Dietary Tips for Patients with Schizophrenia
There are various ways of treating mental disorders like schizophrenia. Diet plays an important role in the treatment. Dietary tips related to the foods to eat for schizophrenia are presented in this article that would be helpful for those having this health condition:
1. Ketogenic diet
While discussing the dietary tips related to foods to eat for schizophrenia patients, it is necessary to talk about the ketogenic diet. This is a type of diet that is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. High carb food, particularly glutens, have found to be detrimental to those having schizophrenia. Some studies have been carried out that have shown that a ketogenic diet could be beneficial to those having schizophrenia. Eliminating gluten from the diet is particularly beneficial. A ketogenic diet is definitely worth considering.
2. Vitamins
Vitamins are micronutrients found in foods and can be taken as supplements. They are needed for the body. Those having schizophrenia have low levels of vitamin B9. This is folic acid, which can be obtained from leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and eggs. If folic acid levels are too low, it can be taken as supplements. Vitamin B6 and B12 are also good for the brain. These vitamins are found in foods like pork, fish, wholegrain products, soya beans, milk products, poultry, and fortified cereals. Consumption of food with vitamins is highly recommended.
3. Niacin
Yet another vitamin helpful for schizophrenia patients is vitamin B3 or niacin. It is good for the brain and can help in improving the mood of a person. Turkey, pork, beef, mushrooms, brown rice, avocado, clams, and peanuts have niacin, and it must be included in the diet. Niacin can be taken as a supplement. Care must be taken to limit consumption to 1 gram per day. More than that can cause skin flushes and may even be toxic for the liver.
4. Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that is needed for the body. It is needed by patients with schizophrenia to improve their health. Zinc can be taken to improve the conditions of a sufferer. Shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, milk products, eggs, and whole grains contain zinc and must be a part of the diet. Zinc can also be taken as a supplement. It is recommended to use up to 50mg per day for the best results.
5. Water
Water helps a person to stay hydrated. Becoming dehydrated, especially when it is hot, can aggravate the symptoms. It is essential and prudent to consume at least 1.2 liters of water every day. Apart from water, juices can also be consumed to be hydrated. Consumption of carbonated drinks, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided as they can lead to dehydration and cause other problems.
6. Timely meals
Eating three meals a day on time is important. It prevents an imbalance in blood sugar levels and can prevent obesity. The dietary tips related to foods to eat for schizophrenia listed in this article can be followed by those suffering from this disorder. These tips would help in improving the overall health of sufferers.