Two million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. This very serious illness involves dramatic mood swings from high manic episodes to very low depressed episodes. It can be very disruptive to the lives of the people who suffer from this illness as well as their close friends and family members. Bipolar disorder typically begins in adolescence and continues throughout life. While it can not be cured, with treatment these people can lead normal lives.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Bipolar disorder is not a condition that is generally considered to have direct nutritional considerations, like diabetes or heart disease. However, recent research has found that omega 3 fatty acids may lessen the symptoms of bipolar disorder. While research is still ongoing, studies have found that they lessen stress and aid in focusing.
Antidepressants and Weight Gain
There are special dietary requirements for people who take many of the medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Weight gain is a potential side effect of nearly all antidepressant medications. However it is not clear whether the weight gain is a direct effect of the drug or of the state of depression. Still, weight control should be a consideration for people who are being treated with antidepressants.
MAO Inhibitors and Tyramine
MAO Inhibitors (MAOI’s) are also used to treat depression and may be prescribed to people who suffer from bipolar disorder. They can combine with tyramine, which is a common component of many foods, and cause diarrhea, headache and high or low blood pressure. People who take MAOI’s should avoid any foods high in tryamine. Since the amount of tyramine increases with aging, people on MAOI’s should avoid any aged or mature foods including cheeses and wines. Other high tyramine foods include:
Dairy: sour cream and yogurt
Meat: caviar, dried fish, fermented sausages, game meat, liver, non-fresh canned meat, pickled herring and salted fish.
Vegetables: eggplant, Italian green beans, lentils, lima beans, sauerkraut, snow peas and soy beans
