Foods to Eat and Avoid for Schizophrenia Patients

Foods to Eat and Avoid for Schizophrenia Patients

Schizophrenia is categorized as a chronic mental condition. For schizophrenia patients, chances are that they have some bad eating habits, which can cause them more harm than good. Experts say that what one eats can have an impact on their mental health. Here are some foods one should eat and should avoid if they have schizophrenia.

These foods are highly recommended for those suffering from schizpphrenia:

Vegetables
Consuming more vegetables can help because they are low in calories and fat. Moreover, vegetables have vitamins, fiber, and potassium. These can help maintain a good level of blood sugar. Some examples of vegetables one should include in the diet include sweet potatoes and lima beans.

Clams
Vitamin B12’s lack in the body is said to be connected to psychosis. Psychosis includes schizophrenia among other mental health conditions. Vitamin B12 can be found in foods such as some types of bread, clam, liver, and trout so try and eat these foods more regularly.

Fruits
Fiber is often one of the key nutrients that people with schizophrenia don’t get enough of. This is why one’s diet must comprise fruits such as apples and raspberries as they are good sources of fiber. Fiber-rich foods can help lower the risk of various health problems.

Oysters and Crabs
Studies point to a relationship between schizophrenia and low zinc levels in the body. Hence, eating foods high in zinc can help people with schizophrenia. One should eat foods such as fortified beef, crab, beef, oysters, and lobster.

Non-dairy Yogurt
Studies show that the bad bacteria in the gut is linked to schizophrenia. Experts suggest that people with schizophrenia should have prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are naturally found in vegetables and fruits. Probiotics can be found in kefir, kimchi, and yogurt.

Fatty Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids need to be obtained through food such as salmon because the body cannot produce them. Research shows that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help give one relief from schizophrenia symptoms. It can also slow the progress of the condition.

Spinach
Spinach is high on folate content. Experts state that folate can help give relief from schizophrenia symptoms and so when people consume more spinach they will feel better. Folate can be found in beef liver, black-eyed peas, and asparagus.

Here are some foods schizophrenia patients must say no to: 

Bread
Bread is not for people with schizophrenia because some research points to the link between bread and the condition. One should opt for a gluten-free diet as it might help them get relief from some schizophrenia symptoms. Before going on the diet, one should make sure to consult their doctor.

Refined Sugar
Refined sugar can increase the chances of diabetes and many people with schizophrenia have the tendency to eat sugary food items. One want to cut down on foods such as candy, chocolate, sweetened beverages, pastries, and cakes.