Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extremes of high and low mood swings. If one is suffering from bipolar disorder, they must seek medical help. Apart from that, understanding the moods and making lifestyle and dietary changes can also make a difference in how they feel.

Food plays a very important role in affecting the mood of a person, so following some dietary tips is important for managing bipolar depression effectively. These tips for a person with bipolar depression include both foods to eat and avoid when eating out:

• Avoid sugar
  Sugary foods can cause erratic mood swings, even in people without any mental health condition. For those with bipolar disorder, consuming a lot of sugary drinks and food can cause instant irritability and depression. So, one of the best diet tips for managing bipolar depression is to stay away from white sugar and its derivatives when eating out. Instead, one should choose healthier options to eat and drink.
• Stay away from caffeine
  Coffee is loved by many, but it is high in caffeine, which acts as a stimulant to keep one active and focused. For those trying to calm down, this is not a great option. Instead, people with bipolar depression should opt for herbal teas, fruit-infused water, or unsweetened fruit juices when in cafes and restaurants. Most eateries offer these healthy options, so it is best to avoid sugary and caffeinated options.
• Say no to alcohol
  This is a diet tip to manage bipolar depression that one must not ignore at any cost. Alcohol is very harmful when dealing with a mental health issue. Specifically, it brings down the effectiveness of the medications and also ruins one’s sleep schedule, both of which can worsen bipolar depression.
• Choose whole grains when ordering
  Refined grains like all-purpose flour, white rice, and degermed maize are all rich in simple carbohydrates and can instantly increase blood sugar levels, giving one a head rush. To prevent this, people with bipolar depression should look for foods that contain complex carbohydrates and whole grains when ordering. Another great diet tip for managing bipolar depression is to ask the host to make a particular dish with whole grains; most restaurants and take-away places usually oblige.
• Opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  These are superfoods for people with bipolar disorder. Multiple studies have come up with positive results on the effects of omega-3 fats reducing mood swings. Some of the top foods rich in omega 3 fats are fatty fish, nuts, flaxseed bread, and soybeans. One should order food such that they get a lot of these ingredients and fewer carbohydrates on their plate.

Keeping these diet tips for managing bipolar depression in mind every time one eats out can help manage the condition effectively. Additionally, following a healthy diet can help prevent overeating and erratic mood swings.