Nutrition and Mood Swings

Many people think a lot about nutrition any farther then reduce heart disease, cancers, cholesterol, and the number one biggest is our weight, but not a lot of people think about how their nutrition effects there moods. The nutrition we take into our body effects the biochemistry of the brain and our moods as well. Giving our body’s the right nutrition may help tame our moods wings. With better nutrition how bodies then have the proper necessities to be able to produce the right neurotransmitters to create good stable moods.

Nutrition is always better from food then from pills any day. Pills have different effects then nutrition from our mood especially since supplements did not have to be monitored or regulated by the FDA until the announcement in 2007. Even with the new regulations which companies will have to list the ingredients on the bottles and test them as well. Yet most of the testing is up to the company and small companies will not be required to follow the new regulation until 2010. Even so, it is still a good idea to go with more nutrition in your food then to down several pills a day.

If you choose to go with a supplement, you always need to talk to your doctor before you start taking one. Some might react badly with your current medication and other concerns. Although it doesn’t seem likely that nutrition would interact with medication since nutrition is what our body needs, but when taking it in the form of a pill, there can be bad reactions. This is also important if you choose to take herbal supplements. As herbal supplements are still rather unknown on all the benefits and possible dangerous consequences, as well as interaction with medication, it is always best to discuss it with your doctor beforehand.

Theories state neurons signal one another producing to much activity in bipolar disorder. This over activity causes our mood swings. Eating more essential fatty acids has an effect on blood pressure, heart function and more health benefits, but it has also shown to have longer relapse free and symptoms reduced. There are omega-6 and omega-3, but it is omega-3’s which about. It has been show that countries with more fish consumption have less mood disorders, while some studies don’t support it. Although science hasn’t came out with a thumbs or yet, the choice is yours. Start adding omega-3 slowly after talking to your doctor. Omega-3s can be found in fish, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, canola or soybean oils, flax see and flax seed oil.

Taurine is an amino acid which is a building block of life and a part of every biological process that might help. It seems that taurine inhibits the production of neurotransmitters and keeps the membranes from becoming to overexcited or excitable. It has a mild sedative effect during an manic episode, but it is dangerous if you take too much. Talk to your doctor about what an appropriate amount for you, but they say 500 to 1000 milligrams in 2 doses is plenty.

While it is your choice whether you add supplements or choose a healthier diet, better nutrition will help you to have a better and more stable moods. Other nutritional supplements which might also help this process is B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, tyrosine, and methionine as well. Remember to always discuss your choice with your doctor.