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Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder that is characterized by phases of extreme mood swings. Periods of elation and periods of depression are common symptoms of patients suffering from this condition. Dealing with bipolar individuals requires patience and constant observation to make sure that the patient suffering from bipolar disorder is not in a situation that is potentially harmful. Some bipolar patients have extreme low phases during which they may be likely to harm themselves. Bipolar disorder can be controlled to a large extent by medication.
The aim of such medication is to maintain the person in an equilibrium so that the highs are not too high and the lows not too low. One can support such efforts by moderating the diet of a patient suffering from bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Disorder Nutrition: The first part of diet moderation for a bipolar patient is to make sure that meals are consumed on time and regularly. Humans tend to become tired and feel drained when they have not eaten for an extended period of time.
This may aggravate the mood of a bipolar patient more than it would affect a person who does not have the condition. Thus, fixing a schedule where the patient consumes three regular meals is essential to maintain the nutritional balance in the body. Foods for Bipolar Disorder: The second part of diet moderation concerns the types of foods that the patient can consume.
Certain foods or drinks should be completely avoided. Caffeine should be moderated and avoided if possible. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided strictly as the effects of alcohol even on a person without a bipolar condition are extreme.
Omega 3 fatty acids bipolar disorder: Some research has suggested that Omega three oils in food is beneficial to those suffering from bipolar disorder and may, over a period of time, reduce their dependence on medication to manage the condition. There is also a link between blood sugar fluctuations and bipolar episodes. We all tend to feel irritable when we have low levels of sugar as we tend to be tired. This is a situation best avoided in a person suffering from bipolar disorder. There is also new research that suggests that an increase in magnesium in the diet is influential in improving the condition of a patient. While it may not be proven that an increase is necessarily good, it is definitely true that maintaining a good level of magnesium helps the body maintain its chemical balance and is influential in good heart and nerve function.
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