While schizophrenia is a lifelong condition, there are several ways to help curb symptoms. Most often, people find a treatment route that involves medications and psychotherapies. However, some have turned to more natural approaches, such as diet and exercise. With that, the question arises: what are the best diets for schizophrenia?

Why is Diet Important for Schizophrenia?

Within the last few decades, abundant research has discussed how our diets affect our mental health. Research shows our brains are directly linked to our gut through what’s known as the gut-brain connection. ¹

Our gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to emotions; vice versa, our emotions correspond with what we take into our bodies. In fact, this connection explains why you may have “gut-wrenching experiences” or “butterflies” in your stomach.

Since a problematic intestine can signal to your brain that something is wrong, scientists have theorized intestinal distress may cause certain mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression.

It’s not yet clear how the gut-brain connection relates to schizophrenia. However, scientists believe symptoms are affected by what we take into our bodies.

Best Diets for Schizophrenia

While the following foods are useful for managing schizophrenia symptoms, they can aid in preventing other health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes:

1.) Fruits and Vegetables

Research suggests that people with schizophrenia don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.

In one study, 1,286 adults (aged 18 to 64) were given a standardized dietary intake questionnaire and a blood sample. The study found that 74% ate less than the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables and, in turn, were more at risk of psychosis. ²

A 2005 review found similar results among studies concerning schizophrenia diet. More particularly, it was discovered that schizophrenia patients often lack fiber intake. ³

Fruits and vegetables containing high sources of fiber include:

• Apples
• Artichoke
• Bananas
• Beets
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Mangos
• Oranges
• Pears
• Raspberries

Furthermore, veggies that are high in potassium can also help to keep blood sugar in line. ⁴ With that, you may also want to incorporate lima beans, kidney beans, and sweet potatoes into your diet.

2.) Spinach

Spinach has become an important vegetable for schizophrenia. This hardy leaf contains high amounts of folate which have been found to help ease symptoms.

In fact, one study found that the Chinese famine from 1959 to 1961 doubled the rate of schizophrenia among children born to women who were pregnant during this period. Some researchers believe a lack of folate can cause schizophrenia. ⁵

Alongside spinach, it can help to also incorporate black-eyed peas, asparagus, and beef liver.

3.) Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Recent research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent and reduce symptoms of schizophrenia along with decelerating the disease’s progression. ⁶ Unfortunately, our bodies can’t create omega-3s as they can other fatty acids. Instead, we need to incorporate the following into our diets:

• Anchovies
• Caviar
• Chia seeds
• Cod liver oil
• Flax seeds
• Herring
• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Walnuts

If you aren’t a fan of fish, you can obtain omega-3s through fish oil supplements. In fact, research suggests that taking the right supplements and vitamins for schizophrenia is just as essential as diet. ⁷

4.) Oysters and Crab

New studies have found that prenatal zinc deficiency may be relevant in schizophrenia patients – whether through maternal zinc insufficiency or fetal gene variants. ⁸

Without zinc, our brains can develop impaired cells, leading to several health consequences. ⁹ One of which is schizophrenia. In fact, one study found that zinc levels were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients when compared to a controlled group. ¹⁰

You can increase your zinc intake by incorporating oysters, crabs, and lobsters into your diet. You may also want to include beef and fortified cereals. You’ll want to incorporate a supplement if your zinc levels are extremely low.

5.) Clams

Just like folate, vitamin B12 has also been found to improve core symptoms of schizophrenia. In fact, B12 works best at reducing symptoms when taken alongside folate and Vitamin B6.

According to one study, these vitamins are essential in the one-carbon metabolism cycle. While more research is necessary, many scientists believe this system is involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis. ¹¹

To boost levels of B12, clams are a large source along with liver, trout, and some breads. However, you can also take a B12 supplement.

6.) Chicken Marinara

Recent research shows that vitamin niacin may help to slow the advancement of schizophrenia and ease symptoms. In fact, niacin deficiency is responsible for several psychiatric conditions. Therefore, it’s important for everyone to regularly consume foods rich in the vitamin. ¹²

Two of the most common foods people turn to are chicken and marinara. However, you can also take a niacin supplement if doctors find you have sufficient deficiencies.

7.) Non-Dairy Yogurt

The last food we recommend is non-dairy yogurt. This circles us back to the importance of the gut-brain connection. Yogurt can act as a prebiotic and help improve your gut microbiome. While research remains limited, some suggest unhealthy gut bacteria may be linked to schizophrenia. ¹³

Other probiotics, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, may also help. However, it’s important to avoid dairy products as these may contain casein antibodies. Recent research suggests that these antibodies may be responsible for the onset of schizophrenia. ¹⁴

Food to Avoid with Schizophrenia

Beyond foods you should intake, there are also foods you should avoid when you have schizophrenia. These include, but aren’t limited to:

1.) Bread

Researchers have recently discovered that gluten may be responsible for certain mental illnesses. ¹⁵ When it comes to schizophrenia, one study found those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease were at a slightly higher risk. ¹⁶

Gluten is commonly found in wheat and other grains. While more evidence is required, some may benefit from a gluten-free (keto) diet.

2.) Refined Sugar

Most people with schizophrenia have a higher chance of developing diabetes because of their eating habits. Many researchers suggest that a diet with a low glycemic load (a measure for blood sugar levels) may ease symptoms and prevent the condition’s progression. ¹⁷

Cutting out sweets (such as soda, candy, and cake) can greatly help to improve blood sugar levels. However, it’s also beneficial to incorporate the positive foods on our list.

Final Word

Schizophrenia may be a lifelong condition, but it can be managed by what we take into our bodies. Our mental health is highly determined by what’s going on in our gut. With that, it’s key to ensure our diets are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Beyond diet, we also need to incorporate positive lifestyle changes, such as exercise, therapy, and social activity.

References

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² Hahn LA, Galletly CA, Foley DL, Mackinnon A, Watts GF, Castle DJ, Waterreus A, Morgan VA. Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake in people with psychosis. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2014 Nov;48(11):1025-35. doi: 10.1177/0004867414553950. Epub 2014 Oct 8. PMID: 25296631.

³ Strassnig M, Brar JS, Ganguli R. Dietary intake of patients with schizophrenia. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2005 Feb;2(2):31-5. PMID: 21179633; PMCID: PMC3004718.

⁴ Chatterjee R, Slentz C, Davenport CA, Johnson J, Lin PH, Muehlbauer M, D’Alessio D, Svetkey LP, Edelman D. Effects of potassium supplements on glucose metabolism in African Americans with prediabetes: a pilot trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017 Dec;106(6):1431-1438. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.117.161570. Epub 2017 Nov 1. PMID: 29092881; PMCID: PMC5698842.

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