You are what you eat. Food is very important for us. Our eating habits and lifestyle determine our health and should be given the utmost importance. For schizophrenia patients, this becomes even more important.

Eating healthy benefits us physically and also boosts our mental health. Studies show that people suffering from schizophrenia normally have a poor diet with more saturated fats and less fiber.

Here is a list of foods to eat for schizophrenia:

Fruits
Due to their eating habits, people suffering from schizophrenia do not get enough fiber. Fruits such as pears, strawberries, avocado, apples, raspberries, and bananas are nutritional and are a rich source of fiber. Fiber aids in digestion and wards off cholesterol-related issues. A fiber-rich diet also lowers schizophrenia-related ailments, such as obesity, heart diseases, and diabetes. One can have a bowl of fresh fruit, freshly made juices, or dried fruits.

Vegetables
With nearly no amount of fat and calories, vegetables provide vitamins and fiber. Unfortunately, they are missing in the diet of numerous schizophrenia patients. Vegetables are rich in potassium, which controls blood sugar levels. Some vegetables that should be a part of a schizophrenic’s diet are broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, peas, cucumber, and eggplant. Boil or bake them with some olive oil and rock salt.

Salmon and other fatty fish
The human body cannot produce omega-3 fatty acids, so we have to depend on food. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids prevent and ease the symptoms of schizophrenia and even slow down the progression of the disease. You can bake the fish with seasoning or enjoy it with salads.

Seafood
Foods to eat for schizophrenia also include seafood, such as oysters, crabs, and lobsters, as they are high in zinc. Experts say zinc improves mental health and lowers the homocysteine levels of schizophrenia patients. Smoked oysters can be eaten with various sauces as well. Crabs and lobsters can be fried or broiled and enjoyed with seasoning.

Non-dairy yogurt
Schizophrenia patients must include non-dairy yogurt in their diet. Prebiotics found in yogurt are good for the gut. You can have yogurt with a bowl of fruits or make a smoothie with veggies and fruits.

Cereals
Cereals are a rich source of fiber so they can be considered on the list of foods to eat for schizophrenia. Buckwheat, chia seeds, millet, finger millet, barley, cracked wheat, and brown rice are cereals full of nutrition. You can make bread or tortilla chips with these cereals. You can even try porridge or muesli with milk and fruits.

Schizophrenia patients tend to suffer from weight gain, but with proper food, they can achieve a healthy body and mind.