The KInd Life Community Forum

I have recently been diagnosed with bi-polar, which in itself is a relief - I'm not just moody! My doctor has started me on the long road of experimenting with meds to see what works for me. My question is I am just starting to adapt to the kind diet way of life and up until this point, had been eating a horrible diet of junk food, fatty meats, and sugars - do you think the kind diet could eventually over time eliminate my need for medication or is bi-polar just one of those diseases that just always has to be treated with meds?

Missy,
I was diagnosed with bipolar 13 years ago. I also found it to be a relief, in a sense. It certainly explained alot. My diet also was awful, probably due mostly to the cravings we get. Cleaning up your lifestyle and eating can only be a benefit. Please stay with the doctor, however. One of the more damaging aspects of bipolar is that we often think we are right when we can be very off track. A doctor you trust can help guide you. I personally needed the meds. It was a trial and error with me that took some time. I've always been health concious (albeit sometimes only in my head) and hated the idea of taking meds, but I've found that, for me, they are necessary and have given me a life I never thought possible. It's a great feeling to feel "well" and balanced. Only you and your doctor can decide what will be best for you. Good luck to you.
Beth

Thank you so much Beth! It is wonderful to know that there are other people out there fighting this battle.
I have really gotten into exercise the past few weeks and it does help immensely! Its kind of an addiction now. I'm lucky enough that my place of work pays for a membership at Gold's Gym so I have really started taking advantage of it. Plus I have three dogs so walking the neighborhood is always staring me in the face. I'm getting to the point where I feel "off" if I don't do some kind of exercise.
As for the kind diet, I'm in the flirting stage right now. Have switched over a couple of items in my diet (real butter to Earth Balance, mayo to its substitute, no meat). And I just started taking meds for my bi-polar so hopefully everything all at once will reap excellent results! :)
Thank you again Beth!

I was told 1 1/2 years ago I was bi polar. I decided to do the kind diet because I've NEVER been a fan of meat (which made my mom mad when I was a child lol). Anyhow I was also wondering about the reaction of the diet and the bi polar. Thank you for sharing and letting me know that I MIGHT have to take meds for awhile.!

I just read The Kind Diet and may never put another piece of meat in my mouth for the rest of my life. If I can't stay motivated to eat in a healthy manner after reading this book, there is no hope for me! One of the things I liked the most about the book is that she acknowledges the dangers of "perfection". No such thing, which is one of the reasons I have been able to take my meds for so long even though there are many reasons to dislike them and the industry they come from. I must say that once I got used to a serene and happy life, I became much more grateful for those meds. I'm excited to see how a healthy diet will change my daily sluggishness.