Did you know that research suggests underlying imbalances in your body may be related to bipolar disorder? Many of these imbalances can be nutritional, hormonal, metabolic, or related to inflammation.
At our clinic, we believe in addressing root causes to support your mental health journey. By identifying and targeting these imbalances, we aim to create a personalized plan to help you achieve greater well-being.
Nutritional Factors Related to Bipolar Disorder
Studies have found that certain nutritional imbalances may be associated with bipolar disorder.
Cholesterol Levels and Bipolar Disorder
For example, a 2020 study found that individuals experiencing manic episodes had lower cholesterol levels compared to their levels during depressive episodes. Similarly, an earlier 2004 study observed that patients with first-onset bipolar I disorder had significantly lower cholesterol levels than healthy controls.
Cholesterol plays a crucial role in brain function, including the regulation of serotonin receptors. Data suggests that imbalances in cholesterol levels may affect mood and contribute to the symptoms of bipolar disorder. By assessing your lipid profile, we can identify any abnormalities and develop a personalized plan to address them.
Folate and Homocysteine Levels
Folate, a B-vitamin essential for brain health, has also been linked to bipolar disorder. A 2019 meta-analysis found that individuals with bipolar disorder had lower serum folate levels compared to healthy controls.
Low folate levels can lead to elevated homocysteine, an amino acid associated with cardiovascular and may affect brain health. In fact, a 2017 meta-analysis reported elevated homocysteine levels in patients with bipolar disorder. Elevated homocysteine may contribute to neurotoxicity and mood disturbances.
Vitamin B12 is another essential nutrient that helps regulate homocysteine levels. Ensuring adequate levels of folate and B12 may support brain health and mood stability.
Our clinic offers a comprehensive nutritional panel to assess levels of these essential nutrients and others that may impact your mental health.
Hormonal Factors Related to Bipolar Disorder
Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect mood and cognition. Cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," is one such hormone implicated in bipolar disorder.
Cortisol and Cognitive Function
A 2022 study found that higher cortisol levels were associated with deficits in visual memory and learning in individuals with bipolar disorder. This suggests that elevated cortisol may contribute to cognitive difficulties often experienced in bipolar disorder.
Additionally, a 2020 study observed that cortisol levels were elevated in the months preceding a manic episode in patients with bipolar I disorder. This finding indicates that cortisol may play a role in mood fluctuations.
By evaluating your hormone levels, including cortisol, we can identify imbalances that may be influencing your mood and cognitive function. Addressing these hormonal factors is an important step toward achieving mood stability.
Inflammatory Markers and Bipolar Disorder
Inflammation has been increasingly recognized as a factor in mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Brain Changes
CRP is a marker of systemic inflammation. A recent 2023 study found that higher CRP levels were linked to brain changes in youth with bipolar disorder, specifically alterations in cortical thickness and surface area. These brain changes may be associated with mood symptoms and cognitive impairments.
Similarly, a 2021 study reported that bipolar patients had higher CRP levels compared to healthy controls. Another 2021 study found that elevated CRP levels were associated with cognitive deficits in euthymic bipolar patients.
These findings suggest that chronic inflammation may contribute to the symptoms and cognitive challenges of bipolar disorder.
Our clinic can assess inflammatory markers, including CRP, to determine if inflammation may be impacting your mental health. By identifying and addressing sources of inflammation, we aim to support your overall well-being.
Metabolic Factors Related to Bipolar Disorder
Metabolic health is closely linked to mental health. Blood sugar regulation, in particular, may play a role in bipolar disorder.
Insulin Resistance and Mood Symptoms
A 2016 study found that diabetes may be a risk factor for developing bipolar disorder. Insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes, can affect brain function and mood regulation.
Moreover, a 2022 study demonstrated that treating high blood sugar improved symptoms of bipolar depression in patients with insulin resistance. This suggests that addressing metabolic dysfunction may have therapeutic benefits for mood stabilization.
We offer metabolic panels to evaluate your blood sugar levels and assess for insulin resistance. By identifying metabolic imbalances, we can develop strategies to improve your metabolic health, which may, in turn, support your mental health.
Bipolar Disorder Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise, and sleep patterns, can influence the course of bipolar disorder.
For instance, irregular sleep schedules and poor sleep quality may exacerbate mood episodes. Similarly, a diet lacking in essential nutrients may affect brain function and mood regulation.
