Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable, abnormal, and repetitive movements in certain body parts. It is generally triggered by treatments that block dopamine receptors. Common symptoms include blinking rapidly, grimacing, lip smacking, repeatedly sticking out one’s tongue, repetitive finger movements, and pelvis thrusting. While addressing the underlying cause is crucial for managing tardive dyskinesia, the following lifestyle changes may also help improve one’s quality of life.

Manage other conditions
Comorbidities like diabetes, HIV, and brain injury may worsen the symptoms. Hence, patients should schedule routine visits (once every three months) with their healthcare provider. The expert can help manage these comorbidities to ensure they do not aggravate tardive dyskinesia. The doctor can also help prevent new conditions from developing. Patients must track their daily symptoms and inform the healthcare provider about any changes during the visit.

Eat the right foods
Patients must alter their eating habits based on the treatment plan. Some may benefit from lowering their protein intake at certain points of the day. Those struggling with nausea may eat non-protein crackers or other carbohydrate-rich snacks to control this symptom. Studies have also reported the importance of vitamin E in reducing tardive dyskinesia symptoms. Including more of this vital vitamin in one’s daily eating plan may help in the long run. Vitamin E can be found in foods like avocados, almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and sweet red peppers.

Reduce stress levels
Since the symptoms tend to worsen with stress, those with tardive dyskinesia must work with an expert to recognize the stressors in their lives and avoid them. Patients may also manage stress better by practicing deep breathing exercises, meditating, or taking a class on mindfulness-based stress reduction. Spending time with loved ones or taking up a hobby class, such as art, music, or pottery, may help some people reduce stress levels.