Schizophrenia is an extreme mental disorder where affected individuals view reality in an abnormal way. Schizophrenia can manifest in a combination of delusions, hallucinations, and excessive disordered behavior and thinking. Although there is no treatment for Schizophrenia, the condition can be managed through diet. There is no known cause for Schizophrenia. Risk factors include a family history of the condition, pregnancy, and birth complications among others.

While no same treatment for schizophrenia works for every patient; the condition is often managed using a combination of doctor-prescribed therapies, medications (i.e., drugs like Inveg Sustena or Capita for schizophrenia), and lifestyle and dietary changes, such as the following foods used to help manage schizophrenia:

1. Fresh fruits and berries

A lot of research and studies on schizophrenia suggest that people suffering from the condition lack adequate fiber in their bodies. Fresh fruits and berries are some of the best sources of fiber and any person suffering from the condition can greatly benefit from taking them. Fiber is important because it assists in lowering “bad” cholesterol as well as aiding digestion. Diets rich in fiber are likely to lower the chances of developing health complications for individuals suffering from schizophrenia.

2. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are also known as the best food for managing schizophrenia. This is because they are rich in an antioxidant known as beta-carotene. The antioxidant plays a big role when it comes to preventing damage against brain cells. When brain cells are damaged, the situation for a schizophrenia patient can become worse. Potatoes are also crucial in minimizing oxidative stress on DNA that’s often associated with anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.

3. Fatty fish

Schizophrenia patients are also encouraged to eat fatty fish. This is because our bodies don’t produce omega-3 fatty acids. The only way to acquire such fats is by eating foods that contain them. Why are omega-3 acids important? Recent studies have proved that omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to prevent and lessen schizophrenia symptoms. The studies found out that patients who consumed food with fatty acids more frequently showed positive results compared to patients who didn’t.

4. Shellfish

According to recent studies, shellfish play a big role in the management of schizophrenia symptoms. Just like salmon, this fish has plenty of anti-inflammatory fatty acids such as DAH and EPA. Besides, this type of fish also contains Omega-3 that helps in protecting the brain against external injuries. Schizophrenia patients are encouraged to incorporate this fish in their diet to improve their symptoms as well as protect themselves from other health complications.

5. Spinach

Spinach is one of the most valuable vegetables when it comes to the management of schizophrenia patients. This vegetable is rich in folate or better known as folic acid when it is consumed in the form of fortified foods or supplements. Folate has been proven to ease schizophrenia symptoms within a very short period. This vegetable works even better when used with beef liver, asparagus, and black-eyed peas.