Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a clinical condition that leads to a feeling of unhappiness and loss of interest in performing everyday activities. The condition can cause a wide range of mental, physical, and behavioral problems. If you are depressed, you may experience feelings like sadness, anger, or loss. However, the condition can be managed through medications, counseling, and changes in the diet. So, here is a list of mood-boosting foods for bipolar disorder:
1. Fish
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help in improving your mood, boosting brain development, cell signaling, and reducing levels of depression. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids offer fluidity to the cell membrane in the brain. You can include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies in your diet.
2. Lentils
Among the mood-boosting foods for manic depression, lentils also hold considerable importance. These offer a good amount of folate, iron, protein as well as vitamin B, which synthesize mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the form of serotonin and dopamine. Lentils are also rich in fiber, which assists in keeping blood sugar levels under control.
3. Strawberries
The list of mood-boosting foods for bipolar disorder also comprises strawberries and other berries. They are rich in antioxidants and can help in controlling inflammation linked to depression. Strawberries also have phenolic compounds that play an important part in fighting oxidative stress.
4. Yogurt
Taking care of your gut health is important to keep mood levels in check. Most of the serotonin compounds that are responsible for lifting the mood are found in the gut. Fermented food items, such as yogurt, kefir, and kombucha, are good sources of probiotics that aid in improving gut health.
5. Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate is a powerhouse of mood-enhancing compounds that help manage bipolar disorder. It has mood-boosting compounds like caffeine and N-acylethanolamine. Moreover, it is rich in health-enhancing flavonoids that can increase the flow of blood in the brain, and at the same time, lower inflammation and boost your mood. Opting for chocolates that include more than 70 percent cocoa and less amount of sugar is a healthy option.
6. Dry fruits
Dry fruits like almonds, peanuts, pistachios, and cashews can help in managing bipolar disorder. They are rich in healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other mood-boosting contents. They also comprise tryptophan, which is an amino acid responsible for stabilizing and improving mood.
These foods not only help improve this mental health condition, but they also help in maintaining proper nutrition levels in the body. Consult your physician, who can help you in preparing a diet chart for the same.