Vitamins often cited as important in mood regulation include the B vitamins. If you are deficient in any of the Bs, depression, anxiety, and fatigue can result. The B vitamins work together, so it's best to take a B-complex supplement that mixes them in proper proportions along with folic acid.
B vitamins are often used to treat mood
Anxiety disorder often accompanies bipolar disorder. Vitamin B1 can help ease anxiety and irritability for some adults, according to a 2021 study .
Recent research has found a correlation between low vitamin D levels and neuropsychiatric illness. Specifically, it has been noted that vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with bipolar depression.
Omega-3 fatty acids may have numerous health benefits, but it is best to eat them in their natural form. Cold-water fish, nuts, and plant oils are good sources. Some scientists think magnesium has a role regulating mood and both manic and depressive episodes and work with the medications to make them work effectively.
In most cases, supplements are not a proven alternative to medication for treating bipolar disorder, but sometimes may help in addition to your medicine. Also, keep in mind that supplements -- as natural as they may be -- can still interact with your medication.
The chemicals responsible for controlling the brain's functions are called neurotransmitters, and include noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine. There's some evidence that if there's an imbalance in the levels of 1 or more neurotransmitters, a person may develop some symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Coping with your symptoms of bipolar disorder on your own is possible — even if it can feel really challenging at times. Self-care is key in managing symptoms of bipolar disorder. You can do many things on a daily basis to cope with your condition and minimize any challenges that come up.
Eating a balance of protective, nutrient-dense foods. These foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, lean meats, cold-water fish, eggs, low-fat dairy, soy products, and nuts and seeds.
Bipolar disorder is treatable with a combination of medication and therapy. Medications. Mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants can help manage mood swings and other symptoms. It is important to understand the benefits and risks of medications.
Magnesium: Magnesium — found in whole grains, beans, and dark leafy vegetables like spinach — has been shown to have an effect similar to lithium, the most common bipolar medication. Upping your intake of magnesium, a natural mood stabilizer, may decrease your need for medication.
Risk factors
Factors that may increase the risk of developing bipolar disorder or act as a trigger for the first episode include: Having a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder. Periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or other traumatic event. Drug or alcohol abuse.
Hall-Flavin, M.D. Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
Homocysteine levels rise in manic episode in bipolar disorder (Chiarani et al., 2013). Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid reduce homocysteine levels in people with bipolar disorder. Vitamin B6 may also improve cognitive symptoms (Malouf & Evans, 2003; Selhub, 2002).
Lamotrigine. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) may be the most effective mood stabilizer for depression in bipolar disorder, but is not as helpful for mania. The starting dose of lamotrigine should be very low and increased very slowly over four weeks or more.
Natural mood stabilizers are nonprescription treatments for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. Supplements and other methods like nutrition, exercise, meditation, and mindfulness are examples of natural mood stabilizers.
Bipolar Triggers and Warning Signs
Bipolar disorder features extreme shifts in mood that are unpredictable and often disruptive to daily functioning. Changes in sleep patterns, eating habits, emotions, and behaviors accompany the mood swings.
Brain Changes
Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.
Bipolar disorder is frequently inherited, with genetic factors accounting for approximately 80% of the cause of the condition. Bipolar disorder is the most likely psychiatric disorder to be passed down from family. If one parent has bipolar disorder, there's a 10% chance that their child will develop the illness.
Research suggests that in women, hormones may play a role in the development and severity of bipolar disorder. One study suggests that late-onset bipolar disorder may be associated with menopause.