Bipolar depression is a mental disorder that causes symptoms such as extreme mood swings. Diet plays a role in managing this disorder. Herein, we provide some diet tips for managing bipolar depression that will help in managing the symptoms. The best diet tips for managing bipolar depression are those tried and tested. And hey can be followed to help manage the symptoms of this disorder:

1. Avoid processed foods and drinks
Processed food, carbonated drinks, alcohol, smoking, refined flour, and coffee deprive the body of the nutrients it needs. They affect blood sugar balance leading to irritability, mood swings, and depression. Shunning these foods or limiting their consumption is one of the most important diet tips for managing bipolar depression.

2. Consume coffee in moderation
One need not completely give up coffee and white bread. It can be consumed in moderation. Coffee can be relaxing but it should be restricted to one or two cups a day. Avoiding it in the second half of the day is advisable to ensure it does not interfere with sleep patterns. Coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate have caffeine, and it is advisable to avoid them. Dark chocolate, however, can be consumed as it is considered beneficial.

3. Foods and medications
Certain foods can interfere with the medication prescribed for bipolar depression. It is advisable to avoid these foods while taking medicines known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Overripe bananas, soy sauce, fermented cheese, and aged meat can interfere with the medication and must be avoided. Those who are on medication need to consult the doctor about food interaction. Certain medications should be taken after food while others need to be taken on an empty stomach. It is important to consult your doctor regarding this.

4. Avoid grapefruit juice
Studies have shown that grapefruit juice can increase the levels of certain antidepressant medication in the blood. This can lead to side effects like drowsiness. Those on medication would do well to avoid grapefruit juice.

5. Consume a balanced diet
Those suffering from bipolar depression need to follow a balanced diet that has fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and nuts. The diet must have less fat, less sugar, and less salt. A specialist’s advice can be taken before working out a diet.

6. Ban alcohol
Alcohol consumption can cause problems and interfere with medication. When one is depressed, there is a temptation to consume alcohol to feel better. Alcohol can become addictive and lead to serious complications, making its avoidance a critical diet tip for managing bipolar depression.

7. Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners, soft drinks, cheese, and milk can aggravate symptoms in some people. It is important to identify foods that aggravate symptoms and strictly avoid them. A diary can be kept for this purpose.

The diet tips for managing bipolar depression mentioned above should help you learn about what foods to avoid and how to use diet to manage bipolar depression. Following these diet tips would be beneficial to those suffering from this disorder.