Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to think, feel, and behave conventionally. Although there is no cure for schizophrenia, doctors state that eating certain foods can help alleviate the symptoms. Just as some foods can benefit the patients, others can trigger the symptoms in them. Schizophrenia patients must be well aware of all the foods that can worsen their symptoms so they can avoid them. Here is a list of foods that can trigger the symptoms.

Wheat, barley, and rye

Few studies show that grains rich in gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye can trigger the symptoms of schizophrenia. But this might only be limited to patients with celiac disease – an autoimmune disease in which the body reacts to gluten by damaging the small intestine. If people with celiac disease consume these grains regularly, they are at a higher risk of aggravating mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Experts recommend replacing gluten-rich grains with fermented grains, as these are pre-digested and may not negatively affect the gut-brain function.

Bread and pasta

Bread and pasta are top foods that should be avoided by schizophrenia patients as they are prepared from a gluten-rich grain like wheat. Some studies indicate that over 30 percent of schizophrenia patients contain huge amounts of antibodies that work against gluten. So the best thing to do here is to look for gluten-free substitutes. Today, many supermarkets and online stores feature gluten-free products, including bread and pasta. These breads are made from rice and potato flour, while the pastas are usually made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Make sure the products say “100% gluten-free” before buying.

Processed foods

Processed foods lack many vital nutrients, so consuming more of them can lead to nervous system imbalance. These foods are especially bad for people who have a genetic predisposition towards schizophrenia. Experts advise schizophrenia patients to avoid processed foods and instead make a diet plan that’s rich in natural foods. Also, studies suggest that the brain needs more omega-3 fats and fewer omega-6 fats to function optimally, but processed foods are deprived of these healthy fats and packed with omega-6 fatty acids. For example, vegetable oils such as corn oil and soybean oil contain huge amounts of omega-6 but negligible quantity of omega-3.

Sugary foods and drinks

Some studies have associated higher levels of sugar consumption with an increased risk of developing mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. Carbonated drinks tend to be loaded with sugar, so they are particularly dangerous for schizophrenia patients. Not only sugary drinks, but even foods with high levels of sugar are also among the top foods to be avoided by schizophrenia patients. This includes foods like cake, low-fat yogurt, granola, and breakfast cereals.