Schizophrenic patients are taught various self-help techniques to help them handle their emotions better. Certain lifestyle changes are also incorporated to deal with the condition. Besides these, a well-planned diet plays an equally important role. Along with consuming healthy foods, it is necessary to note down the food items that may trigger the symptoms, worsening the condition. So, here is a list of foods to avoid for schizophrenia patients.

• Gluten
  It is a compound found in wheat, if not appropriately digested, affects your ability to think and behave. For schizophrenic patients, it is always advisable to follow a gluten-free diet as long-term consumption of gluten can worsen the symptoms. Wheat and its by-products can be replaced with whole grains like rice, millet, and buckwheat.
• High sugar foods
  Generally, people with schizophrenia have unhealthy eating habits and are unable to carry on with an active lifestyle. High sugar foods are on the top of the list of foods to avoid for schizophrenia patients. They may contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of developing diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
• Processed foods
  Processed foods have high trans fat that affects the neuronal growth and the production of neurotransmitters, which sends signals from the brain to the nerves. You must avoid this type of food and opt for fresh fruits and veggies packed with high nutritional value.
• Artificial sweetener
  Replacing refined sugar with artificial sweeteners will not help. The sweetener lacks nutritional content and can be harmfully addictive. For those exploring the foods to avoid for schizophrenia patients, it is better to eliminate artificial sweeteners and enjoy the sweetness delivered by whole fruits.
• Dairy products
  It is believed that in some cases, dairy causes inflammation, which can have adverse effects on different parts of the body, including the brain. Therefore, those already dealing with a mental illness like schizophrenia should move to dairy-free alternatives.
• Carbonated drink
  Carbonated drinks are included in the list of foods to avoid for schizophrenia patients. These drinks are particularly dangerous for people with schizophrenia as they are loaded with sugary syrups. Daily consumption of these carbonated drinks can cause degeneration of the brain and may lead to several other health issues.
• High carb diet
  In many cases, the results have shown that people with schizophrenia who consume a low-carb diet, experience a significant reduction in their symptoms. If the carbs are consumed in large quantities, it can trigger the symptoms of schizophrenia. However, it is better to take the advice of your doctor, as some people report a carb flu during their transition from a normal to a low-carb diet.

• Coffee
  When it comes to foods to avoid for schizophrenia patients, the consumption of coffee should be regulated. For a schizophrenic patient, anything that can cause an imbalance of emotions or trigger anxiety can be extremely dangerous. Caffeine contained in coffee is known to worsen the issue of psychosis.

In order to manage the condition and prevent it from worsening, people dealing with schizophrenia must check all the foods that can trigger their symptoms.