Diet has a strong influence on mood and mental health, especially in people suffering from mental illnesses like schizophrenia. So, it is essential to follow the recommended diet plan for schizophrenia patients. This will help in handling the mild and severe symptoms of the condition without affecting the lifestyle.

What to eat

1. Vegetables
Several portions of fresh vegetables should be part of your everyday diet. The key is to include vegetables of different colors to get a balanced meal with all the essential micro and macronutrients. Potassium in vegetables is very good for mental health.

2. Fruits
Fruits and vegetables are known to be loaded with healthy dietary fiber, which can be good for the digestive system. One main advantage of adding plenty of fruits to your everyday diet is that it helps keep diabetes and other associated symptoms at bay.

3. Seafood like oysters and crabs
You will find oysters and crabs in almost every recommended diet plan for schizophrenia patients because these are loaded with zinc. It is a rare ingredient but essential for maintaining a healthy level of hormones in the body. So, schizophrenia patients should make sure that they regularly add crabs and oysters to their meals.

4. Spinach and leafy greens
Folate is another rare ingredient that is important for mental health. Spinach and a variety of other leafy greens can easily add this nutrient to your daily diet. These are easy to cook and can be used to add a natural color to your meals.

5. Chicken
Chicken breast or even marinara can give your diet the essential niacin. These help mitigate the symptoms of schizophrenia.

6. Water
Along with adding all the above healthy items to your diet, you should also make sure that you consume enough water every day. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms in some. When the weather gets hot, or when you are physically active, you should also increase the water intake accordingly.

What to avoid

1. Allergens
Gluten is a common allergen, and then there is peanut, soy, and eggs. Know your allergens and eliminate them from your diet to keep schizophrenia symptoms in control.

2. Sugars
Added sugars and most types of sweeteners add empty calories, and they also increase the chances of diabetes which is very common in people with schizophrenia. It is better to avoid refined sugars in your diet.

Treatment for mental health conditions like schizophrenia is a combination of long-term lifestyle changes. Adding the recommended diet plan for schizophrenia patients is one such crucial change.