Carbohydrates And Schizophrenia

Nutrition affects the mental, emotional and physical health of everyone, including people who have schizophrenia. As with any other condition, there are certain nutrients that can diminish symptoms and other nutrients that can make symptoms worse. Carbohydrates, and particularly simple carbohydrates such as sugars and starches, might contribute to the severity of schizophrenia symptoms. Unfortunately, many who suffer from schizophrenia have a tendency to consume more carbohydrates, as well as more of other foods.

Glucose Abnormalities

People with schizophrenia have abnormalities in how they metabolize glucose within the brain, including hyperactivity in the frontal cortex and hypoactivity in the posterior cortex. Those with schizophrenia also appear to have abnormalities in how they metabolize glucose systemically, as suggested by glucose tolerance testing and by their three-fold increased risk of developing Type II diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological and ecological studies show that schizophrenic patients who consume greater amounts of sugar and saturated fat have worse outcomes.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor

A diet high in sugar and saturated fat leads to a lowered level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF. BDNF maintains the growth of dendrites, the branches that reach out from brain cells to form connections with other brain cells. Low brain BDNF leads to insulin resistance, which is associated with both schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome. As with schizophrenia, metabolic syndrome is precipitated by a diet high in saturated fat, high sugar and low omega-3 fatty acids. Researcher Malcolm Peet suggests in the December 2003 edition of "Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids," that low BDNF might serve as a causal mechanism that exacerbates symptoms in both schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome, with both conditions possibly triggered by diets with high amounts of sugar and saturated fat.

Dietary Habits

While sugar consumption may exacerbate symptoms in those who are genetically vulnerable to develop schizophrenia, schizophrenic patients tend to have unhealthy dietary habits that include consumption of greater amounts of simple carbohydrates. A study published in the February 2007 edition of "Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology" found that schizophrenic outpatients had large dinner-sized snacks more often and rarely ate healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables. A study published in 2005 in "Psychiatry" found that schizophrenic patients tend to eat about the same proportion of protein, fat and carbohydrates as others, but also tend to eat more of all kinds of foods, except for fruits and vegetables. They don't particularly crave carbohydrates compared to others of like age and gender, but they do eat more carbohydrates, along with more fats and proteins. The result is an excess of glucose that worsens their symptoms and contributes toward the various health risks associated with obesity.

Obesity Proclivity and Medication

Well before the advent of antipsychotic medications, observers noted a tendency toward obesity in people with schizophrenia. As early as 1919, German physician Emile Kraepelin noted that schizophrenic patients tended to gain weight during periods of remission. Neuroleptic drugs, such as haloperidol and perphenazine, have helped reduce some of the most severe and disabling symptoms of schizophrenia, but these medications are well-known to contribute to the risk of obesity. Consequently, schizophrenic patients' inherent a tendency toward overeating, and obesity may be made worse by treatment with antipsychotic medications. These medications likely affect metabolism but also contribute to negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy and avolition -- a deficit in the ability to initiate and follow through with activity -- that ultimately decrease physical activity and promote conversion of glucose into stored fat.

Better Diet

Eat a balanced diet that includes high levels of essential fatty acids and antioxidants and that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Enhance stable blood sugar by including plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet, and avoid consumption of sugar, stimulants, alcohol and caffeine.