Schizophrenia is a mental condition that affects your ability to tell the difference between reality and fantasy, to think in a logical manner, to have normal emotional responses, and to behave in a normal manner socially. Currently, there is no known cause of schizophrenia, although it may be caused by both genetic and environmental components. Treatment for schizophrenia often involves the use of antipsychotic medications, support programs and intensive therapy. Herbal options for the treatment of schizophrenia include the use of certain vitamins, minerals, herbs and whole foods.
Vitamins for Schizophrenia
Vitamins are organic compounds that are required by your body in varying amounts and serve multiple roles and functions related to the health and maintenance of normal body function. Certain vitamins may have an effect on the balance of brain chemicals and the production of hormonal compounds called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, are often inhibited in the brains of schizophrenics and may be related to the onset of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Vitamins, such as B-3, B-6, B-12 and C, can increase the production of neurotransmitters, which may offset some of the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Minerals for Schizophrenia
Minerals are inorganic chemical compounds that are obtained through your diet and act on your body in a variety of ways. Some minerals can act as catalysts for metabolic functions that occur in your brain that are involved in the homeostasis of neurological functions, including regulating mood. Minerals such as selenium, magnesium, iron, copper, calcium and zinc all play a significant role in the regulation of neurological function. Consuming adequate amounts of these minerals may improve the balance of chemicals and hormones in the brains of schizophrenics.
Herbs for Schizophrenia
Herbs are plants that may have medicinal or therapeutic qualities. Several herbs, particularly St John's wort, ginkgo biloba, and ginseng, have been used as therapeutic remedies of some of the symptoms associated with schizophrenia. St. John's wort may help improve mood and relieve anxiety, fear, nervousness and depression, which are common mental effects of schizophrenia. Ginkgo biloba may improve the circulation of blood and oxygen in your brain and can increase memory and other mental functions. Ginseng is primarily used as an energy booster, and can be beneficial for schizophrenics who suffer from chronic fatigue.
Diet and Schizophrenia
In a 2004 study published by the journal "Nutritional Neuroscience," researchers found a strong correlation between high-sugar diets and the severity of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Unbalanced, sugar-rich diets may lead to metabolic and hormonal imbalances that may make schizophrenia worse. Eliminating sugary foods, such as sweets and processed foods, and consuming a balanced diet full of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein may reduce the severity of schizophrenia symptoms. Schizophrenics are also encouraged to eliminate all alcohol from their diet, as it contains high amounts of sugar additives.
References
- PubMed Health: Schizophrenia
- "The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and Herbs"; Nicola Reavley; 1999
- "Nutritional Neuroscience"; Dietary Sugar and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Consumption as Predictors of Severity of Schizophrenia Symptoms; C. Stokes, et al.; 2004
