The link between bipolar and sugar.
A shocking discovery
I have noticed that myself and a lot of other people with bipolar depression have been struggling this time of year. The main reason is they are eating too much sugar, and then staying inside and not exercising because it is getting colder outside.
I personally have been getting grumpier and my medicine is not working the way it once did. I just realized while getting my husband a couple of mini candy bars out of the cabinet that I have been eating too much sugar and it was the reason why I was so grumpy. I couldn’t believe that something so small was making me so grumpy. It was though, there are astounding facts out there about the link of diet and bipolar depression.
What sugar does to the bipolar mind
It can stop medications from working effectively. These medicines keep people with bipolar stable, and heaving healthy lives. This is not good at all.
It can also make it hard to keep weight off. People will actually gain weight from sugar. It is also addictive so once one piece is eaten it is very hard to stay away from eating another. This is very dangerous especially for people that should not be having a lot of sugar.
Parenting Issues
Sugar can block antidepressants from working. Now I know why I was so unhappy and about to punch something. It wasn’t the fact that my five year old was yelling at me, or my two year old wouldn’t go to bed. The problem was that I ate sugar, and now my pills didn’t work.
I kept myself from yelling at them as much as I could. However my two year old would not go to bed. She knew something was wrong and her daddy had to put her to bed. I need to focus on my girls and take care of myself for them. They should never have to realize that mommy has an issue so now I am getting grumpy at them.
Diet Changes
Right now I am totally staying away from candy bars. I am also drinking tons of water, instead of any pop. I am still having my coffee though. The amount needs to be greatly reduced though.
I am now finding out other things about the bipolar diet. There is an actual way bipolar people are supposed to eat. I had bipolar my whole life and I had no idea about this. I will now be working on writing bipolar meal plans for this blog. I hope I can affect somebody else that is on the same journey as me.
bobbiedaisy 
I must admit I know little (or nothing) about mental illness or the impact food has on it, but… I know how I feel in general when I’m eating healthier. For me some of it’s psychological as I feel guilty when I’m eating too much sugar or junk and that plays on my mind and makes me feel more depressed I think.
It’s a bit like exercise as well. If I’ve exercised EVERYTHING seems better. I’m a little bit proud of myself and my mind and mood lighter! #teamlovinlife
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Yes I totally agree eating well and excersize have a lot to do with mood.
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I have a sister with Bipolar who is a dietician, so hopefully she knows this. I avoid sugar in my diet and make sure I get out into the fresh air every day. I think too much sugar in our diets is a killer. I can understand that the colder weather makes it more difficult.
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I hope for her sake it does. I think processed sugar is no good for the body, however I used to think it was ok in moderation. Not anymore, for me at least.
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I don’t have bipolar but am on meds for anxiety and depression along with autoimmune illnesses. About 8 years ago I started noticing a link between sugar and my mood issues. My doctor had not heard of any clear links but encouraged me to explore it on my own since I was seeing improvements when I cut out sugar. It is hard and I fall off the wagon more than I like (currently on day 3 free of sugar) but all sugars including natural shift not only my mood but my thought patterns- within 24 hours of eating junk my mind switches to self doubt, second guessing, critical (of myself and others) and worse. Definitely try staying off it and see the improvement. Xx
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I completely understand the mood changes and self doubt. I do the same thing when I consume sugar. I am so glad that you are trying to stay away from sugar.
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This is such an important discovery. I hope more people with bipolar can find out about it. I’ve recently cut back on sugar in my diet and I do feel so much better for it. Sugar has a lot to answer for! #TeamLovinLife
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I am currently trying to get awareness out to everyone I can. Yes cutting sugar out can be so inspiring and make you feel more alive.
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Hmmm this doesn’t surprise me. Sugar is evil. I am not a sugar fiend by any stretch of the imagination (I’m a cheese addict!) but I think i am having more than i should. And being on AD’s myself and having a temper problem…it’s probably about time i avoided it altogether! This post might just be the kick up the bum i needed! #StayClassyMama
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Wow thank you for posting that you are ADs I really wanted to find other people that are. I am in the same boat as you are. Good luck!
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No probs. I think you’ll find there are a lot more people on them than you realise. Just not everyone is willing to be as open about it. I think there’s a Britmums Mental Health round up that you could look out for too.
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thank you for telling me about the blog hop that is awesome.
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This makes so much sense! I think it makes sense for many people. I’m trying to cut down on sugar right now for all those reasons you mention. I was never a sugar person, then age (let’s blame the hormones) has turned me into a sweet tooth.
Thanks for joining the Lovin’ Life Linky from the northern hemisphere. So happy to have you Down Under.
#TeamLovinLife
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It is awesome that you are trying to cut down on sugar. It is pretty fun to join everyone from down under!
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This is all news to me. I had no idea there was a distinct correlation between the two. I always become extra moody this time of year and attribute it to lack of exercise and lack of sunshine. I think I am gonna buy one of those fancy salt lamps of lights for my bedroom.
#stayclassymama
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Yeah I had a really bad night and looked it up myself. I was shocked.
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I guess sugar isn’t in the ‘good mood food’ list. I was unaware of this. I wonder how it stops the medicine working, or does it just make more for the medicine to try to overcome? #Stayclassymama
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Insulin in the body changes mood, and insulin levels are affected by sugar.
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This is really interesting – most of it I didn’t know! I definitely eat too much sugar #stayclassymama
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I love the honesty with which you have written this post. Like a lot of others, I did not know much about the relation between sugar and moods and particularly for those with BD. Your explanation is simple and straight forward.
One line that stood out for me (and please read into it, I am just wondering and thinking from a different perspective) was about your not wanting your girls to know that “mommy has an issue”. I understand where you are coming from and the girls are perhaps too young but wouldn’t you want them to know you as you are, with your vulnerabilities that make you, you; that their mommy loves them through it all and works harder every day to make sure they don’t feel the consequence of her diagnosis? We strive too hard for perfection and set up unrealistic expectations for our children. Showing them our imperfect sides, warts and all, makes us human and they aren’t going to love us any less.
Again, just expressing how I feel. Feel free to delete my comment. #stayclassymama
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I love it my five year old knows and she also knows that I love her.
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