10 Helpful Nutrition Tips for Schizophrenia Patients
Schizophrenia is a difficult condition to live with, but treatment helps relieve the symptoms to a certain extent. Additionally, several dietary tips for schizophrenia patients can help boost patients’ physical as well as mental health and well-being. These tips also aid in preventing the several complications associated with inadequate care and treatment for schizophrenia.
- Include fibrous foods
Adequate intake of fiber helps schizophrenic patients, as it aids proper digestion and reduces LDL cholesterol, which elevates the risk of heart diseases. One can consume fibrous fruits and veggies, and whole-grain bread, brown rice, and muesli are also rich sources of fiber. - Eat starchy foods
It’s advisable for patients to include the recommended doses of starches in their daily meals by adding foods like pasta and potato rice. Preferably, potatoes should be cooked with the peels to meet the nutritional requirements for fiber. - Get sufficient vitamin C intake
One’s vitamin C intake should be adequate, as mental illnesses like schizophrenia often reduce vitamin C levels in the body. Studies have proved that vitamin C improves symptoms and reduces hallucinations. - Drink fruit juices
Plenty of fruit juices are beneficial for schizophrenia patients as they replenish their energy and also provide them with several essential nutrients. - Opt for omega -3 fats
These healthy fats are beneficial for schizophrenia patients, as they bring down the symptoms as well as their intensity. The dietary sources of omega-3 fats include salmon, nuts, and olive oil. Alternatively, doctors may suggest omega-3 supplements. - Eat plenty of vegetables
Another dietary tip for schizophrenia patients is to include a variety of colorful vegetables in their daily diet to help manage the symptoms effectively. This mental health condition causes patients to experience hallucinations, delusions, lack of motivation, an inability to think, and disorganized speech. That said, these symptoms can be treated and kept in check with a nutritious and balanced diet. - Drink sufficient water
Along with fruit juices, one should have an adequate amount of water throughout the day. This is important to keep the body hydrated and support bodily functions. - Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
The consumption of drinks like alcohol, sodas, and energy drinks should be reduced, or they should be completely eliminated from one’s diet, as they are not beneficial for people with mental health issues like schizophrenia. Even tea and coffee should be consumed in moderation. - Reduce the intake of saturated fats
It is recommended for schizophrenia patients to reduce their saturated fat intake, as it can aggravate the symptoms. One should preferably eat home-cooked meals, as restaurant food and takeaways are high on saturated fats. - Lower salt and sugar intake
Salt and sugar intake should also be reduced, as both of these contribute significantly to one’s mental health. Specifically, one should stay away from baked goods and processed meals.