Does Diet Affect Bipolar Disorder?

You know the importance of eating right for your body. But getting the right nutrients can also impact your mind. If you have bipolar disorder, paying attention to what you eat matters in keeping you healthy. It may also help your brain function better.¹

Here is a closer look at the nutrients that could play a role in your mental health.

Omega-3 fatty acids and bipolar disorder

Researchers have examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on bipolar disorder. Omega-3s are the healthy fats in foods including:¹

• Chia seeds
• Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel
• Flaxseed

The results of these studies were mixed. For example, one review looked at 60 studies on nutrition and bipolar disorder. This review linked eating omega-3s to improvements in bipolar symptoms.²

Plus omega-6 fatty acids

A separate study looked at whether a diet high in omega-3s and low in omega-6 fatty acids could help stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder. Omega-6 fatty acids are found in:³

• Red meat
• Eggs
• Certain oils

Researchers compared this special diet to a regular American diet. The results were not statistically significant. But the researchers found that people following the special diet:³

• Had better energy levels
• Were less irritable
• Were in less pain

Low-carb diet and bipolar disorder

There could also be a connection between bipolar disorder and diets low in carbohydrates (carbs). People following these diets limit their carbs and focus on eating foods high in protein and fat. Carbs are found in foods such as:⁴

• Grains
• Starchy vegetables like corn and potatoes
• Fruit

One review looked at whether a low-carb diet could help adults with mood conditions, including bipolar disorder. The studies included in the review involved nearly 400 adults aged 19 to 75 years old.⁵

Again, the results are mixed. Some studies find that there is not enough evidence to say that a low-carb diet can ease symptoms of mood disorders. Other studies find positive effects, especially for people with bipolar disorder and certain other mental health conditions.⁵

More research is needed

Researchers will need to conduct more high-quality studies to confirm these findings. Areas they will need to look into include:⁵

• Who can benefit most from a low-carb diet
• Possible side effects of following a low-carb diet
• Chances of symptoms returning after stopping the diet

Supplements

The review that focused on omega-3s also looked at the effects of some supplements on bipolar disorder. Results showed that symptoms may improve for people taking:²

• Folic acid
• Coenzyme Q10
• Probiotics
• Zinc

Other supplements did not seem like they helped. These include:²

• Creatine
• Carnitine
• Vitamin D
• Inositol
• N-acetylcysteine

Supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way other drugs are. This means that no outside agency confirms the ingredients or suggested dose.^6,7

Talking to your doctor about supplements

For example, a fish oil supplement may have more or less fish oil than listed on the label. A supplement may also contain ingredients that are not labeled correctly or at all. This can be dangerous. It can lead to taking too much or taking unwanted ingredients.^6,7

The FDA created good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to help this situation. GMPs are guidelines for companies to follow when making supplements. But the FDA rarely inspects facilities making supplements in the United States. Companies outside the United States do not have these inspections at all.^6,7

Many more supplements are sold than are tested. Your doctor can help you decide if a supplement is safe.

Diet and nutrition tips

Here are some ideas for managing your diet and nutrition if you have bipolar disorder:⁸

Avoid foods that cause mood swings

If you think certain foods are affecting your mood, take a break from them for a few days and see if things get better.⁸

Take your mind off of eating

When cravings hit, try distracting yourself with things like:⁸

• A quick exercise like a short walk or climbing stairs
• Tidying your living space
• Engaging in an activity you enjoy

Be mindful of what you drink

Too much caffeine can make you anxious and moody. Alcohol can:⁸

• Make depression worse
• Interfere with getting good sleep
• Affect your treatment

Address disordered eating

When you have a mood disorder, eating disorders can also crop up. Talk to your doctor if your eating feels out of control. Ask for help if you are:⁸

• Eating too little
• Overeating
• Binging and purging