Schizophrenia is an extreme mental illness that leads to mood swings, depression, hallucinations, and delusions. About 1.2% of the American population is diagnosed with this condition. Schizophrenia patients are required to take medications and psychotherapy, and their diet and lifestyle also play critical roles in the management of this mental health condition. Here are a few foods that are not good for schizophrenics:

Foods rich in saturated fats
People with schizophrenia are more prone to developing metabolic abnormalities, and these health conditions can further worsen the mental health issue. One of the main categories of foods that are not good for schizophrenics is foods with high saturated fat content. Saturated fat is unhealthy fat and is commonly present in restaurant foods, takeaways, and packaged and frozen meals. Foods with these unhealthy fats can increase the risk of developing metabolic abnormalities and damage brain cells.

Foods with gluten
Gluten, found in several grains, is a type of protein that millions in the country are allergic to. When one keeps consuming gluten even as their body struggles to tolerate it, it can trigger a variety of mental health issues, including schizophrenia. People diagnosed with schizophrenia should cut down on the consumption of foods with gluten. These include:

• Bread
• Barley
• Bulgur wheat
• All kinds of desserts
• Beers that contain barley

Sugary desserts and drinks
While sugar-laden desserts and drinks are bad by themselves, some of them are not good for schizophrenics in particular. Excess blood sugar levels can cause nerve damage and lead to mood imbalances. Excess sugar also plays a role in damaging healthy cells, so one should stay away from excess sugar to manage schizophrenia better.

Artificial sweeteners
It is easy to stay away from sugar by using artificial sweeteners, but schizophrenics should think twice before doing that. Many studies relate the use of artificial sweeteners to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. So, it’s better to choose natural sweeteners as alternatives to sugar and stay away from these chemically-created sweeteners. Among the foods that are not good for schizophrenics are those that contain these common artificial sweeteners:

• Aspartame
• Saccharin
• Sucralose
• Advantame
• Acesulfame potassium or ace-K

Foods with refined carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates are found in all common foods, including pasta, pizza, white bread, white rice, and all desserts and snacks. Refined carbohydrates spike up blood sugar levels and have very little nutritional value. They also increase body weight, and excess weight gain negatively affects people with schizophrenia. So, all kinds of snacks and packaged foods definitely make it to the list of foods that are not good for schizophrenics.

Schizophrenia is a serious condition that needs a perfect balance of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes to be managed. Patients can make a note of foods that are not good for schizophrenics and leave them out of their diet. They should opt for fruits, vegetables, greens, foods with healthy fats, and lean meat instead.