Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental condition that leads an individual to perceive reality disparately and behave in ways that impair their everyday routines, both personally and professionally. Delusions and hallucinations are common among patients, as is social withdrawal. Here’s how to address the many issues relating to schizophrenia and diet.

Eat wholesome foods
Schizophrenia is a cause for concern because even basic necessities of life like nutritious foods are forsaken and not paid attention to. So, the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues goes up, affecting the quality of life of patients. This can be prevented or rectified by making positive changes to the diet for schizophrenia patients and including healthy foods to support cognitive functioning. Meal plans should include wholesome foods that are healthy for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Develop a healthy diet formula
When it comes to schizophrenia and dietary choices, a healthy diet formula can help patients. Five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables should be a priority. These could be eaten raw or cooked, unsweetened dried fruits, or even fruits and vegetables pulped into a juice or smoothie. There is a variety of options to choose from, but remember, deep-fried is best avoided. Raw fruits and veggies in salads, baked, sautéd, or boiled preparations are healthier options.

• High-fiber foods like whole grains and brown rice provide more nutrients and improve digestive health. They offer sustained energy instead of spiking blood-glucose levels that can worsen the symptoms, and fibrous foods keep them feeling full for longer without adding to their weight.
• Healthy protein sources like legumes and lean meat and omega-3 rich fatty cold-water fish should be included in the diet for schizophrenia patients at least thrice a week.
• Drinking water, regular milk or soy or nut-based milk, and freshly squeezed (sugar-free) fruit juices must be part of a healthy diet formula for schizophrenia patients. Sufficient hydration is vital to ensure that they do not become dehydrated and reach for sugary drinks or alcohol that could worsen the symptoms.
• Meal prepping and cooking as fun activities can help schizophrenia patients take more interest in the foods they want to shop for, prepare, and eat. Consciously enabling them to make healthy choices will keep them on the right track and prevent unhealthy dietary choices.
• People with schizophrenia should eat multiple small meals instead of three large ones because to provide them energy throughout the day.

Opt for organic foods
When possible, schizophrenia patients should opt for organic produce, as chemical additives and preservatives can hamper their already sensitive brain-functioning and worsen depression and hyperactivity.

Prevent obesity
Preventing schizophrenia patients from becoming overweight or obese is crucial, as they have a natural tendency to veer toward unhealthy foods and gain weight. Also, medications could add to weight gain. To prevent chronic diseases, maintaining a healthy weight is necessary, so exercise should be a daily routine along with following a healthy diet.