Bipolar disorder is a condition mainly characterized by mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. Following a proper diet inclusive of healthy and nutritious foods (in addition to doctor-prescribed medications) has the potential to stabilize one’s mood and also helps in the proper functioning of the brain. Fresh fruits including bananas, apples, and berries; dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale; whole-grain products including bread, pasta, and cereal.

As well as lean proteins such as eggs and soy products; healthy fats in nuts and seeds including almonds and walnuts; legumes like beans, lentils, and peas; and dark chocolates are helpful in managing bipolar and associated depression:

1. Whole grains

Whole grains not only have a positive effect on one’s heart and digestive system but also have a calming effect on one’s mind. Carbohydrates in whole grains boost the brain’s production of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that helps ease anxiety and have control over one’s mind.

2. Legumes

Legumes like lentils, peas, pinto beans, kidney beans, and other beans are rich in magnesium which may reduce the effects of mania in people with bipolar disorder.

3. Turkey

Turkey has a high content of the amino acid tryptophan which helps the body make serotonin, and increased levels of serotonin, in turn, helps in limiting the symptoms of bipolar disorder. If one does not prefer eating turkey, they can replace it with other foods such as eggs, and cheese and tofu which are also high in tryptophan.

4. Tofu

Tofu is considered a pure, healthy food which is made from the curds of soybean milk. Tofu is highly nutritious and a source of protein which also contains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s help in stabilizing one’s mood.

5. Dark chocolate

Chocolates are made from cocoa beans that are rich in a variety of mood-lifting ingredients such as phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter that helps relieve depression symptoms. Phenylethylamine is mostly found in dark chocolates. Dark chocolate also helps in regulating stress hormones.

6. Nuts

Nuts and seeds including almonds, peanuts, cashews, and walnuts are rich in magnesium. Magnesium helps calm the mind and reduces mania symptoms. Brazil nuts are an excellent source of the mineral selenium. Selenium helps in managing one’s mood swings. Such nuts are also rich in magnesium, zinc, and vitamin B which can help in calming stressed nerves.

7. Fruits

Every fruit helps in stabilizing one’s mood. However, bananas and pineapples are much helpful in reducing bipolar symptoms. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6 which helps in increasing serotonin levels. Pineapples are packed with vitamins and also loaded with manganese and thiamin which help metabolize body-fueling carbohydrates. Berries also help in reducing the levels of cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. Thus, by reducing the level of stress hormones, it helps with recovery during stressful situations.

8. Chamomile tea

Herbal tea such as chamomile tea has been proven as a remedy for anxiety and insomnia. The extracts from chamomile help in relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

9. Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 and is considered as one of the healthiest foods. It contains tyrosine which helps in producing two mood-stabilizing neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. It also contains proteins that are necessary for healthy bodies and minds.