Schizophrenia is a disorder that alters a person’s ability to think clearly and behave properly. Altered structure and chemistry of the brain, environmental factors, and genetics play a huge role in causing this disorder. Symptoms of schizophrenia include feeling out of touch with reality, disorganized speech, and self-isolation.

Apart from lifelong therapy, there are certain foods that help stabilize mood for schizophrenia patients. Read on to know more about them.

Balance blood sugar

• Keeping blood sugar level balanced is extremely important for people who have schizophrenia.
• One’s intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, stimulant drugs, and refined carbs can affect blood sugar levels.
• Antipsychotic medication can also interfere with blood sugar levels.
• Consuming low GL carbs and combining them with protein in a ratio of 1:1 is recommended.
• Eating small portions at regular intervals is better than having three large meals.

Essential fats

• Essential fats have to be compensated as the breaking down of these compounds are at a much higher rate in schizophrenia patients.
• Fish is one of the foods that help stabilize mood for schizophrenia patients and should be consumed at least twice a week. Taking omega-3 supplements can also be really helpful.
• Fish breeds that contain the most amount of omega-3 fats are:
  • Mackerel
  • Tuna (fresh)
  • Herring
  • Sardines
  • Anchovies
  • Salmon
  • Trout
• Vegetarian/Vegan options for omega-3 fatty acids are:
  • Flax seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds

Antioxidants

• The essential fats that are required in high amounts come with a proportional amount of oxidants as well.
• These oxidants can cause negative effects on the brain.
• The best solution to this problem is to increase the intake of foods rich in antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin C, A, and E.
• Vitamin C is an anti-stress vitamin as well and can counter too much adrenaline.
• Foods rich in antioxidants include colorful, fresh fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, one should also take Vitamin C supplements and Vitamin E supplements.
• Smoking can interfere with this process and increase oxidants. Patients with schizophrenia must avoid cigarettes.

Niacin

• Many studies have shown the direct relationship between niacin and schizophrenia.
• Niacin can slow down the progression of the disease and ease its symptoms.
• Niacin is important to supply the brain with oxygen, facilitate the brain’s use of essential fats, and aid in the production of serotonin, which helps in improving a person’s mood.
• One can take niacin supplements or consume foods that help stabilize mood for schizophrenia patients such as chicken and marinara.

Zinc

• Zinc deficiencies can lead to mood swings in schizophrenic patients.
• Unfortunately, this cannot be fixed easily as it is connected to the abnormal production of pyrroles. Increased production of pyrroles is connected to polyuria.
• Addressing this condition can help get zinc levels back up.
• In the meantime, one can try increasing the intake of zinc in their diet by eating foods such as oysters and crabs.
• Beef and fortified cereals are also rich in zinc.
• After consulting with a doctor, the option of zinc supplements can also be considered.