People with schizophrenia can sometimes make poor food choices that aggravate symptoms like delusions and negative emotions. It is important that schizophrenic patients ensure at least three things when it comes to food: whatever they eat shouldn’t upset blood sugar levels, their body should receive enough antioxidants, and foods that trigger allergies should be kept at bay. There are food types that schizophrenia patients should avoid.

Read on to know about the worst foods for schizophrenia patients.

1. Junk foods like frozen dinners and candy bars
Junk foods spike blood sugar levels, making them a bad food choice for schizophrenia patients. They are responsible for poor mental health as they have additives that are not well-received by the body. Frozen pizzas, sodas, candy bars, French fries, and other such snacks always make the cut for foods to avoid for schizophrenia patients. Homemade snacks like whole-wheat sandwiches or sliders with fresh veggies are good alternatives to processed and packaged junk foods found in supermarkets.

2. Foods high in salt like canned items
A study conducted by Kim Johnson, a UI psychologist, and her colleagues discovered that salt can potentially put people in a better mood. This may be the reason people with schizophrenia tend to crave it. But salt consumption should be limited, as it can cause water retention and inflammation. Understanding how much salt one consumes every day is difficult as this ingredient is present in most foods as flavoring, preservative, or additive. Canned foods, sauces, instant noodles, processed salad dressings, and salted nuts are foods to avoid for schizophrenia patients.

3. Biscuits, milkshakes, and items with saturated fat
The body requires healthy fats to maintain appropriate energy levels. But a lot of saturated fat can lead to an increase in cholesterol that has been linked to schizophrenia. Foods like biscuits, milkshakes, cheese, and ice cream are common types of foods with saturated fats that can interfere with one’s mental health. People with schizophrenia should maintain a balanced fat intake and try to switch out saturated fats with unsaturated fats.

4. Gluten-dense foods like bread and cakes
According to some researchers, wheat sensitivity may have a role in mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. According to one research, switching to a gluten-free diet improved the condition of schizophrenia patients. Gluten is a protein present in cereals such as wheat, rye, and barley. However, note that one should speak to their doctor before removing these grains completely from their diet.

5. Processed meats like cold cuts
Meat that is kept for long periods of time deteriorates in nutritional value. Processed meats, especially, may have remains of antibiotics and growth hormones that can cause imbalances in the body. People with schizophrenia can be sensitive to such factors. Meat that is grass-fed, locally sourced, and reared by humans is preferable. Such kinds of meat supply the body with nutritious proteins that are devoid of needless additives.