Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. There is no known reason for this disorder, but genetics, altered brain structure, and environmental factors can contribute to this condition. Some of the symptoms of this condition include high energy, loss of touch with reality, and inability to sleep. Certain foods and food habits are known to control symptoms. Read on to know a few diet tips for bipolar depression.

• Avoid diets rich in red meats, saturated fats, trans fats, and simple carbs. These food items or ingredients can increase the chances of developing heart diseases, obesity, and diabetes, triggering bipolar depression.
• Eat food items that are rich in nutrients and add balance to the diet. Such foods are as follows.
  • Fish
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Low-fat dairy
  • Soy
  • Nuts and seeds
• Maintain a healthy weight via regular exercise and a healthy diet. Monitor your caloric intake and avoid junk food.
• Reduce your intake of caffeine. However, ensure that this is a gradual process as opposed to entirely cutting-off caffeine abruptly. Eliminating caffeine in your diet slowly can prevent mood swings. Avoiding caffeine can also greatly benefit your sleep schedule.
• Watch your salt intake as it can increase your blood pressure, triggering your condition.
• Each person has a body that reacts differently to different factors, even if the condition is common. Based on your personal preferences, conditions of your body, and environment, the doctor will provide you a diet plan. If you want to make any changes or try something new, always consult the doctor.
• If you are on antidepressant medication such as MAO inhibitors, ensure you avoid foods containing tyramine as a combination of both can cause severe hypertension. Some foods that you should avoid are:
  • Overly ripe bananas and banana peels
  • Tap beer
  • Aged meat
  • Fermented cheese
  • Certain types of wine
• Avoid alcohol and substance abuse
  • Alcohol may seem inviting to patients with bipolar disorder as a way out of disturbing mood symptoms. However, they only aggravate the symptoms further.
  • Alcohol triggers depressive episodes in patients who are vulnerable to bipolar depression.
  • Alcohol and harmful substances can interfere with treatments.
  • They can end up making people lose their sense of control, which may be extremely dangerous as bipolar disorder patients are generally highly suicidal and/or violent when they are in their low moods.
• Benefits of eating fish
  Eating non-fried fatty fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can prevent mood swings. These fishes include: Anchovies, Albacore tuna, Herring, Mackerel, Salmon, Trout. 
  
  • If  you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can opt for over-the-counter fish oil or omega-3 supplement.
  • An alternative to fish oil is walnut oil.
  • Fish oil is believed to play a role in brain function and behavior.
  • Fish oil is known to reduce phases of depression in bipolar disorder patients.