Schizophrenia is a disorder that is characterized by a person’s inability to think clearly and behave properly. This condition is caused by the alteration of one’s brain structure and chemistry, alongside genetics. It is a disorder that can be managed through medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.

Here are a few lifestyle changes that can help you manage the condition.

Avoid smoking

• Certain studies suggest that schizophrenia is an increased risk in babies with prenatal nicotine exposure.
• CRP levels are much higher in an offspring with schizophrenia. CRP levels are also increased by continuous usage of tobacco, coupled with a poor diet.
• The usage of cannabis is linked to the development of psychosis in your offspring.
• Apart from the risks of developing it, smoking also aggravates the symptoms of schizophrenia in patients who already have it.

Maintain a healthy weight

• Due to the psychotropic medications given to schizophrenia patients, weight gain is extremely easy.
• Schizophrenia patients tend to have more visceral fat than controls and this fact puts them at a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
• Behavioral interventions, diet monitoring, and regular physical activity can keep one’s weight gain in check.

Eat foods that are heart-friendly

• Among many concerns related to schizophrenia, cardiovascular diseases and the overall health of your heart are quite significant.
• The diet of a schizophrenia patient is generally poor. This along with the fact that said patients are generally physically inactive, and are given medications that can cause weight gain and hyperglycemia, can contribute to poor heart health.
• As part of nutrition tips for schizophrenia patients, one must increase the intake of foods that are heart-healthy like fruits and vegetables.
• Since B-vitamins and folic acid are nutrients that help maintain brain health, it is vital to eat foods rich in them. Nuts, seeds, whole grains have a high vitamin B content, but note that B12 is found only in animal sources.
• Dietary tips for schizophrenia patients include the consumption of oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines for adequate nutrition.

Vitamin supplementation

• Vitamin-B complex plays a huge role in healthy brain functioning and is therefore recommended for people who have schizophrenia.
• In hyperhomocysteinemic patients, according to a study, the use of vitamin supplements (B6, B12, and folic acid) significantly improved their psychiatric condition.
• Other vitamin supplements are also under study with respect to schizophrenia.

Sleep

• People affected by mental illness, including schizophrenia, generally tend to get too little sleep or way too much sleep compared to other people.
• Avoiding intoxication and caffeine before bed can aid in falling asleep.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule to stabilize sleep patterns.

Beware of relapse

• According to a survey, almost half the patients with schizophrenia recover fully or partially (reduce the symptoms significantly) after a course of treatment.
• These patients need to regularly take their post-treatment medication in order to maintain their recovered state.
• It is extremely easy to suffer from a relapse within a short period of time.
• To avoid this, one needs to take the medication regularly. One must also pay attention to things that may trigger symptoms of schizophrenia and stay away from them. Allowing these triggers to be a regular part of your life can take you back to a proper onset of your condition.