It is estimated that about 1 in 3 people continue to experience schizophrenia symptoms despite being on antipsychotic medication. Although there is no treatment for the complete cure of schizophrenia, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications that may arise later. Consulting a doctor right away when the first symptoms are experienced can help one in getting the proper treatment. Additionally, a combination of self-help, support, well-managed diet, therapies, and schizophrenia natural treatments can help to manage the symptoms well, leading to fewer occurrences of schizophrenic episodes.

Here are some of the better-known schizophrenia natural treatments or complementary treatments that one can avail of.

1. Consuming foods with amino acids
People with schizophrenia often exhibit symptoms such as slowed speech and social isolation. In such cases, a high intake of amino acids can be helpful in the management of the symptoms. Their intensity and even their occurrence can be lowered significantly with the inclusion of foods rich in essential amino acids. These include nuts, seeds, whole grains, black beans, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, soy-based products, lentils, legumes, fatty fish, and lean meat.

2. Taking antioxidants
Schizophrenia changes the structure of the brain over time. There can be oxidative stress due to damage to the cells caused by chemicals in the environment, triggering psychotic symptoms. Including antioxidant-rich food or taking supplements with antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can help to protect the cells from damage. Foods such as leeks, onions, garlic, grapes, berries, spinach, lean meats, nuts, apricots, and carrots can be useful additions to the diet for those with the disorder. Artichokes, goji berries, kale, red cabbage, and beans are other antioxidant-rich foods.

3. Changing to a gluten-free diet
A lot of schizophrenic patients have trouble processing wheat and wheat-based products. People with schizophrenia who are gluten-sensitive may experience psychotic symptoms; this may happen when certain proteins from gluten-based foods move from the digestive tract into the blood vessels and get attached to the receptors in the brain. This interferes with normal thinking and reasoning. A gluten-free diet is thus one of the natural treatments that can help in controlling and managing schizophrenia symptoms.

4. Doing rhythmic exercises
A regular exercise routine can be quite effective in managing the condition’s symptoms. Being physically active can help to improve focus, relieve stress, provide energy, aid in sleeping, and make a person calmer. One can find any physical activity that they enjoy, as doing at least 30 minutes of this can be quite beneficial. The aim should be to exercise every day, or at least most days of the week. A good way would be to divide the routine into three 10-minute sessions. Each session will engage the arms and legs and calm the nervous system.

Schizophrenia is a life-long mental health disorder. Patients have to learn to live with the disease with medications, therapies, holistic treatments, and other natural schizophrenia treatments. There are multiple methods to manage the condition and its symptoms; however, before adopting any treatment, it is advisable to consult one’s doctor.