Our clinic provides guidance on lifestyle modifications that support mental health. By addressing factors such as nutrition, physical activity, and sleep hygiene, we aim to help you manage your symptoms more effectively.
Natural Therapies for Bipolar Disorder
The therapies we recommend are tailored to your individual needs, based on comprehensive testing and assessments.
Personalized Nutritional Support
If nutritional deficiencies are identified, we can develop a plan that includes dietary adjustments and supplementation to restore optimal nutrient levels.
Hormonal Balancing
For hormonal imbalances, strategies may include stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, and, if appropriate, referrals for medical interventions.
Reducing Inflammation
Addressing sources of inflammation may involve dietary changes, stress reduction, and other interventions aimed at supporting your immune system.
Metabolic Health
Improving metabolic function may include nutritional counseling, exercise recommendations, and other strategies to enhance insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation.
Our holistic approach considers all these factors to create a comprehensive plan that supports your mental and physical health.
Conclusion
Before initiating any treatment, it can be helpful to conduct testing to identify any underlying imbalances. This approach ensures that we choose appropriate therapies and tailor them to your specific needs.
Bipolar disorder is a complex condition influenced by various factors within the body. By identifying and addressing nutritional, hormonal, metabolic, and inflammatory imbalances, we can develop individualized treatment plans aimed at improving your quality of life.
At our clinic, we offer comprehensive evaluations, including blood testing and assessments of lifestyle factors. Our goal is to provide personalized care that targets the root causes of your symptoms, promoting lasting well-being.
If you're interested in exploring how our approach can support your mental health journey, we invite you to book a consultation with us. Together, we can work toward achieving balance and enhancing your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a person with bipolar like?
A person with bipolar disorder experiences intense mood swings that alternate between manic episodes, characterized by high energy and euphoria, and depressive episodes, marked by low mood and fatigue. Their experiences and behaviors can vary greatly depending on their phase and the severity of their condition, making each person’s journey unique.
What are 5 of the main symptoms of bipolar?
The five main symptoms of bipolar disorder include extreme mood swings, decreased need for sleep during manic episodes, feelings of hopelessness during depressive episodes, impulsive decision-making, and difficulty concentrating or staying focused.
Is bipolar the same as schizophrenia?
No, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are distinct mental health conditions. While bipolar disorder involves mood swings between mania and depression, schizophrenia primarily affects thought processes, leading to symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
How does a person with bipolar think in relationships?
In relationships, individuals with bipolar disorder may experience fluctuating emotions, shifting from intense affection during manic phases to withdrawal during depressive periods. These mood shifts can sometimes challenge communication and emotional stability.
How do bipolar people act when angry?
When angry, individuals with bipolar disorder may exhibit heightened irritability or even explosive reactions, especially during manic or mixed episodes. Their anger can feel intense but often subsides once the episode passes.
What is the first red flag of bipolar?
One of the earliest red flags of bipolar disorder is a sudden and unexplained change in mood, energy, or behavior, such as excessive euphoria, impulsive decisions, or persistent feelings of sadness that don’t align with situational factors.
What are bipolar eyes?
“Bipolar eyes” is a non-clinical term sometimes used to describe the intense or wide-eyed gaze that may occur during manic episodes. It reflects heightened energy or agitation but is not a diagnostic feature of bipolar disorder.
At what age does bipolar start?
Bipolar disorder typically begins in late adolescence or early adulthood, with the average age of onset ranging from 18 to 25 years old. However, symptoms can sometimes appear earlier or later in life.
Do bipolar people like to argue?
While not inherently argumentative, individuals with bipolar disorder may become more prone to conflicts during manic or irritable phases, as heightened emotions and impulsivity can make them less patient or more reactive.
Do bipolar people cry a lot?
Frequent crying is more commonly associated with depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, where overwhelming sadness or hopelessness can lead to tearfulness and emotional vulnerability.
What are bipolar facial features?
There are no specific facial features unique to bipolar disorder. However, during manic or depressive episodes, expressions may reflect the individual’s emotional state, such as an overly animated expression in mania or a withdrawn look during depression.
Does bipolar get worse with age?
Bipolar disorder can worsen with age if left untreated, with more frequent or severe mood episodes over time. However, proper management and treatment can significantly reduce this risk and improve long-term outcomes.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before starting any new treatment or if you have questions about your medical condition. While we aim to provide accurate, research-based information, individual needs and responses to treatments can vary. Our clinic offers personalized consultations to discuss health concerns and develop tailored care plans. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read on this site.
