Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that causes symptoms like depression, hallucinations, irritability, and delusions. It needs to be treated with a mix of medications, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Here is a list of mood-stabilizing foods for schizophrenia that can help people handle the condition better.

1. Fruits and vegetables
Include at least five portions of fruits and vegetables in the diet every day. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and can prevent free-radicals from damaging the cells in the brain. Choose different fruits and veggies for different meals to make sure they contain micronutrients too.

2. Fatty fish
It is a great idea to eat fatty fishes at least two to three times a week. Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fishes are mood-stabilizing foods for schizophrenia and will definitely make a remarkable difference in how one feels throughout the week. Some of the top sources of omega 3 fatty fishes are mackerel, sardines, kipper, salmon, and tuna.

3. Flax seeds
If one does not eat fish, then the vegetarian/vegan source of omega 3s is flax seeds. Flax seeds can be used in salads, soups and can be ground and sprinkled over any food.

4. Chicken
Vitamin niacin-rich chicken is one of the best mood-stabilizing foods for schizophrenia. Niacin is also called vitamin B3, and studies show this can help slow down the advancement of the condition. When one cooks chicken, it is essential to use cooking methods like broiling, steaming, or shallow frying to retain its nutritional value.

5. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables
Some studies show that people who are vitamin C deficient can experience aggravated symptoms of schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions. Checking for vitamin C deficiency and compensating by eating green and red peppers, tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, citrus fruits, mangoes, and pineapples can make the symptoms manageable.

6. Spinach
Spinach is known as one of the mood-stabilizing foods for schizophrenia because of its rich folate content. Foods rich in folate can elevate the mood and can make one feel healthier and happier. Give this leafy vegetable a try.

7. Vitamin B12 rich foods
Studies show that up to 78% of patients with schizophrenia also had a vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency could be preventing patients from getting better with medications and therapy. Include B12 rich foods such as fish, meat, poultry, dairy products, and vitamin B12 fortified foods in the diet.

Schizophrenia is a condition that needs professional and personal help to get better. It is essential to get help from friends and family and be in touch with a therapist of one’s choice. Prefer fresher home-cooked, mood-stabilizing foods to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and choose them over restaurant takeaways. This will, over time, help one feel better physically and mentally.