We all know that a healthy diet is important, but you may wonder: How do food choices affect someone with bipolar 1 disorder? This serious mood disorder causes manic episodes, depressive episodes, and sometimes psychosis. It may be tempting to turn to sugar or caffeine if you’re having trouble sleeping or feeling low energy, but these may make your symptoms worse.

On the other hand, a diet rich in healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables can support your overall health and mood. It’s important to note that there’s no “bipolar diet” to cure bipolar 1. The best way to manage your condition is to follow your prescribed treatment plan. Together, you, your doctor, and a registered dietitian can create a healthy eating plan that’s right for you.

Here are three foods to avoid and three to add to your diet for a healthier life with bipolar 1 disorder.

3 Foods and Drinks To Avoid With Bipolar 1

When living with bipolar 1 disorder, it can help to limit or avoid some foods and drinks. This is because they may make mood episodes worse, interact with your medications, or raise your risk of health complications. You may want to be aware of the following three types of food and drink and how they can affect someone with bipolar 1 disorder.

1. Chocolate and Caffeinated Drinks

Many people drink coffee or other caffeinated drinks to get the energy-boosting effects. However, you may want to limit caffeine when living with bipolar 1 disorder. Caffeine is a stimulant that affects the brain, increasing energy levels and alertness.

Although caffeine tends to have mild effects on most people, it can make mood episodes worse for people with bipolar 1. If your mood is stabilized, it’s best to avoid drinking more than 2 cups of coffee a day. This also applies to other caffeinated drinks, such as tea, energy drinks, and sodas. You may want to limit chocolate or chocolate-based beverages too — they also can be sources of caffeine. Some people may experience headaches, fatigue, or irritability when reducing caffeine intake, so a gradual approach when cutting back might be helpful.

If you’re starting to experience symptoms of a manic or mixed episode, your doctor may recommend avoiding caffeine entirely. Caffeine can also interfere with bipolar 1 medications, including lithium. Even small amounts of caffeine can trigger unwanted side effects like restlessness and sleep problems. Try substituting noncaffeinated herbal tea instead of regular coffee or tea.

If you experience manic or mixed episodes, your doctor may recommend avoiding caffeine.

2. Sugary Foods and Drinks

Added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can be found in most processed and packaged foods. Many sweetened sodas, teas, and desserts contain more sugar than our bodies need on a daily basis.

The American Heart Association suggests limiting daily added sugar intake to 25 grams for women and 36 grams for men. However, people with bipolar 1 disorder may need to watch their totals more closely. A 2021 study suggests that sugar and high-fructose corn syrup may contribute to mania and impulsive behaviors — that means added sugar may make symptoms of bipolar disorder worse. A high-sugar diet can also lead to weight gain. This is already a common concern with bipolar 1 due to medication side effects and mood fluctuations, both of which can influence appetite and eating habits.

To help cut back on extra sugar, opt for naturally sweetened and nutritious foods, which can satisfy cravings without giving you more sugar than you need. Other good options include fresh fruits and healthier snacks, like natural nut butter on whole-grain toast or a smoothie made with unsweetened milk and frozen fruit.

3. Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can be refreshing at breakfast or snack time, but did you know they can interfere with your bipolar 1 disorder medications? This is because grapefruit limits your body’s ability to process certain drugs.

Your body uses a specific enzyme to break down many medications. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice block this enzyme, so your body can’t process drugs properly. As a result, more of the medication stays in your body and can build up in your bloodstream.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with various bipolar medications. Be sure to closely read your medication’s prescribing information. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist or your healthcare provider if it’s safe for you to consume grapefruit products.

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interfere with some bipolar 1 disorder medications.

Foods To Eat With Bipolar 1 Disorder

Bipolar 1 disorder is associated with several other health conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of premature death for people with bipolar 1.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help lower your risk of complications. Although no food or diet can cure your bipolar 1 disorder, a healthy eating plan can help boost your mood and physical well-being.

For starters, try eating more of these three types of food.

1. Foods High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that may have beneficial effects on your heart and brain. Your body can’t make enough of these fats on its own, so it’s important to get them from foods that contain omega-3s.

Doctors and researchers have looked into omega-3s for treating mood disorders, including bipolar 1 disorder. Some research suggests that these fats may help treat depressive episodes, while other studies found that omega-3 supplements might help treat manic episodes. Talk to your doctor before you start any new supplements.

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Cold-water fish like mackerel, tuna, sardines, and salmon
• Fortified foods and beverages like milk, yogurt, and eggs
• Soybean and flaxseed oil
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Edamame

2. Whole Grains

Whole grains are an excellent source of the complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to function. Whole grains also help regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels — and they can actually affect your mood.

A recent systematic review of several studies found that eating whole grains is linked to better mood and less anxiety. People with bipolar 1 disorder may find that their mood improves when they add more grains to their diet. Examples of whole grains include:

• Whole wheat pasta, tortillas, and bread
• Brown rice
• Wild rice
• Oatmeal
• Quinoa
• Popcorn

3. Magnesium-Rich Foods

What do pumpkin seeds, black beans, and peanuts have in common? They all contain magnesium. This important mineral plays a role in blood sugar control, energy production, and heart health. Magnesium also helps your nerves and muscles send messages to each other, allowing them to communicate properly and work together.

Research suggests that magnesium may help treat anxiety and mania, as well as improve the effects of bipolar 1 treatments. Other studies have found that magnesium has an antidepressant effect and may help treat depressive episodes.

Other foods that contain magnesium include:

• Legumes such as lentils and kidney beans
• Almonds and cashews
• Avocados
• Spinach
• Fortified cereals

Ask Your Doctor About a Healthy Diet When Living With Bipolar 1

If you’d like to eat healthier with bipolar 1 disorder, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. They can make recommendations based on your overall health and medications. Remember, there’s no such thing as a bipolar diet to cure your mental health condition. The best way to manage your disorder is to stick to your treatment plan.

With bipolar 1 disorder, you may be at a higher risk of heart problems. Your doctor or dietitian may recommend following the Mediterranean diet or a heart-healthy diet focused on fish, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Many foods that support your overall health and mood can be added to this diet.

With bipolar 1 disorder, you may be at a higher risk of heart problems. Your doctor or dietitian may recommend following the Mediterranean diet or a heart-healthy diet focused on fish, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people with depression and related conditions and their loved ones. On MyDepressionTeam, more than 150,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with depression and bipolar disorder.

Did you modify your diet after receiving your bipolar 1 disorder diagnosis? Did any of these changes improve your bipolar symptoms or overall health? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.