Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder causing individuals to have abnormal reality interpretations. Patients may have hallucinations, delusions, and poor and disordered thinking. In some cases, their behaviors may also affect how they function in day-to-day life and harm their personal and social lives. While treatment is essential for the management of this condition, food can also go a long way in providing support. Read on for foods to avoid schizophrenia.

Wheat
Psychiatrists have speculated a link between gluten and schizophrenia. More than half a century ago the term “bread madness” was used to describe this mental health condition. There were also reports about individuals feeling better after cutting bread and other gluten items from their meals. There is more research needed to understand how this works and how much of an effect can gluten have on the symptoms of schizophrenia. But, avoiding it can also have other health benefits and reduce complications such as celiac disease, or gluten insensitivities.

Carbs
Typically, people switch out their wheat products and foods containing gluten with other food groups. This includes foods containing high amounts of carbohydrates. There have been limited studies that followed a ketogenic meal plan that aided in the reduction of schizophrenia behaviors in mice.
A ketogenic meal plan is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Studies found that the alternative source of energy such as the breakdown of fat instead of carbohydrates helped to circumvent the abnormal working of the pathways in the brain of those who have schizophrenia.
On the other hand, studies found that suddenly moving to a low-carb meal plan could lead to something known as the carb flu. This is why it is important to talk to your medical practitioner before you make drastic changes in your meals.

Refined sugars
Refine sugars wreak havoc on the overall health of the individual. Refined sugars include table sugar which is added to a wide range of foods. These sugars usually have very detrimental effects on the body. They have been linked to excess fat and obesity and even an increased risk of cardiovascular conditions such as cholesterol, diabetes, and even heart diseases. They can also lead to depression, and dementia, and are commonly linked to certain types of cancer. Studies have also found that those who have schizophrenia are typically very bad eaters. Eating too much sugar can lead to these secondary conditions. Cutting it out, on the other hand, can reduce the risk as well as ease the symptoms of schizophrenia. You can start by limiting the intake or maintaining portion control of foods such as sweetened beverages, candy, and even cake.

Foods with artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners have been directly linked to poor mental health and depression. While there is more to be understood and learned about this condition, there is enough proof to showcase this link. Artificial sweeteners found in processed foods have no nutritional value. Not to mention, they increase your risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Artificial sweeteners can also be very addictive. Instead, you can opt for natural sugars present in fruits. But, even this should be done in moderation.

Cheese
Cheese is a popular dairy product consumed across the globe. It is found in many foods and is often also eaten by itself. But, cheese can also lead to inflammation in the body. This inflammation can have adverse effects. But, this is not true for all individuals. Instead, you will find that some individuals can handle dairy products and have a tolerance for them. Studies have found that those with mental illness and unfavorable mental conditions typically develop intolerance to milk and milk products. Studies have also found that dairy products such as cheese can worsen the symptoms of many mental health conditions including schizophrenia.

Other foods
Individuals with schizophrenia should also avoid processed foods as they can have negative effects on the body.