How much does diet effect pwBPD?

[verytired]

Can coffee, wine or certain vitamin (energy) supplements have an effect on pwBPD?

My uBPDw sure seems to trigger more easily after she has her cup of instant coffee and her B vitamin complex which also contain caffeine. Wine with dinner also seems to make her more "touchy" instead of relaxed. The intensity of her rage also seems to be effected. It's not that I can do anything about it, I'm just wondering if there is something to this or is this just my imagination?

[Hope0807]

Hi verytired,

I actually had the EXACT questions you posted here (as my ex was downing an insane amount of energy drinks, coffee, alcohol and taking B12 injections), many months ago before I left my uBPDh so here are my thoughts:  I have not yet read any solid evidence that offers a direct connection from those things you mentioned to BPD - BUT the reality is, stimulants (caffeine, sugar, B vitamins etc) and depressants (alcohol) will affect ANYONE's mood, so it only makes sense that a person who struggles with their own emotional instability, a pwBPD would be even more affected. It just makes sense.  Knowing what I know now about BPD and my ex husband's substance abuse (I eventually discovered it extended FAR FAR beyond energy drinks, etc) I feel that the person with BPD is in such a state of constant inner turmoil that they feel forced to self medicate - which explains why so much research reports that BPD and drug abuse go hand in hand.

Long before I knew about BPD and the drug use, I tried for many years with futile efforts to thwart my husband's addictive nature toward the consumption of alcohol, energy drinks and the like.  It was useless.  The more I tried anything, the more I lost myself.  Substances in all forms are their escapes from the irrational emotions and anxieties.  Today I work on finding my own escape from the BPD world of chaos.  May you find your own version of peace.  Be well and stay in touch.

[verytired]

Hope0807,

Thank you for the reply.

What you say makes sense and I had a feeling my suspicions would be shared by others on this site.

I know for myself, when my uBPDw is triggered or raging I personally stay away from any coffee and certainly alcohol. The coffee just adds to the anxiety and even a glass of wine inhibits my ability to deal with the put-downs and the crazy things that she accuses me of.

A good example... .About an hour ago she threw the TV remote onto our granite counter-top and busted it because I do not take an active enough role in finding shows to watch. (I let her choose what she wants to watch besides she says we watch too much TV). She had taken her vitamins with a cup of instant coffee about an hour earlier. I had to walk away because my heart was pounding and my hands were shaking pretty bad. I had a cup of coffee myself this morning and was wishing I hadn't. Again, it makes sense that it effects the pwBPD to a much greater degree.

In the meantime, another day down the tubes unless I find a way to pick myself up and "repair the damage I have done" but, right now I just don't have it in me. I think I will just lay low, keep my distance and hope for the best.

Thank you again for the reply.  Be well.