolar disorder that consume alcohol can die prematurely.
2. Caffeine
Caffeine can be a trigger for people with bipolar disorder. It can also impair sleep, which is terrible because lack of sleep can be a serious trigger for bipolar mood swings and mania. A study published on September 2020, [points out that caffeine can trigger mania symptoms and can change the way how certain medications are metabolized in the body.
3. Salt
If you’re prescribed lithium for your bipolar disorder, you need to be careful about the amount of salt you’re consuming, because sodium can affect lithium levels. Avoid low-sodium diets, if you take lithium, because they increase the risk of suffering from lithium toxicity. Also, don’t forget to drink enough fluids because dehydration can have dangerous effects.
4. Fat
Limit the amount of saturated fat and trans fat in your diet. Choose lean protein, low-fat dairy products, plenty of fresh fruits and veggies and healthy grains. Stay away from fried food, because it’s not only bad for your bipolar disorder,but also for your heart.
5. Sugar
Having a diet that’s high in sugar can make it really hard to control your weight. It will not only make you obese, bit also make your bipolar disorder drug treatment less effective. If you’re craving something sweet, choose a fruit.
Healthier Options
It should be hard to have a healthy diet. You don’t have to make enormous changes, simply be more aware of your choices and make sure they’re healthier.
Here are some healthier options:
– Instead of eating white bread, choose a slice of whole-grain bread;
– Skip the potato chips and fried, and try some fresh vegetables with hummus;
– Don’t drink 5 cups of coffee per day, reach for a cup of herbal tea;
– Instead of frying, try baking or steaming your food.