Nutrition is an important aspect to be considered when looking at a healthy life. It is important to maintain a disease-free life, which further helps recover from existing conditions. In most cases, medications, therapy, and diet go hand in hand in the recovery process of a disease. The same holds true for mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. Read on to find out which foods help with managing schizophrenia effectively.

Fruits

Studies have proven that people living with schizophrenia often have low amounts of fiber in their system. Besides, schizophrenia has also been known to be connected to conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, and obesity. This makes fiber-rich fruits one of the foods that help with managing schizophrenia. Additionally, high-fiber diets are known to help maintain good gut health and avoid digestive distress. Including fruits in a regular diet also help avoid mood swings.

Vegetables

Like fruits, veggies are also known for their nutritious benefits. High in minerals and nutrients, vegetables help with the smooth functioning of the body. Some protein-rich veggies also help in digestion. Green veggies are especially recommended owing to their abundant folate content as it helps prevent infections and is also beneficial in managing schizophrenic symptoms. Additionally, the potassium found in vegetables like potatoes, kidney beans, and lima beans is helpful in maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar levels. All these properties make vegetables an important part of the “foods that help manage the schizophrenia” list.

Fatty fish

For proper assimilation of food and its better functioning, the body requires Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. While the body is capable of producing its own supply of Omega 6, it needs to ingest Omega 3 from external sources. The healthiest and most effective sources of these fatty acids for the body are fatty fishes like salmon, tuna, and sardines. Also, these fish have added benefits that help with other health issues like diabetes, heart health, obesity, and mood swings. All of which are related to schizophrenia. Hence, fatty fish make it to the list of which foods help with managing schizophrenia.

Selenium-rich foods

Aside from fatty fishes, foods like nuts, turkey, and shrimp are also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. These foods are also rich in their selenium content. Selenium is a trace element and is required by the body in micro measures, but its effect on mental health is quite significant. As schizophrenia is a mental health issue, it is recommended to add selenium-containing foods to the list of foods that help with managing schizophrenia.

Probiotics

Gut health has often been related to an individual’s overall health. It is because the gut is home to a lot of healthy bacteria that ensure smooth functioning of all bodily functions, boost immunity, and stabilize one’s mood. It has been found that bad gut health can result in schizophrenia in some cases. Therefore, one class of foods that help in managing schizophrenia is probiotic-rich foods. The most common option here is yogurt, especially the homemade kind. For people that are lactose intolerant, there are other options like kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, miso, and tempeh.