Eating well is important for everyone, but you may wonder whether certain foods can affect bipolar 1 disorder. Bipolar 1 is a serious mood disorder that causes manic episodes, depressive episodes, and sometimes psychosis. For some people, caffeine and added sugar may make symptoms worse.

Other foods, including those with healthy fats, may support your overall health. Still, there’s no special diet that can cure bipolar 1 disorder. The best way to manage it is to follow your treatment plan. Your doctor or a registered dietitian can also help you build an eating plan that fits your needs.

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. Alcohol isn’t covered in detail here, but it can worsen mood symptoms, disrupt sleep, and interact with many bipolar medications. It’s important to discuss alcohol use with your healthcare provider.

1. Avoid: Chocolate and Caffeinated Drinks

Many people rely on coffee or other caffeinated drinks for a boost of energy. 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. Caffeine affects people differently. If you use caffeine, try to keep the amount consistent and talk with your doctor about what’s safe for you. 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 can also contain caffeine. Cutting back too quickly can cause headaches, fatigue, or irritability, so it may help to reduce caffeine gradually.

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.

2. Avoid: 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 we 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, equivalent to about 6 teaspoons and 9 teaspoons, respectively. However, people with bipolar 1 disorder may need to watch their totals more closely. Some research suggests that eating too much added sugar may be linked to changes in mood and behavior. Sugar can also cause energy spikes and crashes, which may affect your mood.

Some research suggests that eating too much added sugar may be linked to changes in mood and behavior.

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 changes, both of which can influence appetite and eating habits.

To help cut back on extra sugar, choose 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. Avoid: Grapefruit and Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit or grapefruit juice can be refreshing at breakfast or snack time, but did you know they can interfere with some bipolar medications? Your body uses a specific enzyme to break down many medications. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice block this enzyme, so your body can’t process certain drugs properly. As a result, more of the medication stays in your body and can build up in your bloodstream. Because this depends on the exact medication, check the label or ask your pharmacist or doctor before having grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

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 bipolar 1 disorder, a healthy eating plan can help boost your mood and physical well-being. Staying well hydrated is also important. Dehydration can contribute to fatigue, headaches, and other symptoms that can worsen mood. Make sure to drink fluids throughout the day.

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

1. Eat: 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. The research results are mixed. Some studies suggest that these fats may help support mood, especially depressive symptoms, when used along with standard treatment. There’s also some evidence that omega-3 supplements used along with standard treatment may help reduce manic symptoms, but more research is needed. Talk with your doctor before starting any new supplements because they could interact with your medications.

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, canola, and flaxseed oil
• Walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseed
• Edamame

Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help support mood, especially depressive symptoms, when used along with standard treatment.

2. Eat: Whole Grains

Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help keep blood sugar steadier and support heart health. Steadier energy during the day may help some people feel more balanced.

A recent review of several studies found that eating whole grains is linked to better mood and less anxiety, but this wasn’t specifically about people with bipolar 1.

Examples of whole grains include:

• Whole-wheat pasta, tortillas, and bread
• Brown rice
• Wild rice
• Oatmeal
• Whole-grain breakfast cereals
• Quinoa
• Popcorn

3. Eat: Magnesium-Rich Foods

What do pumpkin seeds, black beans, and peanuts have in common? They all contain magnesium. This mineral helps support blood sugar control, energy production, and heart health. Some research links low magnesium levels with mood symptoms, but magnesium isn’t a proven treatment for mania or depression.

Some research links low magnesium levels with mood symptoms, but magnesium isn’t a proven treatment for mania or depression.

Other foods that contain magnesium include:

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

Talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, especially if you have kidney disease or take several medications.

Healthy Eating 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.

If you’re thinking about taking a supplement for mood support, talk to your doctor first. Some supplements are not tested by a third party for safety or how well they work, and some can interfere with medications.

Join the Conversation

On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression and related conditions, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Did you modify your diet after receiving your bipolar 1 disorder diagnosis? Did any of these changes improve your bipolar symptoms or overall health? Let others know in the comments below.