It is found that people with a chronic mental condition, such as schizophrenia, do not always have healthy dietary habits. These unhealthy eating habits affect their mental health and add to their woes by putting them at risk of other severe conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

For better mental health, here are some dietary tips for schizophrenia patients:

1. Eat more whole grains
One of the essential dietary tips for schizophrenia patients to give a boost to mental health is to include whole grains in their diet. Glucose is one of the primary sources of energy for the brain, and it can be found in abundance in carbohydrate-rich foods. When one eats simple carbohydrates, it lifts their mood instantly by boosting the blood sugar levels in the body. This has the same effect on the brain as the consumption of illegal medications. But when one eats complex carbohydrates, the glucose is released into the body at a slow rate, and it makes one full for a longer duration. These carbs are also a constant source of energy for the entire body, including the brain. To include these complex carbohydrates in the diet, one should eat oats, soy, bulgur, and wild rice.

2. Include flax seeds in the diet
Eating more seeds such as flaxseeds or pumpkin seeds can increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are essential for the brain’s overall functioning since the nervous system is primarily made of fat. The brain signals, which include what one thinks, their feelings, or the instructions for their organs and muscles, can travel from one cell to another only through a membrane made of fatty acids. Bodies are not able to produce this essential fat. Therefore, to ensure that the brain functions the way it should, one should supply the essential fatty acids to the body through foods such as flaxseeds.

3. Avoid alcohol
Alcohol can have harmful effects on the overall mental health of a person. Many times, people drink alcohol to fight mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. However, instead of helping them cope with the problem, alcohol can aggravate these mental health illnesses.

4. Stay away from refined foods
Junk foods are loaded with calories and have limited nutritional value. Studies have established a relationship between the consumption of fast food and mental health problems. Foods such as refined carbs and processed foods are high in sugar content and can put a person at a greater risk of mental health illnesses. These carbs can shoot up the energy levels instantly but also bring it down rapidly.