Bipolar disorder affects over three million adults in America each year. The American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry estimates that over a million children and teens that are diagnosed as suffering from depression, might actually be undergoing early stages of bipolar disorder. What exactly is bipolar disorder? Its symptoms can be detected by acute ups and downs in a person’s mood and personality. You’ll notice their emotions and energy fluctuate for extended periods. This mental disorder can have severe ramifications in a person’s life.

Scientific research has found that bipolar disorder is inherited. It affects the chemicals known as neurotransmitters and can be activated in stressful situations. Yet, many patients find that the following natural treatments, combined with doctor-prescribed medications and therapies may help:

1. Diet

Everything starts with the foods you ingest. Leave fried and junk foods alone and if you must indulge do so in moderation, give yourself a cheat day. Embrace eating healthy, and if you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones. Make sure you get that nutritious Omega-3 fatty acids found in Salmon. Leafy green veggies deliver dense sources of folic acid, which may help alleviate bipolar symptoms.

2. Vitamins and herbs

You want to make sure you’re getting plenty of vitamin B and C, so get some lemon and oranges and make yourself some ice tea and/or lemonade. Some other vitamins, supplements, and herbs you want to incorporate in your bipolar diet include:

• Amino acids (taurine and tyrosine)
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine
• The vitamin Choline
• The vitamin Inositol
• The Herb Rhodiola Rosea
• S-adenosylmethionine
• The mood enhancer St. John’s Wort

3. Exercise

Health is wealth and movement is medicine, so get up and go for a walk. Develop a regular work out regime of 30 minutes, three days a week, start light and build up with more reps and time as you get stronger.

4. Sleep

This delicious activity allows the body to heal. Recharge your battery and strive to get a minimum of six hours of sleep every night if possible.

5. Stress-relieving exercises

Engage in calming exercises like yoga and meditation. Avoid substance abuse and toxic people.

Whether you choose the medicinal, therapeutic, natural, or a combination of the 3 routes you must undergo a lifestyle change to combat the bipolar disorder. You have to develop a new culture for yourself to manage and improve the quality of your life. The good news is that it’s doable.