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7 Foods to Help Regulate Schizophrenia
The World Health Organization defines schizophrenia as “a psychosis, a type of mental illness characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self and behavior.” This severe mental illness shows symptoms like hallucinations, abnormal behavior, delusions, disorganized speech, emotional disturbances, etc. Studies show that a poor diet results in high morbidity and mortality in schizophrenia. Hence, it is important to eat healthy to alleviate the symptoms. Mood stabilizing foods for schizophrenia patients can, for instance, reduce the presence and severity of symptoms.
Mood Stabilizing Foods for Schizophrenia
These foods will help one deal with this condition
- Fiber-rich Fruits
Fiber is good for your gut as it aids in the process of digestion. Consuming fibrous fruits like pears, apples, avocados, strawberries, raspberries, and bananas will aid in lowering cholesterol and even contribute to weight loss. The healthy vitamins present in fiber-rich fruits can help prevent serious issues like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, which research shows have strong links with schizophrenia. - Potassium-rich Vegetables
Vegetable consumption has been found to be usually low in schizophrenia patients. These fiber-rich, vitamin-rich, low-fat and low-calorie staples are important to keep the patient’s body and mind healthy. Particularly, potassium-rich vegetables like sweet potato, eggplant, zucchini, peas, and potatoes can keep a check on an individual’s blood sugar level. - Omega-3-rich Fish
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can prevent the occurrence of the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Mood stabilizing foods for schizophrenia like fish containing omega-3 fatty acids are not produced by the body; hence, they need to be sourced from outside. The best way to do so is by adding fatty fishes such as salmon and mackerel to the daily diet. - Niacin-rich Foods
Studies have shown that the vitamin niacin may reduce the symptoms associated with schizophrenia and slow down its advancement. Sources of niacin include chicken breast, tuna, turkey, pork, ground beef and even, marinara sauce. - Zinc-rich Foods
Some studies show that there may be an association between low levels of zinc and schizophrenia. Zinc is known for the maintenance of the immune system, repair of body tissues and helps in nutrient metabolism. Shellfish like crabs and oysters and red meat like lamb and pork are rich sources of zinc. - B12-rich Foods
Vitamin B12 is known to reduce the symptoms linked with schizophrenia. Clams, organ meats, fortified cereals, fortified non-diary milk, tuna, trout, etc. are mood stabilizing foods for schizophrenia and good sources of B12. Hence, these should be incorporated in the daily diet. - Folate-rich Foods
This water-soluble vitamin, also known as B9, is known to reduce the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. Legumes, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, beets, and broccoli are rich sources of folate or folic acid.
By fortifying the daily diet with these mood stabilizing foods for schizophrenia, patients can manage symptoms better and stall the progress of the disease.