Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by periods of loss of touch with reality (psychosis),
persistent disturbances of thought, behaviour, perception, language, social activity, affect, and volition.
Affecting equally men and women and 1% of people, schizophrenia usually begins in late adolescence and progresses insidiously. Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia include delusions, hallucinations, agitation, talkativeness, social withdrawal, lack of motivation, poor speech content, decreased emotional expression, poor concentration, and poor grooming.
Potential contributing factors:
- Genetics.
- Viral infections of the mother during pregnancy.
- Anatomical anomalies of the brain.
- Excessive activities of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and serotonin.
- Substance abuse, especially marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines.
- Withdrawal syndrome.
- Prenatal stressors.
- Heavy metal toxicity.
- Dietary factors:
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, vitamins B3 and B6, zinc, and antioxidants.
- Gluten sensitivity.
- Selenium toxicity (selenosis).
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Saturated fats.
- Hydrogenated fats.
- Processed foods.
- Fried foods.
- Food additives, preservatives and colorings.
- Refined sugars.
- Carbonated beverages.
- Alcohol.
- Gluten-containing foods: wheat, couscous, spelt, kamut, semolina, rye, barley, triticale, and most oats.
Recommended Foods:
- Water: 2 – 3 liters a day.
- Legumes.
- Nuts and seeds.
- Gluten free foods: rice, potatoes, soy, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, corn, arrowroot, and amaranth.
- Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids: flaxseeds, fish, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts.
- Foods high in flavonoids: berries and red grapes.
- Foods high in zinc: legumes, sunflower seeds, and seafood.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Lean protein.
- Chamomile tea.
Recommended Supplements:
- Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 – 3 grams. These essential fatty acids are important for normal function of the brain and also they reduce aggression.
- Folic Acid: 1000 mcg a day.
- Glycine: 1000 – 2000 mg a day. It is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord and may help with symptoms of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, Parkinson`s disease, and jet lag.
- Melatonin: 3 – 6 mg a day.
- Ginkgo Biloba: 120 – 240 mg a day.
- Magnesium: 200 – 400 mg a day.
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. It is a powerful flavonoid that reduces the effects of oxidative stress on the brain.
- Grape Seed Extract: 50 -100 mg a day.
- Vitamin B6: 100 – 200 mg a day.
- Vitamin C: 2000 – 3000 mg a day.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 500 – 1000 mg a day. The most frequent side effect of niacin is skin flushing, which is mediated by the release of prostaglandins D2 and E2. The skin flushing is a harmless but bothersome reaction that usually starts within 10 – 20 minutes after taking niacin and often lasts up to 30 minutes. Flushing can be reduced by one of the followings: 1) starting at lower doses and gradually increasing to higher doses, 2) taking no-flush or sustained-released forms, 3) taking 300 mg of aspirin about 30 minutes before taking niacin, 4) taking 200 – 400 mg of Advil per day, and 5) taking niacin along with meals. CAUTION: niacin should not be taken by people with peptic ulcer and liver disease. It can also raise uric acid level, increasing risk of attacks in gout, and fasting blood sugar level.
- Spirulina: as a tablet: 2000 – 3000 mg a day, or as a powder: 2 – 3 teaspoons a day. Spirulina is a powerhouse of nutrients, providing different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
- ALA (Alpha – Lipoic Acid): 500 – 750 mg a day. ALA is a powerful antioxidant that chelates mercury in the body.
- Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum product.
- Probiotics: A product providing 5 – 10 billion organisms per serving.
- Multivitamins – Multiminerals: A high potency product.
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Liver detoxification.
- Whole body detoxification.
- Colon cleansing.
