Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a condition that causes serious shifts in one’s mood, thinking, behavior, and overall energy levels. The shift is so severe that one might be high or manic at any given time and then experience serious depression. Bipolar disorder highs and lows can sometimes last for days, weeks, and even months at a time without any warning or change in behavior. There are several symptoms that can help one identify an underlying condition. However, the severity of the symptoms will differ depending on the nature and frequency of the episodes.

Treatment for the condition includes a combination of medications, therapies, and supportive care. In addition, there are a few foods that can help provide relief from the varied symptoms and help reduce the risk of episodes like depression in bipolar disorder.

1. Food to eat for bipolar depression

• Dark chocolate
  They don’t just call chocolate comfort food for no reason. This is one of the foods rich in phenylethylamine that helps relieve depression, which is one of the more concerning factors related to bipolar disorder. Doctors often refer to the compound as a mood-lifting ingredient and it is predominantly found in chocolates with a high concentration of cocoa. Dark chocolate can be eaten as is or can be incorporated in desserts, making it one of the more preferred foods for bipolar depression.
• Turkey
  It may not be consumed especially after thanksgiving. But turkey is naturally rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body manufacture serotonin. Serotonin is one of the three important chemicals in the brain. And consuming foods containing this chemical can help alleviate mood disorders like depression in bipolar patients. High serotonin levels in the brain reduce the risk of malfunctioning neurotransmitters.
• Tofu
  Tofu is naturally rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Research shows that omega 3 rich foods after being processed by the body can easily travel and deliver vital nutrients moving through the brain cell membranes. Omega 3 reacts with molecules inside the cell membrane that trigger moods and related responses. The compound has shown some promising results in various mood disorder studies conducted over the years.

2. Foods to avoid for bipolar depression

• Caffeine rich beverages
  It is okay to drink coffee in moderation. But too much caffeine in the system can result in persistent sleep deprivation. This can trigger mood swings as the brain has not had enough rest overnight. Sleep deprivation also results in a chemical imbalance that affects normal levels of serotonin and dopamine, two of the most important chemicals that control the neural responses. It is advisable to avoid caffeine and carbon beverages also.
• Alcohol
  Consumption of alcohol can exaggerate the symptoms of bipolar disorder, including mania and depression. Manic episodes include a feeling of intense happiness, euphoria, high self-confidence and self-esteem, inability to focus, impulsive behavior, and overindulging in pleasurable activities. Alcohol impairs one’s judgment and can aggravate these manic episodes which are why it is advisable to control the urge to drink.
• Sugar
  Medicines taken for bipolar depression or disorder will be rendered ineffective in case one prefers foods with a high amount of sugar. Similar to alcohol, sugar-rich foods can aggravate the manic episodes and depression associated with bipolar disorder.