When it comes to mental health conditions like schizophrenia, poor eating habits may play a role in worsening the symptoms. To alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia, following a healthy nutrition plan consisting of fruits and vegetables and avoiding certain foods is essential. Herein, we’ve listed seven foods foods that schizophrenia p[atiensts must avoid.

1. Gluten
Gluten is found in foods like wheat, rye, and barley and is one of the food types that can worsen schizophrenia symptoms. Gluten sensitivity can affect various parts of the body including the brain causing behavioral issues. Schizophrenics should consider purchasing gluten-free foods for better health.

2. Caffeine
Coffee, tea, soda, and other carbonated beverages contain caffeine. High intake of caffeine can have a bad effect on sugar level which can induce schizophrenia symptoms. Reducing or eliminating caffeine will help improve the symptoms.

3. Refined Carbohydrates
White bread and rice, crackers, cookies, etc. can cause the levels of blood sugar and insulin to spike to dangerously high in the body. This can have an impact on schizophrenia patients leading to worsening of their symptoms. Processed foods are also high in refined carbohydrates that can hinder normal brain mechanisms. Consuming ready meals, baked goods, and processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and ham can aggravate the condition of schizophrenia patients.

4. Artificial Additives and Sweeteners
Foods containing additives and artificial sweeteners can worsen the symptoms of schizophrenia and, hence, should be avoided. Many studies suggest that artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can affect those with mental health conditions. The same goes for foods containing food additives like monosodium glutamate, which is used for enhancing flavor.

5. Saturated Fats
Saturated fats in full-fat dairy products, red meat, butter, lard, and coconut oil can aggravate schizophrenia symptoms. These foods must be avoided by schizophrenia patients as they can alter the brain’s signaling mechanism and thereby worsen the symptoms of this condition.

6. Alcohol
Many studies have found that schizophrenia patients use alcohol to cope with their symptoms, but in reality, this habit does more harm than good. Drinking tends to worsen their behavior and make their hallucinations more intense. People with schizophrenia may consider going in for therapy that will help them stop this habit and improve their condition.

7. Sugary Foods
Sugary foods have no positive effect on the brain. In fact, a spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar levels severely aggravates schizophrenia symptoms. Reducing sugar intake can also help prevent other health conditions associated with schizophrenia including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

Replacing unfriendly foods with those foods that boost brain function as well as overall health is a crucial step. Schizophrenia patients should particularly pay attention to what they consume as this can go a long way in bringing some relief to their symptoms.