They say, “a healthy mind resides in a healthy body.” Your physical health does have a role to play in your mental health. So, preventing mental illnesses like schizophrenia or managing their symptoms can be a lot simpler when you make essential changes to your diet. Knowing about foods for schizophrenia is therefore very important.

Let’s look at the essential vitamin-rich foods that should be included in your diet.

1. Vitamin D
Sunlight might be the major source of vitamin D, but it is also possible to add a healthy dose of this essential vitamin through food items or supplements. Several times a strong connection has been observed between the deficiency of vitamin D and the increased risk of schizophrenia. So, a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia or someone in the high-risk category would find it beneficial to talk to their physician about including vitamin D supplements in their diet. Getting outdoor and staying active would also be another great way to ensure that the body gets its essential levels of this vitamin every day. Red meat, oily fish, and liver are some of the most popular food items recommended as vitamin D sources.

2. Vitamin B
The whole group of B vitamins can be excellent mood boosters. B6, B8, and B12 are the most important ones among them, and these are often prescribed as dietary supplements even during the course of schizophrenia treatment. It can also be a beneficial vitamin, especially in the early stages of treatment. Soya beans, nuts, liver, eggs, mushrooms, oats, and broccoli, are among the most popular sources of vitamin B. Consuming foods or supplements rich in vitamin B makes it easier to manage the immediate symptoms of schizophrenia.

3. Vitamin E
This vitamin is useful for patients who have begun therapy for schizophrenia. Vitamin E is mainly to combat any side effects caused by the medications used in the treatment of this condition. It also helps in relieving the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia caused by some of the medicines used to treat the mental illness. Foods for schizophrenia should also include a healthy portion of nuts, green leafy vegetables, vegetable oils, and vitamin E sources.

4. Vitamin C
Some of the drug combinations used in the treatment of psychosis might lead to oxidative stress. This makes it essential for schizophrenia patients to include antioxidants-rich food items like bell peppers, citrus fruits, and others for their vitamin C composition.

With the vitamin-rich foods mentioned for schizophrenia, you can improve the mood and prevent the onset of harsh symptoms. Consuming a healthy diet and also incorporating an active lifestyle can together make psychosis treatment plans more effective. Make sure you consult a dietician before you make a change in your diet. This will help you make informed decisions.