Expert: Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist - 9/23/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have been suffering from bipolar disorder for about 10 years. During this time I continue to gain and lose weight very quickly. I can fluctuate by 25 pounds every season. Is there any tips you can give for increasing my appetite. I am down now by 22 pounds and counting. (I am now 100lbs). I do not need to lose any more weight so any advice you could give would be greatly appreciated.

ANSWER: Dear Cynthia,

This must be very difficult for you. People with Bipolar Disorder (BD) usually benefit from going on a hypoglycemic diet. This will help to stabilise their blood sugar levels and their moods. But I do believe that if you are Bipolar you should ask your doctor to refer you to a Nutritional Doctor or a Clinical Nutritionist, or a Nutritional, Psychologist. It is a bit difficult to help Bipolar People over the internet, because we need to know exactly what you are eating and some medical tests should be taken, to establish why you have these symptoms. . If you have a look at our web site I suggest you search for "Bipolar Disorder" "Nutritional Aspects of Schizophrenia" (which applies also to BD patients) as well,  and "lecithin". This can avoid the mania in BD. I also suggest that you read articles on Bipolar Disorder such as at:

Alternative Treatments for Bipolar Disorder at:
http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/default.htm#B

and discuss this with your doctor.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychologist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there any herbal remedies or vitamin supplements or things of the like that will help to increase appeite? I have tried digestive bitters and eating several small meals a day, but I can still go 2 days without eating and not notice. I never feel hungry. If there isn't anything over the counter, is there a medication that the doctor can prescribe?

Answer
Hi Cynthia,

This is not easy to answer because it needs a proper assessment by a clinical nutritionist why you have lost your appetite. Perhaps the following article may give you some insight:

[Loss of appetite at:
http://www.herbs2000.com/disorders/appetite_loss.htm

Please discuss with a Clinical Nutritionist if at all possible.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman