Bipolar diet

Discover the proven bipolar diet to keep weight down, energy up, and moods stable.

Bipolar people, just like everyone else, should follow the general guidelines for healthy eating. This is not just because of the connection between diet and manic depression. It is also extremely helpful for weight control (often an issue for people on meds), minimizing the impact of alcohol and other substance abuse (again, a frequent issue amongst bipolar people), and managing stress.

However, there are also some bipolar specific tips and tricks that - while being healthy eating principles for anyone - are especially vital to the person with bipolar disorder who is seeking to balance their moods and manage their weight.

My research and experience boils down to 6 simple but essential rules:

1. Eat enough protein, especially low fat protein such as fish, lean meat, poultry and/or alternatives. Protein in a meal will lift mood and alertness. Protein stimulates production of norepinephrine and dopamine - critical neurotransmitters which bipolar people often need to boost. Eating salmon is is a wonderful choice, due to proven fish oil benefits for bipolar people. Fish oil/omega-3 is essential in an optimized bipolar diet, and is especially useful against bipolar depression.

2. Eat plenty of vegetables, especially leafy greens with folate. Folic acid is one of the three proven natural treatments for bipolar. Click to discover benefits of folic acid.

3. Be disciplined and restrict cereals (including breads, rice, pasta and noodles), and preferably eat wholegrain. Moderate intake of "slow release" unrefined carbs are great for promoting relaxation and comating stress by regulating serotonin. However "bad" carbs that are highly refined or combined with sugar promote weight gain, make you tired and sluggish, impair cognitive functions, and mess up insulin responses. The last thing any bipolar person needs is to ride a roller coaster of sugar highs and crashes. Given the weight gain and diabetes caused by some bipolar meds this is critical.

4. Eat fresh fruit, but in moderation. Only 1 to 3 serves per day. LIMIT ALL OTHER SUGAR AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. (See point 3 above.) Please check out what bp Magazine, a fantastic resource that focuses on our specific needs, has said about sugar and bipolar: Sugar: is it really that sweet?

5. Replace unhealthy fats with omegas, especially omega-3. Use optimized blends of omega 3, 6 and 9 oils from the health food store, and pure olive oil. Discover the danger of "bad fats" from bp Magazine: Cutting cholesterol (and loving your diet).

6. Limit your alcohol intake if you choose to drink. Bipolar people are far more likely than the general population to be alcoholics. The empty calories, increased carbohydrate consumption, and mood fluctuations promoted by drinking are a recipe for disaster.

Supplements are important, but don't waste your money on gimmicks and unproven "miracles". A good multi-vitamin (research shows they really can help bipolar people), and the three proven bipolar supplements of (1) Fish Oil, (2) Folic Acid, and (3) Inositol are your best bets.

Bipolar diet for weight loss

In order to lose the weight I had to master some basic guidelines about portion control, healthy meal combinations, and cheap, quick and easy way to incorporate plenty of omega-3s, inositol, folic acid, and other bipolar supporting natural nutrients into my diet, without taking a gazillion pills or buying expensive supplements.

Of course many people who take medication gain weight. As well as destroying self-esteem, this can cause serious health problems like diabetes and hypertension. Weight gain is the main reason people go off their meds - leading to devastating episodes of mania and/or depression.

I used the Fat Loss 4 Idiots On-Line Diet Generator to: (1) plan daily menus including plenty of protein, omega-3s and folate; (2) educate myself about good and bad carbs; and (3)accelerate fat burning.

I also found a great way of boosting energy without inducing mania by regulating adrenaline and other stress hormones - like most bipolar people, mine were pretty messed up. This bipolar diet booster was originally tested and refined by doctors at the Harvard University Dana Farber Cancer Institute as a fatigue fighting and general health drink. It is known as FRS.

FRS was then discovered by endurance athletes who found that it boosted and sustained their peak athletic performance while supporting their overall health. Now FRS is used by anyone who wants a sustained healthy energy boost.Scientific research proves that FRS improves focus and concentration, boosts the immune system, assists weight loss, and provides a reliable stready energy boost without getting jittery or crashing afterwards.

FRS is NOT just the latest fad. It is a new kind of Healthy Energy Drink straight out of a Harvard University lab. FRS is endorsed by Lance Armstrong and supports the Lance Armstrong Foundation as a corporate partner. I also endorse it as a strong foundation for an effective bipolar diet. CLICK NOW for a FREE sample - you have nothing to lose, it won't cost a dime to try it.

Boost your physical, emotional, and mental health! Try FRS Free*.

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