Nutrition & Schizophrenia by Sarah Twomlow

In nutritional terms research suggests that schizophrenia is not one disease, but a number of diseases. Whilst all of these affect the chemistry of the brain, scientific evidence suggests that, they have their origin in diseases of the body.

This being the case, should researchers be concentrating their efforts toward the body and not the brain?

What Are The Symptoms Of Schizophrenia?

The term schizophrenia is an ambiguous and outdated term that serves to describe a collection of symptoms including:

• Depression and anxiety
• Fears, phobias and paranoia
• Dis-perceptions and thought disorder
• Delusions
• Visual and Auditory hallucinations
• Social withdrawal
• Antisocial behaviour

Nutrient Deficiencies And Schizophrenia

Research to date suggests that supplementation with Essential Fatty Acids has proved beneficial. Many individuals with schizophrenia have shown evidence of malabsorption syndrome. Where many nutrients like essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals are not absorbed properly and therefore in short supply.

Dr David Horrobin hypothesised in his book ‘The Madness of Adam and Eve’ that at some point in our evolutionary history, there was a shift in how our brains used fats. Those individuals who adapted well to this shift became super intelligent but those with a slight variation in their brain chemistry developed schizophrenia.

Food Allergy And Schizophrenia

Grains and milk may be harmful to some patients, particularly if a member of that family suffers with coeliac disease.

In fact the late Dr Curtis Dohan, hypothesized that, he was 99% sure that cereal grains were harmful to those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and that, indeed, those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia may share one gene in common with coeliac disease.

Dr Jun Wei, states that gluten, a protein found in wheat barley, rye and oats, contains a substance called gliadin that causes problems for those with celiac disease. Research suggests that a person with a history of childhood coeliac condition has an increased risk of developing schizophrenia. Schizophrenic symptoms have been shown to improve after a gluten free diet. Research suggests the possible relationship between gluten and schizophrenia may involve an autoimmune mechanism.

With such strong evidence pointing to cereal grains perhaps it is wise for sufferers and their families to follow a grain free diet. This however is most challenging in a world where flour products are abundant. Returning to a more natural diet of fresh fruits and vegetables with good quality protein may be the answer.

The Five Main Biotypes of Schizophrenia

There has been much dissention in opinion regarding the causes or origin of schizophrenia. However more and more evidence is emerging that point to biochemical imbalances.

Dr Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D. identified five main types of schizophrenias:

• Histapenia – low blood histamine with excess copper – present in 50% of schizophrenias
• Histadelia – high blood histamine with low copper – 20% of schizophrenias
• Pyroluria – a deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6 – 30% of schizophrenias
• Cerebral allergy – includes wheat-gluten allergy – 10% of schizophrenias
• Nutritional hypoglycaemia – 20% of schizophrenias

Many patients can have more than one disorder and according to Dr Pfeiffer 95% can be categorized into the five different categories.

Once the correct biotype has been identified, through clinical testing, the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation can be provided.

Nutrition acknowledges that the collection of symptoms known as schizophrenia is not just the result of nutritional deficiency. However research has shown that deficiencies of certain nutrients can cause these symptoms. Nutrition can therefore help to minimise these unpleasant symptoms and for many be completely resolve them.

Clinical testing is available via Nutritional Therapists or by visiting the Brain Bio Centre. The Brain Bio Centre is a London-based treatment centre, set up by the Mental Health Project.

Further Reading

Nutrition & Mental Illness – Carl C Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D.

Optimum Nutrition for the Mind – Patrick Holford

References

Twenty – Nine Medical Causes of “Schizophrenia” by the late Carl C. Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D www.alternativementalhealth.com

Gut, schizophrenia and essential fatty acids – Dr Jun Wei – SAGB newsletter NO 39, 2004

How could gluten cause schizophrenia – Dr Jun Wei – SAGB newsletter NO 41, 2005

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Copyright 2008 Sarah Twomlow Dip ONT, Optimum Nutrition Therapist. Phoenix Nutrition aims to provide a friendly, professional and non judgemental environment to support its clients to achieve the benefits and results they are looking for. We aim to provide the latest cutting edge nutrition science, to enable individuals to make informed decisions regarding their own health, diet and lifestyle. Phoenix Nutrition believes that to restore optimum health we need to return to a more natural way of eating and living. Phoenix Nutrition Therapy ~ Renew Health & Vitality Email | Online Nutritional Consultancy Service | Read another article by Sarah