TORONTO, Mar 9, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- A Canadian researcher suggests that
some with schizophrenia may be helped by looking at individual biochemistry,
nutrient deficiency, diet and allergies.
Dr. Abram Hoffer, a psychiatrist in Toronto, said some studies have shown that
the predisposition to schizophrenia is inherited, and although there is little
one can do about genetic factors that might lead to the onset of schizophrenia,
nutritional modifications might help to enhance quality of life and slow down
the progression of the disease.
Many people with schizophrenia have low blood sugar -- hypoglycemia -- and
allergies, Hoffer said. The most common food allergies found in individuals with
schizophrenia are sugars, dairy products and wheat, Hoffer said.
Hoffer said he believes orthomolecular treatment is effective in 80 percent or
more of schizophrenia patients and is the best treatment developed so far.
Orthomolecular practitioners use nutrition plans customized to the health needs
of individuals to ensure a diet has the appropriate amount of vitamins and
nutrients required to prevent the onset of illness or to treat existing
illnesses and imbalances, said Dr. Jonathan Prousky, naturopathic doctor and
expert adviser to Orthomolecular Health
In the treatment of schizophrenia, an orthomolecular practitioner will typically
prescribe a special diet along with vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin
B3 in accordance with the individual needs of the patient, Prousky added.
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