Alison Odey

Schizophrenia is a disease not well understood. It may start as being episodic but progress to becoming chronic as the patient ages.

There are many possible theoretical causes, however the most widely accepted and well
supported biochemical etiology for the development of schizophrenia involves there being an excessive concentration of the neurotransmitter Dopamine.

It is thought that this may induce psychotic/schizophrenic episodes.
There is also most likely a strong genetic component.

It is probably best treated from a variety of therapeutic angles, which may include:

– Consider the possibility of allergic reactions to foods.
There are studies that show that schizophrenics have an increased history of food intolerance, especially to gluten (wheat, oats, rye and barley). Gluten allergy has been shown to be capable of causing symptoms similar to schizophrenia.
Gluten needs to be avoided entirely but other allergies are often improved by the use of food enzymes, especially protease.

– Avoid excessive adrenaline stimulaton.
There is a theory that schizophrenia may possibly be caused by a higher than normal exposure to adrenochrome, which is a metabolite of adrenaline.

–  Avoid sugars.
It is well known that when blood sugar levels drop, adrenaline is released as it is involved in the metabolism of glucose. It may follow then that people suffering from large blood-sugar swings are going to over produce adrenaline. And possibly adrenochrome.
Keep to a high protein, low sugar diet.

– Avoid stress. It causes the production of adrenaline.

– Avoid coffee and tea as high caffeine intake can increase anxiety/stress.

–  Take steps to lower excess adrenochrome.
B Vitamins can help, as can Co-enzyme Q10. Niacin (B3) therapy has also been effective.

– Eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Particularly Vitamin B12, as studies have shown that very low serum B12 levels can
be associated with hallucinations and schizoid symptoms.
Also combined B6 and zinc deficiency can give rise to a clinical picture of schizophrenia as can a severe copper deficiency.
So supplement with all the B vitamins plus vitamin A, C and E and zinc.
Colloidal minerals would be the best choice of mineral supplementation as it supplies all minerals and trace elements needed for overall health.
See page on ‘Minerals – facts’. and ‘Minerals – why we need to supplement’.

–  Check for heavy metal toxicity especially lead and mercury, both of which are associated with mental symptoms.
Removal from the body is usually by Chelation therapy and symptoms can include colic,
forgetfulness, aggression, hyperactivity, muscular weakness or simply persistent mild flu symptoms.
Mercury of course is wide spread in amalgam fillings. Mercury chelating products are now available but ideally the amalgam needs to be removed from the mouth to prevent on going toxicity.

– Check for other chemical exposure and detoxify the body.
Liver tonics can help here and Glutathione gets good results as it detoxifies the liver. Glutathione can be found to be deficient as adrenochrome produces many free radicals and a related deficiency of Glutathione.

–  Supplementing with extra antioxidants would be recommended.

–  Beware that viral disease is also a theoretical cause of schizophrenia.
Do all possible to strengthen the immune system.

–  Decreased thyroid function is also associated with Schizophrenia.

–  The function of fatty acids has been implicated in schizophrenia as a deficiency of unsaturated fatty acids may cause schizophrenic symptoms.
Supplementing with a good quality cold pressed Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) would be recommended.

However there are many types of schizophrenia and individualised treatments is absolutely essential – a case in point – the essential fatty acids in EPO can cause deterioration in certain schizophrenic states.

Anti-psychotic medication should never be discontinued unless under close supervision.