Schizophrenia can possibly be treated with a specialized type of diet, which was normally used by body builders to strengthen their muscle without gaining weight.
Ketogenic diet, a high fat, enough protein, low carbohydrate diet that has been primarily used for treating children with epilepsy, can possibly treat people who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, according to new study, which was published in Schizophrenia Research.
Researchers from James Cook University (JCU) conducted the research to mice. They fed the animals with a ketogenic diet to see if it would affect their behaviors, which was linked to schizophrenia. They found out that mice who were sustained with ketogenic diet "exhibited fewer" behaviors compared to a normal diet.
Lead researcher Zoltan Sarnyai and his team believe that this particular diet can help people with schizophrenia as they hypothesized that this type of diet can correct abnormal functioning of "cellular energy pathways that are suspected to cause the mental health problems that characterise schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, and muddled thoughts," according to Science Alert.
If the discovery could be proven effective treatment for people with schizophrenia, the people affected need to be energize with "fat," Sarnyai said. Adding, "So the diet would consist of butter, cheese, salmon, etc. Initially it would be used in addition to medication in an in-patient setting where the patient's diet could be controlled."
If the latest study can be applied, other possible positive effects include, lower blood glucose levels and lower body weight.
The JCU researchers said they are still thoroughly testing the ketogenic diet to mice and will eventually test it to other animals before exploring the possibility to people with schizophrenic behavior for a clinical trial.
Schizophrenia is mental disorder, which affects almost 1 percent people worldwide. The illness is currently incurable. Sarnyai as well as his team are now hopeful that their study can help make a huge change in the health community.
