[frylock02]

I have a brother who's 25 years old and suffers from schizoaffective disorder. He has had this disorder since December of 2010 when he had his first psychotic episode. I'm currently looking for answers, as to how to cure his schizoaffective disorder. I need to know if he needs to first see a holistic doctor before getting taking vitamin B3(Niacin), as well as other vitamins and minerals as well.

It this point it seems expensive to buy all organic foods as well as have him undergo all types of organ cleanses.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, frylock, and welcome to Psych Central! You might want to read in the Schizoaffective forum. I don't know anything about treating it with holistic medicine, but maybe some of those folks do.

[SnakeCharmer]

Hi, Frylock,

I don't know the answer to your question about seeing a holistic doctor before giving your brother niacin and other vitamins/minerals. But I do know that extra high doses of niacin can cause some problems with the liver so it might be good to have a regular doc do a liver enzyme test on him before you start anything and then again after 3 and 6 months, just to make sure he's okay. And make sure you both understand that even so-called non-flushing niacin can cause feelings of heat, itching and burning in the skin and digestive tract. It's harmless, but it's scary if you don't expect it.

I buy organic foods, but not everything. Here's a link to a list of The Dirty Dozen Foods in 2014. They were tested and found to have high residues of farming chemicals that can't be washed off. There's also a list called The Clean 15. These are foods that tested out clean enough that you don't have to buy organic. Other foods, the in-between foods, depends on your judgment.

I try to always buy organic when it comes to the foods on the Dirty Dozen list. Just for my peace of mind. Don't really know if it makes any difference. But I've spent extra money on more foolish things, so I feel okay spending more on these foods.

The Dirty Dozen - Foods You Should Always Buy Organic

[RachelCarsonfan]

Eating "healthy" seems really complicated in our marketing-saturated world today. I've read a lot of books about what to eat and what not to eat and of course they are not all in agreement. I just try to apply common sense and eat as much "real" food as possible, avoiding all the over-processed convenience foods. If it has added colors, flavors and preservatives, I don't want it in my body. I think this is a good first step when dealing with any health problems. I too try to eat organic as much as possible, but it can definitely be pricey. SnakeCharmer's link provides both a list of "dirty" and of "clean" produce which is great.

A holistic doctor can be hard to find and sometimes they don't accept insurances. I asked a regular MD to do a D3 level for me last winter so I would know whether I needed to supplement, and she did, along with some other chemistry levels. Perhaps he has a regular doctor who would be willing to have some tests done as part of a physical exam?