Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder, and patients diagnosed with it tend to follow unhealthy diets. This puts them at greater risks of diseases like diabetes and heart problems Therefore, a healthy diet is necessary for schizophrenia patients. Read on to know the popular diets for schizophrenia to help alleviate its symptoms.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and fresh vegetables provide the necessary fiber to schizophrenic patients. Fruits and vegetables like pears, apples, lima beans, green peas, and berries are excellent sources of fiber. Fiber helps lower bad cholesterol, improving digestion, making fiber-rich diets one of the most popular diets for schizophrenia. Furthermore, fiber-rich diets reduce the risks of heart problems, obesity, and Type-2 diabetes. Vegetables provide minerals and vitamins. For instance, potassium in kidney beans, sweet potatoes, and lima beans stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Fatty fish: Fatty fish diets is another most popular diets for schizophrenia patients. Research shows that fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids that soothe schizophrenia symptoms and prevent the progression of the condition.
- Vitamin D: It is beneficial for schizophrenia patients, making it necessary to include vitamin D sources like salmon, swordfish, and cod liver oil in the diet.
- Fiber-rich diet: Adding fiber to meals keeps schizophrenic patients full for longer and prevent weight gain. So, add starchy foods like brown rice, brown pasta, muesli, and potatoes with the skin to the diet of a schizophrenic patient.
- Niacin: Research shows that niacin, a vitamin, can slow down schizophrenia and alleviate its symptoms. Chicken contains niacin, and when cooked with marinara, which is also rich in niacin, can be beneficial for schizophrenia patients.
- Oysters and crabs: They are rich in zinc. Low zinc levels are associated with heightened schizophrenia symptoms. Even fortified cereals and beef contains zinc.
- Avoid sugar and saturated fats: To ensure this, it is best to avoid buying ready-made meals from grocery stores or cakes from confectioneries.
- Dark green leafy vegetables: Dark green veggies like spinach are rich in folate that is known to ease schizophrenia symptoms. Other good additions would be beef liver, asparagus, and black-eyed peas.
- Non-dairy diet: Research shows a connection between bad stomach bacteria and schizophrenia. Schizophrenic patients should be given more prebiotics found in vegetables and fruits and probiotics in yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
- Avoid bread: Bread must be avoided as wheat sensitivity is often linked to mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Instead, a gluten-free diet could be a better option.
- Avoid refined sugars: Patients of schizophrenia must avoid refined sugars like cakes, candies, and sweetened beverages. Since their chances of developing diabetes are higher, low Glycemic Index foods are recommended.
