Schizophrenia is a condition that can negatively impact a patient’s behavior as well as their ability to think and feel. While this condition cannot be cured, certain lifestyle choices can help manage the condition and keep it under control. One such aspect of regulation includes the nutritional choices made. To make better choices, we have listed foods that patients must eat and avoid so one can steer clear from aggravating the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Foods to eat
These foods are quite beneficial for schizophrenia patients:
Chicken
Chichen is rich in vitamin B3, which is a great mood-stabilizing agent. This nutrient has been proven to be essential for mental and physical wellbeing. Studies suggest that vitamin B3, or niacin, is also a crucial component in meals that helps regulate the progression of conditions like schizophrenia. One is advised to cook chicken by shallow frying, steaming, or broiling, as these methods help retain its nutrients. Alternatively, niacin can be taken in the form of supplements.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish have numerous health benefits owing to high omega-3 content. These foods can be consumed two or three times a week to meet the body’s nutritional requirements. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids also help stabilize mood, proving to be a great addition to a schizophrenic patient’s meal plans. Fatty fish can help retain a good mood throughout the week and the vitamin D obtained can help regulate schizophrenia progression.
Fruits
Numerous studies point to the lack of appropriate fiber levels in the food consumed by schizophrenic patients. But how is this particular problem to be addressed? The answer is including fiber-rich fruits in a patient’s meal plan. Fruits with the high fiber content help solve the problem of meeting the body’s essential requirements. In addition, fruits help tackle the issue of increased cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Spinach
Spinach contains vitamin B9 in its natural form, i.e., folate. This compound helps manage schizophrenia symptoms with better efficiency. Spinach and other green leafy vegetables like asparagus and kale are rich in folate. This nutient also helps elevate a patient’s mood.
Vegetables
Veggies only are rich in fiber and essential macro- and micronutrients required by the body. We also are well versed with the health benefits of including veggies in daily meals. Green, red, orange, yellow, and other colors of veggies all carry essential minerals and vitamins, and when coupled with their low calories, they are extremely satiating. Making veggies a staple in daily meals helps ensure that the body’s nutritional and fiber requirements are being met.
Foods to avoid
Schizophrenia patients need to avoid these foods:
Stimulating compounds
Stimulants like caffeine, liquor, and nicotine are known to increase blood pressure and blood sugar levels. These lead to concerns like moodiness, irritability, and trigger other schizophrenia symptoms. Replacing these foods with herbal concoctions like ginger, chamomile, and peppermint tea is more effective in managing the condition.
Bread and pasta
Gluten is one of the top foods to be avoided by schizophrenia patients. This makes bread, pasta, and noodles made from wheat and all-purpose flour a definite no-no. Studies have shown that a substantial number of schizophrenia patients possess antibodies that are equipped to fight gluten. In this scenario, consuming gluten-rich foods can increase the level of inflammation in the body. Substituting these products with their gluten-free alternatives is highly recommended.
Processed foods
Nutrient-scarce and calorie-dense foods belong to the group of foods whose regular consumption can cause an imbalance of hormones and the nervous system. Processed foods are to be especially avoided by people who are genetically predisposed to schizophrenia. It is therefore advised to substitute processed foods with whole food options.
Sugary foods
Research has seldom brought forth the connection between overindulgence in sugary drinks and the increased risk of mental health conditions. Processed juices, colas, and other sugary carbonated beverages are the main culprits. Along with these beverages, desserts like cakes, flavored yogurts, sweetened breakfast cereals, and granola bars make it to the list of sweet foods to avoid for better schizophrenia management.
Glutenous grains
Gluten has been proven to increase the risk of schizophrenia in people. This includes grains like rye, barley, and the most common wheat. However, research also suggests that the protein might be particularly problematic for people with celiac disease. Patients who also have celiac disease and consume these grains regularly have greater chances of aggravating mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Replacing them glutenous grains with fermented ones is highly recommended by experts.
