Diet and food guidance for schizophrenia

There is no special diet for schizophrenia, but good nutrition supports physical health, energy and mood. People with schizophrenia have a higher risk of weight gain, diabetes and heart disease, partly because of some medicines, so a healthy eating pattern matters.

Helpful foods

• Regular meals with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, pulses and nuts.
• Protein from dal, eggs, fish, paneer and lean meat.
• Oily fish or seeds containing omega-3 fats. Some studies suggest omega-3 may help, but evidence is limited and it is not a replacement for medicine.
• Plenty of water.
• Fibre-rich food to ease constipation, a common medicine side effect.

Foods and habits to limit

• Sugary drinks, sweets and fried or processed food, which add to weight gain.
• Large amounts of caffeine, which can worsen anxiety and sleep.
• Alcohol and drugs, which interfere with treatment and increase relapse.
• Smoking, which is common and harmful, and speeds up how fast the body clears some antipsychotics.

Medicine-related points Some antipsychotics, such as olanzapine and clozapine, increase appetite and blood sugar. Regular weight, sugar and cholesterol checks are advised. Clozapine levels can change with caffeine and smoking, so tell the doctor if habits change.

Eating routines Appetite and motivation can be low. Simple, regular meals, shared with family and prepared in advance, work better than complicated plans.