A complex disorder, bipolar disorder makes you experience mood swings and frequent episodes of mania and depression, with the intensity of your symptoms ranging from very mild to extreme. Although there is no permanent cure for this mental health disorder, medications and therapies can help you manage the symptoms and lower their intensity and frequency.

Besides this, meticulous management of your diet can also help you to manage the symptoms and make medications work more effectively.

While a diet of healthy nutritious foods is always recommended, certain foods are best avoided to prevent the triggering of symptoms:

Sugar
Foods rich in sugar like baked goods, cakes, cookies, and other desserts may seem tempting, but they make it very difficult to control obesity. Also, regular intake of sugar-based foods makes it harder for you to maintain a healthy body weight, leading to the ineffectiveness of certain bipolar disorder medications. This can make you face issues in managing the symptoms. So, if you find yourself craving for something sweet, go for fresh seasonal fruits and other dessert substitutes like ice pops, frozen yogurt, and light smoothies.

Salt
Lithium levels in the body are directly affected by changes in the level of salt intake. Although the intake of salt should be moderated, it should be done with caution. Many medications for bipolar disorder contain lithium, and a sudden change in the consumption of salt may cause fluctuations in the lithium levels, aggravating the symptoms. The effectiveness of the medications may also alter due to changes in salt intake. It is recommended that your daily intake of salt is in a healthy range, and it’s always advisable to consult a doctor or healthcare practitioner before you alter your daily salt intake. This will ensure that lithium-based medications are effective and healthy levels of lithium are maintained in the body.

Alcohol
Many health experts recommend eliminating alcohol consumption if you have bipolar disorder as it can aggravate and trigger bipolar mood swings and worsen other symptoms. In addition, even moderate levels of alcohol intake can negatively react with bipolar medications, especially those containing lithium.

Caffeine
Tea, coffee, and other caffeine-based beverages may help you to be more productive, but they are best avoided if you have bipolar disorder. Caffeine, especially in strong doses, is a stimulant that has the potential to trigger mania and set off mood swings due to impaired sleep. Additionally, it can increase anxiety and irritability, making it all the more difficult for you to manage bipolar disorder. Stay away from tea, coffee, lattes, and all foods with high caffeine content. Additionally, certain medications for cough and cold contain a stimulant whose effect is similar to caffeine. Avoid these medications as far as possible, and ask a healthcare provider for alternatives. Opt for decaf if you crave for coffee, or go for soothing green tea or lightly brewed black tea.

Fats
The type of fats you consume affects the way medication is absorbed in the body. If you eat a lot of fried and fatty foods, medications for managing bipolar may lose their effectiveness. Additionally, the omega-6 fatty acids in the oil used to make these foods are best avoided. Saturated fats and trans fats are not only bad for bipolar symptoms but also for the heart. Excess of these foods will lead to lifestyle-related health disorders, which may further aggravate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Include foods with lean proteins and low or healthy fats like monounsaturated fats in your diet.