Paranoid schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, thought and movement disorders, trouble with memory, problems making decisions and poor concentration. Dietary changes may improve schizophrenia, but should not replace prescribed medications and therapy sessions. People who suffer from paranoid schizophrenia are often unable to live alone, and a caregiver can help them implement healthy eating patterns.
Food Groups and Nutrients
Eating a well-balanced diet ensures that you are getting adequate intake of nutrients that play a role in paranoid schizophrenia. Choosing a variety of foods from each food group is the best way to do this and includes fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy and grains. A niacin deficiency can produce hallucinations, depression and anxiety; a person with schizophrenia may need 100 times the daily intake recommendation -- which might help reduce these symptoms. However, research is conflicted, according to Food for the Brain, founded by Patrick Holford, B.Sc., DipION, to present current research on the role of nutrition in treating mental health disorders. B vitamins, including B12, folic acid and B6, play a role in balancing the chemicals in your brain, key to controlling mental illness. Increasing your zinc intake is another way you can ease the symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia.
Blood Sugar
Keeping your blood sugar balanced may help keep paranoid schizophrenic symptoms at bay, as stimulants that raise blood sugar can induce the condition. Limiting refined carbohydrates, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes and illicit drugs helps you keep your blood sugar level. Food for the Brain recommends eating foods low on the glycemic index because they don't alter your blood sugar as much as other foods might. This may an effective way to help control schizophrenia.
Fatty Acids
Many people with mental illnesses find some relief with the increase of healthy fats in their diet. People with paranoid schizophrenia have lower levels of essential fats in their brains and may need more than the average person, according to Food for the Brain. Omega-3 supplements are an effective way to increase your intake, but many kinds of fish, canola oil, walnuts, flaxseed and avocados are food sources that may help with symptoms when added to a well-balanced meal plan.
Antioxidants
People with schizophrenia show more oxidation in the brain, reports Food for the Brain, making the need for antioxidants higher. Antioxidants counteract oxidation, which can help control paranoid schizophrenia. Fruits, vegetables, nuts, vegetable oils, fish and whole grains are foods that contain nutrients that are antioxidants. Of particular importance is vitamin C, in which many people with mental illnesses are deficient; it is found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwis, strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple and tomatoes. Eating a variety of foods increases the diversity of antioxidant intake.
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