A mental health disorder, schizophrenia, can alter the patient’s ability to behave conventionally, feel, and even think. There is no known cure for the condition, but treatment plans are designed for better management. Apart from following a prescribed treatment plan, patients are often advised to make changes to their lifestyle and eating habits. It is believed that adding or removing certain foods can help manage symptoms and decrease their severity.
Gluten-rich foods
Gluten is a natural protein found in several foods that are regularly consumed by the population. Increased inflammation in the body is also a leading cause of the aggravation of symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It can also put patients with gluten sensitivity, intolerance, or celiac disease at a high risk of developing conditions like intestinal complications, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Health care experts advise using grains, bread, and other food products that are 100% gluten-free in order to avoid developing complications. Replacements made from potato flour, rice flour, quinoa, or corn are safer for patients. This helps prevent the increased antibody production and action caused in the body due to gluten.
Processed foods
There is a reason behind the bad reputation of highly processed foods. One of the most important reasons is their lack of nutritional content. They are especially harmful to people that are genetically predisposed to conditions like schizophrenia. Regular inclusion of these foods on the menu can impact an individual’s nervous system and cause imbalance. It is also why patients are regularly advised against processed foods and encouraged to switch to natural and whole foods. People should avoid foods rich in Omega 6 fatty acids, which is the case with most processed foods. This leads to a controlled intake of food items like cereals, cakes, processed meat, biscuits, canned vegetables, and other canned foods. The body needs to maintain a specific ratio between Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. The inclusion of foods rich in the former compound helps in the better maintenance of mental health and associated symptoms.
Sugary foods
Relatively higher intake of sugary foods and beverages has often been linked with poor mental health. There are various studies that back up this claim. It can lead to various mental health issues like anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression. Therefore, patients should keep a tab on the number of juice boxes and soda cans they drink daily. Aside from sugary drinks, foods with high sugar content need to be taken care into consideration. Flavored yogurts, granola bars, flavored water, and desserts are other commonly bought sugar-laden foods.
Caffeinated drinks
Most neuro stimulants can cause increased blood sugar levels and result in symptoms like mood swings and increased irritability. It might also lead to aggravation of schizophrenia symptoms. Schizophrenia patients should decrease the number of stimulants like caffeine they intake daily. Instead, they can switch to calming beverages like chamomile, ginger, and peppermint tea. Caffeine-free green tea can also be safely included in the routine.
Dairy products
Dairy is listed among common food sources of inflammation. This includes milk and other dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and butter. It is, therefore, essential to eliminate them from the daily menu and see if there is any improvement in one’s condition. A decrease in the body’s inflammatory levels can help better manage schizophrenia symptoms.
Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners have grown increasingly common among people wanting to have better control over their sugar consumption. However, various research studies have raised concerns over the use of these sugar replacements. Various artificial sweeteners negatively impact mental health, posing a risk of aggravation of symptoms in schizophrenia patients. This includes reducing or stopping the intake of foods like packaged health juices, granola bars, and protein bars containing artificial sweeteners.
