Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that affects less than 1% of Americans. People with this condition are not able to think or behave clearly and have symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and depression. The right food can help handle the condition better along with medications. Here is the list of the perfect diet for schizophrenia.

Foods to eat

• Lots of fresh fruits
  Many people with schizophrenia end up having health problems like diabetes, heart conditions, and high levels of bad cholesterol. Including a lot of fresh fruits in one’s diet will increase the fiber intake, which will keep bad cholesterol at bay. High-fibrous foods also ensure one has a healthy digestive system. They should be including 2-3 portions of fruits every day in their diet.
• Healthy fats
  In the list of the diet for schizophrenia, fatty foods have to be included. Human brains are built using specialized fats. Over time, fats are broken down and new membranes are built. In people with schizophrenia, this fat-breaking process happens much faster than the body’s ability to build them back. So, adding healthy fat foods in the diet will help in making those with schizophrenia feel better.
• Antioxidant-rich foods
  Antioxidants are foods that prevent free radical damage in the cells of the body. This also includes brain cells. When one’s diet for schizophrenia includes a lot of antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, seeds, and fishes, the brain stays healthy and undamaged and this helps handle the condition better.
• Chicken
  Vitamin niacin is a form of vitamin B3, and having vitamin niacin deficiency is said to aggravate the symptoms and advancements of schizophrenia. Chicken is a rich source of niacin. Including meat in the diet will help the patient fight the condition.

Foods to avoid

• Sugary foods and beverages
  Excess sugar in the body can cause mood imbalances and make schizophrenia worse. Since diabetes is an associated problem for people with this condition, excess sugar intake should be strictly avoided.
• Processed foods
  When one is creating a diet for schizophrenia, one must make sure not to include processed foods. Processed foods can cause omega 3 fatty acid imbalance in the body, and this can lead to serious mental health problems and aggravate the existing conditions.
• Caffeinated foods and beverages
  Caffeine is a mental stimulant. It can cause mental exertion and overstimulation, both of which are dangerous for people with schizophrenia. It is always safer to cut back on one’s caffeine intake.

With the above-mentioned suggestions, it is easy to build a diet for schizophrenia. These foods are highly effective and can be used to deal with such issues. Before making any drastic changes to the diet, one must talk to their doctor. The right food can keep one calm, happy, and mentally and physically stronger.