Mood swings are a roller coaster of rapid changes in mood, sometimes with major changes especially on the negative side. Such mood swings are disruptive and cause depression and in extreme cases a bipolar type disorder.

Causes and Signs
Mood swings can erupt when an individual is suffering from a psychiatric condition (like bipolar disorder, depression, or borderline personality disorder), chronic medical diagnosis, hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty and menopause), substance abuse, or a side effect of medication. Conditions that directly affect the central nervous system can cause mood swings, such as Dementia, brain tumors, and Stroke.

Common signs that a person is experiencing a mood swing includes irritability, anxiety, agitation, difficulty concentrating, poor judgment, hallucinations, forgetfulness, trouble comprehending, quick speech, confusion, reckless actions, withdrawal from society, as well as changes in mood, personality or behavior. Depending on the cause of mood swings, one may face fatigue, changes in appetite, weakness, nausea, disrupted sleep patterns, and shortness of breath.

Mood Swing Home Remedies
Since mood swings can affect your academics, employment, finances and personal relationship, it is highly recommended to address the issue. Ignoring the signs can affect your overall performance and quality of life. Thankfully, there are foods and other home remedies for mood swings that can help, such as the following suggestions:

Red Wine:
The antioxidants and dopamine found in a glass of red wine are just some of the elements that help improve the mood. However, drink with caution – too much of a good thing can have the opposite effect.

Leafy Green Vegetables:
The B-vitamins found in leafy, green vegetables create a whirlwind of hormones that can make you feel good. Opt for chard, spinach, and arugula to get some of the best benefits.

Omega-3 Foods:
Increase the amount of foods you eat that contain omega-3 fatty acids to help regulate your mood and encourage brain cells to use their neurotransmitters more efficiently [2]. Suggestions include wild salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, flaxseed, walnuts, and soybeans. When cooking your foods, opt for canola or walnut oil to enjoy omega-3 benefits.

Pasta:
A bowl of ziti or spaghetti will deliver serotonin to the body, which can encourage feelings of pleasure and happiness.

Potatoes:
Potatoes also offer serotonin for someone needing a boost in their mood.

Cocktail:
At the end of the day, enjoy a cocktail for a quick boost in your mood, which promotes an increase of blood and oxygen to flow to the brain. Just make sure not to overdo it – too much alcohol acts as a depressant.

Grape Juice:
A glass of Concord grape juice works wonders for improving the mood because of the antioxidants contained in the drink.