Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, paranoia, fuzzy thinking, delusions, social withdrawal, and cognitive issues. Though treated with a mix of therapy and medicines, diet can help relieve some symptoms and worsen some of them if not considered carefully. People afflicted with schizophrenia generally have unhealthy eating habits leading to other health issues. On consuming foods high in saturated fats and low in fiber can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Here is a low down on the best and worst foods for schizophrenia.

Fruits and vegetables

Consume all kinds of fruits ranging from raspberries and apples to pears. Fiber-rich fruits help in lowering the incidence of risks associated with schizophrenia such as diabetes, obesity, and heart problems. One gets an additional benefit of vitamins and minerals from fruits. Veggies are not only low in fats and calories but are also a wholesome source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients such as potassium. Go for lima beans, sweet potatoes, and kidney beans. Aim to have fresh fruits and vegetables rather than having frozen or pre-cut and dried. Include foods of a variety of colors. Eat five healthy portions during the day.

Fish

The human body needs essential omega-3 fatty acids but it cannot be made by the body. A growing body of research is pointing towards omega 3 as helping in slowing down the disease progression. The best source for omega 3 fatty acids is mackerel, herring, sardines, salmon, and trout. One can also go for over the counter supplements. Try to eat at least three portions of oily fish to gain benefits of the same.

Chicken marinara

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be eased by consuming chicken and marinara sauce. Both are rich sources of niacin. Niacin should be taken less than 1 gram per day as higher doses are toxic for the liver.

Oysters and Crab

Research has given positive evidence of the relationship between schizophrenia and low levels of zinc. Several foods are rich in zinc such as crabs, oysters, lobsters, beef, fortified cereals and will work effectively for managing the symptoms of schizophrenia.

Flax seeds

The seeds such as flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are high in omega 3 fatty acids after fish. If you are a vegetarian, you can obtain the daily requirement of omega 3 fatty acids from the consumption of these seeds.

Foods to avoid

Reduce the intake of saturated foods such as sugar, fats, and salts as they will hamper the effects of the treatment methods of schizophrenia .

• Sugar
  People who have schizophrenia seldom eat well or healthy. They are also at an increased risk of developing diabetes. Best way to ease the symptoms of schizophrenia is to eliminate the intake of refined sugar. This is generally found in food items like candies, sweetened beverages, and cakes. A diet composed of low glycaemic index (a measure of sugar in the blood) is advised.
• Breads
  As per research, wheat can be a factor in aggravating mental conditions such as schizophrenia. Though substantial evidence is yet to come, people with schizophrenia have noted an improvement in their conditions when they made a switch to a gluten-free diet.