Fight bipolar disorder with exercise, food
Bipolar disorder is a chronic condition characterised by elevated manic and depressive episodes often associated with difficulty in functioning and poor quality of life. While most people have mild mood swings from time to time, for people with bipolar disorder, these mood swings can be extreme and unpredictable.
Bipolar disorder can affect more than just your mood. If you have this condition, you’' re at a higher risk for other health concerns such as obesity, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A possible reason for these increased health risks is the increased sedentary behaviour ( no or very less physical activity) associated with the condition.
Exercise — the opposite of sedentary behaviour —can reduce your risk of health problems associated with bipolar disorder.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but it can be managed with proper treatment. A healthy diet comprising complex carbohydrates ( like rye, barley and buckwheat), good quality proteins and adequate fats helps in managing the problem. It is very important to have adequate amounts of omega- 3 fatty acids ( found in fatty fish, eggs and nuts) as they are anti- inflammatory and help reduce depression.
Including a variety of foods such as whole grain, beans, pulses and seeds to ensure the intake of micronutrients such as magnesium and selenium may also help the patients. Magnesium, selenium and zinc act as natural mood stabilisers and help fight depression. Besides, the bipolar patients should reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates ( maida products), sugars, processed foods and alcohol.
While diet, medication and psychotherapy is typically the primary treatment option for bipolar disorder, exercise can be a great boon in this regard. Recent data suggest that exercise is an effective treatment of depression and anxiety ( occurring in bipolar disorder).
Obesity can be an issue for people with bipolar disorder. In some cases, weight could be gained by use of certain bipolar medications which may cause metabolic changes. These changes prevent your body from burning calories. If you have uncontrolled weight gain, consult your doctor as you may need to try a different medication. In other cases, more exercise could help you lose weight as it burns calories and build muscle, both of which help you shed pounds.
Evidence suggests that in bipolar disorder, exercise helps by increasing brain derived neurotrophic factor ( BDNF) to improve neurogenesis; releasing endorphins ( feel- good hormones) that enhance mood; increasing neuroplasticity thus improving psychiatric health of patients
For people with bipolar disorder, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends working out for 30 minutes, 3- 5 days per week. Forms of exercise with an inherent rhythm may provide a somewhat calming effect and facilitate mood regulation such as walking, running or swimming. Thanks to these benefits, it’s easy to assume that working out helps people with bipolar disorder.
The writer is physiotherapist & certified pilates trainer AktivHealth