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Schizophrenia – Healthy eating habits to keep mental health in check

Schizophrenia – Healthy eating habits to keep mental health in check
Healthy eating habits are essential for well-being, be it physical, emotional, or mental. The same amount of importance should be given to healthy lifestyle habits. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eating habits has a great impact on the outcome of schizophrenia treatment options. This article talks about foods to eat for schizophrenia patients.

Increase the intake of healthy fats
Fatty acids are an essential food component in multiple conditions. They also have an important role to play when it comes to Schizophrenia. Including foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids in the regular meals of patients have better management ability over the condition and its symptoms. It is recommended to include at least three portions of fatty fish weekly. Besides salmon, sardine, mackerel, and tuna, vegetarian sources like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, and other nuts can be used . Supplements like cod liver oil or omega 3 supplements are also welcome for results of schizo treatment options.

Skip the gluten
Gluten has been increasingly losing its reputation with regard to being a safe food. It has been associated with gut issues for people with health conditions. It is a common compound in grains like wheat and rye and can aggravate conditions, especially in people with a sensitive gut. Getting checked for gluten sensitivity is also an option if patients do not want or wish to eliminate it from their diet without a solid reason. The inclusion of gluten-free foods like rice, oats, barley, quinoa, buckwheat tends to decrease the inflammation caused by gluten.

Increase food and vegetable intake
Numerous servings of fruits and vegetables are beneficial for the gut of schizophrenia patients as they tend to not get enough fiber . A high fiber diet is also known to help manage the symptoms better and work well with various schizo treatment options. The mineral and vitamin-rich foods also benefit the brain and the body by taking care of the requirement of macro as well as micronutrients. Fruits like berries, pears, apples, and melons are highly recommended .

Antioxidant-rich foods
Antioxidants are compounds that help the body fight the oxidative damage that is caused by free radicals. This damage harms various cells of the body and can impact the functioning of the bodily systems. Additionally, antioxidants have also proven their use in decreasing the side effects associated with schizo treatment options. Vitamins A, C, and E are rich sources of antioxidants are found in high quantities in foods like apples, berries, melons, lime and lemons, beans, pecan nuts, and plums.

Foods rich in niacin
Niacin is another name for vitamin B3. It is a vitamin that schizophrenia patients tend to have in low amounts. Consumption of niacin-rich foods or supplements helps the body in fighting the progression of this condition and slows it down. Foods like chicken, eggs, and fish are rich meat sources of niacin. For patients that favor vegetarian food, foods like green vegetables, mushrooms, and avocados are good sources of B3.

Following a proper nutrition plan may help ease schizophrenia symptoms but will not stop the disease’s progression. Hence, doctors also prescribe medicines to manage this illness. CAPLYTA® is a suitable option for schizophrenia relief. It has an active chemical called lumateperone that helps decrease nervousness and hallucinations and improves the patient’s thinking ability. It is suggested to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication as it can trigger side effects. One can consult a doctor for more information.

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