Bipolar disorder is a mental health issue wherein an individual faces extreme mood swings, with one end of the spectrum being mania, and the other being depression. Issues accompanying the development of this disease are hypertension, sudden mood swings, and poor sleep, among others. If not treated in time, the condition can incapacitate a person to the extent of them not being able to lead a normal life anymore. While medication plays a huge role in managing the situation, it is often not enough by itself.

Thus, doctors tend to suggest one to follow diet tips for managing bipolar depression. Consuming proper foods not only boosts your mood and refreshes your mind but also allows you to absorb the medicine well. Given below are some food items that can be added to the diet regularly to help manage the condition.

Foods that are packed with selenium
Selenium is undoubtedly a great supplement for your brain health. As per the results of different surveys, one of the common reasons for developing bipolar depression is the deficiency of this nutrient in the diet. It decreases stress and also helps manage anxiety, which in turn, improves your sleeping habits and enhances your mood. Besides, the potency of medication is boosted when supplemented by a diet rich in selenium. Therefore, make sure to add up some foods like ham, Brazil nuts, tuna, beef liver, sardines, etc. in your daily diet while following the diet tips for managing bipolar depression.

Omega-3 fatty acid-rich items
Other essential items to add to your daily meal plan are the foods with a high level of omega-3 fatty acids. The two main types of omega-3 fatty acids, namely DHA and EPA, are wonder foods for the brain. They enhance your memory power, calm down the nerve cells, and encourage the connection between the cells. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids eliminate tension and elevate the mood. Hence, consuming items like trout, halibut, salmon, mackerel, etc. can assist you in managing the symptoms of bipolar depression.

Foods rich in magnesium
The third most important item that is good for treating bipolar depression in magnesium. Research proves the fact that the regular consumption of food items rich in magnesium, or supplements of the nutrient, leads to increased brain functioning and better brain health. Magnesium even helps in treating mania, which is a common symptom of bipolar disorder. It also controls hypertension and stress by managing the levels of cortisol. Thus, while following the diet tips for managing bipolar depression, focus on adding legumes like black beans, soya beans, lentils, and chickpeas, among others to your meal plans. Apart from this, nuts like almonds, peanuts, and cashews are rich sources of magnesium too.

Whole grains
Whole grains not only assist in enhancing your heart and digestion but also helps to cure the symptoms of depression and mania as it enhances the production of serotonin. This food item also helps in managing hypertension and eases the nerve cells of the brain. Hence, make sure to add quinoa, oatmeal, and brown rice to your diet chart.

In addition to this, tryptophan-rich foods such as turkey, tofu, eggs can also go a long way in helping with the symptoms of bipolar disorder.