Bipolar Disorder:

and depression. Bipolar disorder is common and affects approximately 1- 2% of people. People with bipolar disorder show symptoms of depression during depressive episodes and symptoms of mania during manic episodes.  

Symptoms of mania include elevated mood (feelings of happiness), grandiosity, irritability, distractibility, pressured speech, impaired judgment, flights of ideas (thoughts move rapidly from one to the other), decreased need for sleep, and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities.

Potential contributing factors:

1. Genetics.
2. Neurotransmitter imbalances.
3. Abnormalities of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
4. Medical conditions: stroke, traumatic brain injuries, HIV infection, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
5. Stressful life events.
6. Toxins overload.
7. Vanadium excess in the body.
8. Food allergies.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Refined sugars.
2. Alcohol.
3. Coffee.
4. Chocolate.
5. Saturated fats.
6. Hydrogenated fats.
7. Caffeinated drinks.
8. Carbonated beverages.
9. Allergenic foods.
10. Foods high in vanadium: black pepper, dill, dill seeds, spinach, parsley, mushroom, radish, oysters, and gluten. Elevated level of vanadium has been linked to bipolar disorder.
11. Gluten-containing foods (see “Celiac Disease”).
12. If you are taking MAO inhibitors (a class of antidepressant medications), avoid having foods high in tryamine:
    1. Aged cheese.
    2. Yogurt.
    3. Sour cream.
    4. Chocolate.
    5. Smoked, cured or prickled meat or fish.
    6. Red wine.
    7. Soy products (tofu, miso, and tempeh).
    8. Soy sauce.
    9. Soybeans.
    10. Fruits and vegetables: overly ripe bananas, pineapple, figs, plums, coconuts, raspberries, avocado, eggplants, pickles, olives, fava beans, and snow peas.
    11. Peanuts, and Brazil nuts.
    12. Salad dressings.
    13. Gravies.

Recommended Foods:

1. Water: 2 – 3 liters a day. Dehydration is common among those who take lithium, as lithium interferes with the absorption of water in the kidneys.
2. Whole grains.
3. Legumes.
4. Gluten free diet (see “Celiac Disease”).
5. Complex carbohydrates low in glycemic index.
6. Nuts.
7. Lean proteins.
8. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
9. Fruits high in serotonin: dates, bananas, and papayas. Serotonin is has a key role in elevating mood.
10. Foods high in tryptophan: milk, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, spirulina, soybeans, and oats. This amino acid converts in the body into serotonin.
11. Foods high in inositol: cantaloupe, citrus fruits (except lemons), brewer`s yeast, wheat germs, cabbage, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Inositol involves in nerve transmission and eases nervousness.
12. Foods high in Omega-3: fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts.
13. Foods high in lithium: dairy products, eggs, seaweeds, potatoes, and lemons. Lithium is a mood stabilizer mineral.
14. Ginger.
15. Saffron.
16. Chamomile tea.

Recommended Supplements:

1. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 – 3 grams a day. These essential fatty acids elevate mood and promote tranquility. Caution: higher doses of Omega-3 may reduce effectiveness of anti-bipolar medication, lithium. If you are taking lithium, consult your doctor regarding taking Omega-3.
2. SAMe (S – Adenosylmethionine): 800 – 1200 mg a day. SAMe elevates mood by increasing the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.
3. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. It is a flavonoid that has antioxidant, anti-depression, and anti-anxiety effects.
4. Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
5. Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
6. 5 – Hydroxytryptophan (5 – HTP): 200 – 300 mg a day. 5 – HTP increases serotonin level and reduces depression and anxiety. CAUTION: 5 – HTP should not be taken in combination with anti-depressant and anti-anxiety medications.
7. Inositol: 500 – 1000 mg a day. Inositol involves in nerve transmission and eases nervousness.
8. Folic Acid: 1000 mcg a day.
9. Vitamin B12: 1000 mcg a day.
10. Vitamin C: 2000 – 3000 mg a day.
11. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): 1000 – 1500 mg a day. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that promotes calmness and may help control symptoms of bipolar disorder.
12. Glycine: 1000 – 2000 mg a day. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord and may help with symptoms of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson`s disease, and jet lag.
13. Spirulina: as a tablet: 2000 – 3000 mg a day, or as a powder: 2 – 3 teaspoons a day. Spirulina is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
14. Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum product.
15. Probiotics: a product providing 5 – 10 billion organisms per serving.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Liver detoxification.
2. Colon cleansing.
3. Exercise.
4. Yoga.
5. Acupuncture.