Schizophrenia is a common mental health condition caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, as well as alterations in brain chemistry and structure. This disorder affects a person’s ability to think clearly and act properly. This condition is chronic, which means it can last for a long time, even your whole life. 

Nutrition can do little to help cure the condition but eating right can avoid the acceleration of the condition or, better yet, can help keep symptoms under control. Here are a few foods that you must stay away from if you have schizophrenia: 

Carbonated drinks

• Carbonated drinks are found to be harmful to patients with schizophrenia.
• Research shows a strong link between high levels of sugar consumption and the rapid advancement of mental illnesses.
• As carbonated drinks have high amounts of sugar, schizophrenic patients are advised to stay away from them.

Pasta

• An unexpected trigger of schizophrenia is pasta.
• This owes to the fact that pasta is filled with gluten, and gluten is a big no for patients with schizophrenia.
• According to studies, even if you do not already have the condition, if you have a family history of schizophrenia where it is likely that you have a genetic predisposition to it, your chances of gluten-rich foods aiding in triggering schizophrenia is high.

Dairy

• Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, can have a negative impact on schizophrenic patients.
• Eliminating dairy products from your diet can reduce mental fogginess and problems with concentration.
• However, the nutrients offered by dairy products are essential for your body, so make sure you compensate them elsewhere. You can also consider taking supplements for all the lost nutrients.

Caffeine

• Caffeine contributes to blood sugar spikes, which can lead to irritability and moodiness in schizophrenic patients.
• High doses of this compound can alter dopaminergic activity in neurons, which can exacerbate symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

Alcohol

• People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop alcoholism due to the euphoric effect it offers, relieving them temporarily from fighting their condition.
• However, alcoholism can lead to a lot of physical and mental health problems.
• As schizophrenics are more liable to become alcoholics, take extra care to stay away from alcohol and all other intoxicating materials.
• Alcohol can also increase the number and severity of a person’s schizophrenic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
• Alcohol can limit your ability to make good decisions and other abilities that are already impaired due to the condition.

Processed foods

• Processed foods can cause deficiencies in various nutrients, which can cause an imbalance in the nervous system.
• Refined foods can worsen symptoms and increase the frequency of manic episodes.

Gluten

• Wheat and other grains rich in gluten are bad choices for schizophrenic patients.
• A gluten-free diet can greatly benefit schizophrenic patients.
• Bread is another popular food product that contains gluten.
• Schizophrenic patients have high amounts of antibodies that act against gluten in their bodies.
• Gluten may also trigger schizophrenic episodes and exacerbate symptoms.