The Right Diet & Lifestyle for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder causes the patient to fluctuate between mania and depression. Here are some Ayurvedic Dietary and Lifestyle Tips to help control it.

Highlights

• Bipolar Disorder is caused by Vata imbalance.

• The Sattvic Diet and Lifestyle eases its symptoms.

People who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience two extreme moods, in particular mania and depression. Phases of mania are full of aggressiveness and irritability, while depressive episodes are marked with hopelessness and sadness. Some argue that every individual experiences varied moods but what sets Bipolar patients apart is that their moods are extremely volatile and can be life-threatening.

According to Ayurveda, Bipolar Disorder is caused by a severe vata imbalance in the body that also affects the sattva, tamas and rajas (mental tendencies).

Diet Tip

In Ayurveda, there are three qualities, sattva, rajas and tamas. Rajas increases energy in the body, tamas reduces energy, while sattvic food balances it just right.

Bipolar patients should eat a Sattvic diet of fresh and organic veggies and fruits, whole grains, milk, ghee, lentils and honey along with herbs and spices like dalchini (cinnamon), tulsi (holy basil), dhania (coriander), adrak (ginger) and haldi (turmeric).

Lifestyle Advice

• Do a daily routine of pranayamas and deep rhythmic breathing. This will calm down your nervous system and equip you with the ability to control your breathing and calming yourself in difficult moments.

• When you breathe, make sure that your diaphragm expands when you inhale and contracts when you exhale. You can do this by putting your hand on your stomach and feeling your breath.

• Light exercise such as yoga asanas, walking and swimming are great for making you feel balanced and in control of your body and mind.

However, for long-term maintenance of the condition or to be free of it completely, you should consult a Jiva doctor. You can dial 0129-4040404 from your mobile phone or click on ‘Speak to a Doctor’ under the CONNECT tab in the Jiva Health App.