Bipolar Disorder and WFPB GWilkerson05/08/2015 Disease
What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania, depression, or combines both at the same time. For most, the episodes are separated by periods of normal mood. Extreme mania can trigger psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations; extreme depression can bring a risk of suicide. Drug options are fairly limited, carry side effects, and many patients continue to have persistent relapses, impairments and psychosocial problems despite drug treatment. Bipolar disorder, also known as “manic depression,” is a mental disorder that is characterized by serious mood swings. A person with bipolar disorder experiences alternating “highs” (what clinicians call “mania“) and “lows” (also known as depression). Someone with bipolar disorder may have up to three years of normal mood between episodes of mania or depression. http://psychcentral.com/lib/bipolar-disorder-and-nutrition/0003280 – By Jane Collingwood
What Causes Bipolar Disorder? One study of bipolar patients in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system found they were more likely to report “suboptimal eating behaviors, including having fewer than two daily meals, and having difficulty obtaining or cooking food” than non-bipolar patients. Deficiencies are
therefore likely.
From the Mayo Clinic:
People with bipolar disorder appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain but may eventually help pinpoint causes. An imbalance in naturally occurring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters seems to play a significant role in bipolar disorder and other mood disorders. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have a first-degree relative, such as a sibling or parent, with the condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing bipolar disorder.
Curing Bipolar Disorder Research suggests that fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are important for mental health in the general population, and may be useful in treating mood disorders. A 1999 study looked at this topic. The researchers explain, “Fatty acids may inhibit neuronal signal transduction pathways in a manner similar to that of lithium carbonate and valproate, effective treatments for bipolar disorder.” 30 patients were given a supplement of three fatty acids or placebo for four months. The supplement group “had a significantly longer period of remission” than those on placebo. Planning Your Menu Omega-3 essential fatty acids — A mountain of studies confirms it: Omega-3 fats, such as those found in fatty fish like wild Alaskan salmon, are not only great for general health, they can also help lower the incidence of depression. Omega-3 is also found in flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp hearts and raw walnuts, maybe in pumpkin seeds as well. Refined sugar — You are already on a mood roller coaster with bipolar disorder. Refined sugar throws your ride into further chao, sending insulin levels soaring.
Magnesium — Magnesium has been found to function similarly to lithium, which is often prescribed for bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer. Adding magnesium to your diet may help to decrease the symptoms of mania or rapid cycling. Vitamins — Vitamin deficiencies, especially of vitamins C, D and the B vitamins, are common in those with bipolar disorder. Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is especially crucial. Carbs — Carbohydrate cravings come with the territory in bipolar disorder. The goal is to ditch the processed, refined carbs, usually found in manufactured foods, and stick with whole foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains such as quinoa, barley and oats.
Alcohol — Drinking alcohol is a bad idea on multiple levels for those with bipolar disorder. For one, the alcohol-drug interaction can make you very sick. Caffeine — Any kind of stimulant can precipitate mania, so it’s best to pass on the coffee, Red Bull or any heavily caffeinated beverage. Fat — Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, fish, low-fat dairy and nuts, provide vitamins and minerals and are so satisfying you won’t want to overeat. Putting It All Together Experts agree that bipolar disorder has no cure. However, we now know that simple lifestyle choices like opting for whole food nutrition can make a significant impact on the daily management of mood, energy and sleep. Combine that with improved stress coping abilities, along with regular physical activity and the result is a more optimized, effective and long-term treatment plan. There’s no need to feel helpless, hopeless and defeated as so many with bipolar disorder do. There isn’t much research on alternative medicine and bipolar disorder. Most of the studies on alternative or complementary medicine that do exist are on major depression, so it isn’t clear how well most of these work for bipolar disorder. Conclusion
While Bipolar disorder may or may not be curable, it appears it can be controlled somewhat with lifestyle/diet. Avoid caffiene and energy drinks. Consume optimal nutrition through plant sources rather than animal sources. Whole Foods, Plant-Based seems to be the optimal way to eat to be healthy and survive this world as long as we possibly can. People with bipolar disorder generally need to be treated with mood stabilizers and other medications. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important. Eating right, sticking to a regular sleep schedule, and other healthy habits can help those with bipolar disorder manage their condition. From The Mayo Clinic, a series of articles on Bipolar Disorder: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20027544
Bipolar http://www.plant-strong-health-blog-by-gary.com/bipolar-disorder-and-wfpb/