7 Healthy Foods to Eat for Schizophrenia

7 Healthy Foods to Eat for Schizophrenia

There is sufficient evidence stating that nutrition is important for physical and mental health. People with schizophrenia tend to have unhealthy eating habits, which makes them prone to various health conditions. To help you, here is what you need to know about healthy foods and schizophrenia.

  • Yogurt
    Bad gut bacteria can have a negative impact on mental health, and research points to a connection between bad gut bacteria and schizophrenia. The best way to boost good bacteria in the gut is by consuming prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are found in fruits and vegetables. Probiotics are found in sauerkraut, kimchi, and yogurt. When you are looking for products, steer clear of anything that contains casein antibodies.
  • Fruits and vegetables
    Fruits such as apples and raspberries are good sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber is essential for digestion and decreases bad cholesterol in the body. Vegetables are low in fat content and provide loads of vitamins and fiber. Incorporating fruits and vegetables into a regular diet facilitates mental health.
  • Oysters, crabs, and clams
    Oysters and crab contain high levels of zinc, while clams contain high levels of vitamin B12. In some studies, a link between low levels of zinc and vitamin B12 and schizophrenia has been found. Zinc can also be found in fortified cereals and lobster. Vitamin B12 can be found in certain bread, trout, and liver.
  • Water
    People with schizophrenia should drink at least 8 liters of water daily. The key is to keep the body well hydrated throughout the day. You should stay away from stimulants such as coffee, energy drinks, and tea. Avoiding alcohol is also recommended. You can drink fresh fruit juices without sugar.
  • Timely meals
    People with schizophrenia are recommended to eat proper meals. One should aim to eat either three whole meals or six smaller meals. Every meal should be nutritional so that the frequency of symptoms is reduced. An important thing to keep in mind is to have breakfast every day.
  • Fatty fish
    Fatty fish such as mackerel and salmon are replete with omega-3 fatty acids. Time and again, studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids help relieve schizophrenia symptoms and prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place.
  • Reduce intake of salt, sugar, and bread
    One should cut down on bread, salt, and sugar as these can exacerbate symptoms of schizophrenia. This means it is best to prepare meals at home rather than opting for packaged foods. One can go gluten-free, but it is best to speak to the doctor before making big changes to one’s diet.

    Now that you know about healthy food and schizophrenia, try to follow these tips and prevent aggravation of schizophrenia symptoms.