A new study shows that people with bipolar disorder may improve their symptoms by consuming certain fatty acids. This means there are fewer fluctuations in their mood. The study authors reduced the experimental group's consumption of omega-6 fatty acids by limiting red meat, eggs and certain oils. Accordingly, they increased theIntake of omega-3 fatty acidsby adding linseed and fatty fish. Those who followed the experimental diet showed improved mood variability.
How changing your diet works against bipolar disorder
More than 80 people with bipolar disorder took part in this study, in which half of them received nutritional counseling and ate certain foods for 12 weeks. People with this condition can experience dramatic changes in their moods, energy levels, and sleep patterns. These mood swings can include manic episodes in which the person feels extreme highs or irritability. During episodes of bipolar depression, they may also experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Study participants filled out surveys about their mood, pain and other symptoms on smartphones twice a day. Until now, researchers have suggested that seafood rich in omega-3 fatty acids could reduce the prevalence of such conditions. However, science has found no connection when using dietary supplements such as fish oil. Therefore, the study authors wanted to find out whether changing diet for a specific biological reason could alter mood stability or mood variability in people with bipolar disorder.
The new research showed that medications for bipolar disorder can change the way the body breaks down fatty acids. Therefore, the authors hypothesized that by changing the type and number of fatty acids in the diet, the body would create metabolites with specific purposes. Additionally, reducing omega-6 fatty acids while increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake could become a possible effective treatment approach. Ultimately, researchers found that the experimental diet improved mood swings in people with bipolar disorder. The authorsthis studytherefore want to see the results replicated on a larger scale. The avenue for future research might therefore be to look for ways to make this diet easier to adhere to.
