A RECIPE FOR SANITY

If you or a family member is diagnosed with schizophrenia, here is what researchers like Dr Werbach recommend (remember to work only with an experienced nutritional doctor):

Follow a low saturated fat diet. A large Swedish study examining the course and outcome of schizophrenia in eight national centres found that a high intake of total fat in the diet of any sort, particularly saturated (animal), worsened the course and outcome of the disease. One trend suggested that a high intake of unsaturated fat (from vegetables, fish and seafood) may be associated with improvement (Acta Pschiatr Scand, 1988; 78: 587-91).Eliminate caffeine. Three reports show that psychotic episodes were triggered by excessive caffeine use. Another study of caffeine use on a psychiatric ward showed that heavy caffeine users had more severe psychotic symptom (Behavioral Med, December 1980).

Lower copper levels. The clinical experience of doctors like Stephen Davies shows that many with schizophrenia or severel mental disturbances often have high blood or hair copper levels. Vitamin C, zinc, manganese and B vitamins can help to lower them.

Supplement a wholefood diet with the following vitamins: folic acid 2 mg; vitamin C, B6 (50 mg daily up to 500 mg three times daily), manganese, zinc (gluconate 15 mg daily with meals), niacin (B3) and possibly omega-6 fatty acids (evening primrose oil 500 mg, three capsules two or three times a day).

However, be wary of excesses of folic acid, and have reactions to excess niacin observed closely. American nutritionist Dr Leo Galland also found dramatic improvements (and some scientific evidence in the medical literature) for treatment with linseed (flaxseed) oil, 3T a day.

Excellent counselling. Many in psychiatry, believe, as Dr Peter Breggin does (Toxic Psychiatry, Fontana 1993) that some schizophrenics are experiencing a crisis of meaning over their personal identities possibly as a result of trauma. If this is so, then you need someone highly skilled whom you can trust to help you come to terms with your problems.

Support of loved ones. Make sure to surround yourself with people who can offer you love and support, and can work constructively to get you better.