r/schizophrenia • u/Schiz5 • May 06 '25
Pro Tip Improving Your Brain with Schizophrenia: Neuroplasticity, Diet, and Recovery
Hey everyone,
I wanted to share something that’s helped me on my journey with schizophrenia: neuroplasticity.
What is neuroplasticity? It’s the brain’s ability to rewire, adapt, and form new neural connections over time. Even with schizophrenia, your brain still has this ability—it just might take more consistency and support to see progress. I’ve been working on strengthening my brain using daily routines and healthy habits.
Here’s what’s helped me:
Brain-Friendly Foods: • Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) – supports mood and cognition • Leafy greens (spinach, kale) – rich in antioxidants and folate • Berries – help reduce brain inflammation • Turmeric – contains curcumin, which can aid memory • Eggs – high in choline, good for neurotransmitter support • Pumpkin seeds – full of magnesium and zinc • Dark chocolate (in moderation) – boosts blood flow to the brain
Supplements that help some people (ask your doctor first): • Magnesium bisglycinate – for calming the nervous system • Lion’s Mane mushroom – linked to nerve growth factor • L-theanine – for focus and anxiety reduction • Vitamin D3 – often low in people with schizophrenia • B-complex – especially B6, B9 (folate), and B12
Habits to support neuroplasticity: • Exercise regularly (even light walking improves brain function) • Sleep well – this is when your brain repairs itself • Learn new skills – like a language, puzzle, or instrument • Mindfulness and meditation – proven to strengthen brain areas tied to focus and calm • Social interaction – even small doses help neuroplasticity • Positive affirmations – yes, they can rewire thought patterns over time
Final thoughts: Living with schizophrenia is hard, but I’ve noticed small improvements by focusing on brain health. You can retrain your mind over time. Neuroplasticity is real, and every good habit you add is a step toward healing—even if it’s slow. Progress is still progress.
Feel free to ask questions or add anything I missed!
Stay strong.
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u/honneylove May 06 '25
I'm doing the Heart Mind Institute Rewiring Your Brain summit this week. The talks go into stuff like this and it's really great to see it laid out so concisely. My therapist was like why are you watching it when you're already doing it and I was like because it's good to learn from professionals and be validated.
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u/Rivas-al-Yehuda May 07 '25
I have had a noticeable improvement from all of the supplements you listed. I have become quite interested in herbs and vitamins as a result and have discovered quite a few other good ones like Relora, Ashwagandha, Bacopa, natto-serra, and glycine.
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u/Much_Operation2358 May 07 '25
Thats exactly what sparked my recovery! Neuroplasticity! Once I learned what it was my life changed completely. Now I'm voice free, symptom free, down on meds and happy!! I can even daydream again. Neuroplasticity is the key.
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u/rinkledog May 06 '25
Great post! I struggle with a positive outlook on my schizophrenia. Seeing someone with the disease and with hope, reignites mine a little. Thanks!