Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is sometimes called manic-depressive disorder. It is where a person experiences mood swings that range from manic highs to very depressed lows, sometimes in just seconds.

There is a prevailing theory among health practitioners today that the increase in consumption of processed foods has had an effect on the number of people who suffer from bipolar disorder.

It is believed that this correlates because with more processed foods in the diet we consume fewer vitamins than were in the foods we ate centuries or even decades ago.

It is believed that symptoms of bipolar disorder can be alleviated if the diet deficiencies in multiple vitamins such as the B vitamins, folic acid, Vitamin C, and all the trace elements such as zinc and copper are addressed.

It is recommended that people consume a balanced and nutritious diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, nuts, legumes, low-fat diary products, and whole grains, etc. Fish also contains Omega-3 fatty acids that are beneficial for treating depression.

Home Remedies for Bipolar Disorder:

Foods to Avoid:

Besides eating foods that can have a beneficial affect on bipolar disorder, there are foods that can create problems and should be avoided.

  • Caffeine because it reduces sleep
  • High fatty foods can increase irritability and insomnia
  • Red meat can cause irritability
  • Alcohol because it is a depressant
  • Sugar works as a stimulant, then when the sugar-high passes, it can be a depressant

There are many natural remedies for bipolar disorder.

Lithium:

Lithium is a well-known home remedy for bipolar disorder, which has become widely used by the medical community. This came about because researchers noticed around the first part of the nineteenth century that manic behavior occurred less in areas where the water had higher natural lithium levels.

Omega 3:

Omega 3 fatty acids are found in fish or over the counter supplements. Patients who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder have found that use of Omega 3 will decrease the incidence of manic episodes. It also helps prolong the time between intervals of manic episodes, which can offer a more normal life.

L-tyrosine:

A nonessential amino acid, L-tyrosine can reduce bipolar disorder symptoms. Low levels of L-tyrosine will reduce levels of serotonin in the body, causing a depressed mood. Patients can eat more dairy products, fish, meats, wheat, and oats to naturally increase the level of L-tyrosine or take supplements to increase this amino acid.

Herbal Aids:

There are several herbal aids that are helpful in controlling manic depression or bipolar disorder symptoms. This includes:

  • Lavender which can calm the person and decreases the chance of emotional triggers
  • Passiflora incarnate also has a soothing affect and both herbs can help balance the neurotransmitters in the brain
  • Homeopathic herbs like tarentula and hyoscyamus that can help decrease spells of maniac depression

Acupuncture:

Another effective natural treatment for bipolar disorder is acupuncture. The needles inserted at different points in the body help to balance the central nervous system, regulate the heart rate, sleep patterns, and body temperature. All these benefits help in the treatment of bipolar disorder.