Bipolar, fasting, and triggering mania.

  • So for second time in my life I have been told today that fasting triggers mania. I was going to do a tea detox diet. Is that true? Is it really a trigger?
  • Although this will obviously vary by person, it is true that drastic changes food consumption (and the times at which you consume food) can put you at risk for mania. With bipolar disorder, consistency is key. The more regulated that you keep your schedule, particularly your sleeping and eating schedule, the more stabilization that your brain and mood will have. Although I am by no means an expert, I am about to receive my phd in clinical psychology and have worked extensively in inpatient settings. Check out the theory behind interpersonal and social rhythms therapy for bipolar disorder for more info on why this might be the case!
  • I can only speak from personal experience - fasting has never triggered mania in me per se (no sleep is usually far more triggering), but I've noticed that when I'm manic I tend to naturally fast/not eat - too much other stuff racing through my head to remember to sit down and eat food!

    I agree with MotivatingTiff though. It's probably best to keep changes to your eating and sleeping habits as gradual as possible. I've never been big into detox diets myself, I just gain the weight back right after!
  • I've never heard of that but like the others said, big changes can affect our moods. What if you did a modified version? Like if it's for 7 days, try it for 2 and see how it feels