Schizophrenia is a mental illness marked by delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, cognitive issues, and affected thought patterns. While medications and psychotherapy are largely used to treat this disorder, studies have shown that one’s diet plays a significant role in controlling one’s symptoms. To date, there is no conclusive evidence proving that a particular diet can cure schizophrenia. But changes in diet have affected the intensity of the disorder and the symptoms thereof. For instance, for those suffering from schizophrenia and Celiac Disease, avoiding gluten not only helps them deal with the celiac disease but also helps in alleviating schizophrenic symptoms. Here are some changes that can be incorporated into a diet to manage schizophrenia.
Avoid foods that cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate
It has been found that medications prescribed for schizophrenia tend to interfere with blood sugar levels in the body. Avoiding anything that will interfere with the balance of sugar levels would help. Studies conducted on schizophrenic patients have found that a diet that is low on carbs alleviates a number of symptoms associated with the disorder. Ensure that you don’t have bread, cookies, crackers, soda, candy, and excess caffeine.
Include fatty acids in your diet
People suffering from schizophrenia have been found to have lesser fatty acids in the brain. While a clear connection between the absence of adequate fatty acids in the brain and the presence of schizophrenic symptoms has yet to be conclusively established, studies seem to support this connection currently. Important sources of fatty acids include fish oil, eggs, olive oil, and nuts. Additional sources include mackerel, salmon, cod liver oil, herring, oysters, flax seeds, sardines, anchovies, walnuts, chia seeds, and soybeans. Adding these to your diet can help control schizophrenic symptoms.
Consume foods packed with antioxidants
People with schizophrenia have been found to have high rates of oxidation in their brains. Antioxidants help reduce oxidation in the body. High rates of oxidation are responsible for a number host of health issues including cancer. So, if you are suffering from schizophrenia, it is best to incorporate antioxidants in your diet. Any food that contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E has antioxidants in them. Foods that contain antioxidants include onions, garlic, grapes, aubergines, lean meat, red meat, offal, tomatoes, watermelon, nuts, tea, red wine, tofu, lentils, spinach, mangoes, parsley, broccoli, cauliflower, thyme, seafood, liver, avocado, sesame seeds, carrots, peas, milk, oranges, berries, and apples.
Avoid gluten foods
As much as you possibly can, avoid gluten in your diet. Illnesses of the mind often cause an individual to be sensitive to gluten. Improper digestion of gluten releases chemicals into the bloodstream that affect one’s behavior and thought process once the chemicals reach the brain. Avoiding foods that contain wheat, barley rye such as bread, soy sauce, cereals, crackers, beer, pasta, and baked goods will help control symptoms of schizophrenia.
