Is There A Connection Between Diet And Bipolar Disorder?

There has recently been a lot of speculation about the
relationship between what we eat, and mood disorders like ADHD and Bipolar Disorder. The main focus of this speculation is on the Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids.

It seems that everyone is jumping on the Omega-3 Band Wagon, including many in the medical field. It is a fact that the human brain requires Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids to function properly. Around 20% of all the fat in our brain is made from the Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids. Does this fact alone present any evidence that Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help with disorders like ADHD or Bipolar Disorder?

Omega-3, once a little known and obscure oil, is found in foods like Walnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Fish and Tuna. Suddenly Omega-3 (as well as Omega-6 ) is being heralded as a new wonder cure, for a range of mood disorders such as Depression, ADHD and Bipolar Disorder.

Fatty Acids in the brain are vital to the structuring of brain
cells, to ensure smooth communication between the neurons of the brain. One problem that has been studied extensively is, the effects of trans-fats (hydrogenated oils) on the Omega Acids in the brain. Many experts concur that the wide spread use of trans-fats in food preparation has diminished the ability of the Omega Fatty Acids to do their job. Many experts also agree that this fact does not offer any proof that Omega Fatty Acids will help patients suffering from mood disorders.

There have been a number of studies conducted on the effects of Omega Fatty Acids and mood disorders in the past several years. Although many seemed to suggest a definite link between the two, nearly as many suggested there was no link.

The fact of the matter is that we just don’t know. More studies are needed before any type of conclusion can be drawn. Regardless of any link there may be between Omega Fatty Acids and mood disorders, they are an important part of a healthy diet.

The best advice at this time seems to be, eat a healthy diet, (including foods rich in Omega Fatty Acids ) exercise regularly and continue to follow your doctors advice.

About the author:

Robert Miller was first diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in the spring of 2000. His knowledge on the subject is the result of years of research, to better understand his own affliction.

His websites http://www.cookinggourmet.info”
target=”_blank”>The Cooking Gourmet and href=”http://www.learnaboutdiabetes.info” target=”_blank”>Learn About Diabetes offer very useful information and resources

http://www.bipolardisorderweb.com