Addiction is not only bad for your mental health; but your physical health too. Using substances takes nutrients out of your body, ruins your immune system, and disrupts your mood. Recovery is not only abstaining from using the drug or alcohol. It is taking back your physical body too so you stay healthy, focused, and strong.
Her are the influence of addiction on your nutrition, the contribution of sound eating towards recovery, and the ways you can use a recovery eating programme facilitating long-term abstinence.
How addiction robs the body
- Nutrient loss. Alcohol and other drugs like opioids and stimulants interfere with nutrient absorption and metabolism inside of you. You may skip a meal and consume an unbalanced meal or vomit regularly. That depletes your supply of effective vitamins and minerals. B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc are frequently the first nutrients lost. These vitamins are vital to brain life and energy production and immunity.
- Low immunity. When your body is not being adequately nourished, your immune system is weakened. You become sick more often, take longer when sick to get back on your feet, and are subject to repeated inflammation. And if all of that isn’t bad enough, drug and alcohol misuse damaged organs such as your gut, liver, and kidneys; all of which are crucial immune-functioning organs.
- Mood disruption. It consumes nutrients when it produces neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin. They control your mood, attention, and memory. When nutrients are depleted, stress management and craving control are reduced. This will have you back on the drug after you’ve stopped.
What your body needs to heal
Detoxing is complete. Your body now self-heals. It does need fuel, though. Here is what works:
- Protein. It heals tissue, improves liver function, and maintains the muscle. Incorporate these foods (eggs, lean meats, tofu, and beans) into your intake.
- Complex carbohydrates. Your brain runs on glucose. Choose slow carbs like oats, brown rice, and whole wheat. They keep your energy supply constant and reduce mood swings.
- Avocados. Omega-3s reduce inflammation and contribute to brain recovery. Eat salmon, ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or walnuts.
- Vitamins and minerals. Keep an eye on B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc. They soothe stress, help sleep, and work on nerves. Supplements can be suggested by a doctor or registered dietitian.
Building a recovery meal plan
Eat regularly to assist in recovery. Three regular balanced diets daily is ideal with minimal snacks if needed. Ensure you hydrate. Ensure sugar and processed food is low.
Sample day
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with nuts and berries
- Lunch: Roasted vegetables, quinoa, and chicken
- Dinner: Grilled fish, spinach, and sweet potato
- Snacks: Greek yogurt, fruit, or hard-boiled eggs
- Beverages: Tea, water, or lowered-juice
Food and relapse prevention
Good nutrition = balanced mood. That makes recovery easier. Even blood sugar drops nervousness and irritability. Properly fueled brain is better at regulating craving.
Treatment facilities can integrate nutrition and treatment. Drug and Alcohol Rehab Pennsylvania is one of those facilities where patients are serviced with treatment and nutrition therapy. Fresno Drug and Alcohol Detox discusses meal planning within recovery.
Residing within the Northwest area, Substance Abuse Treatment in Idaho treats your physical body with nutrition.
Foods to avoid
- Sugary snacks: cause mood crashes and sugar cravings
- Caffeine: exacerbates sleeping problems and anxiety if it is misused
- Skipping meals: leads to fatigue and loss of concentration
Give your body time
You have to practise being better. Fast chow gets it done fast. Good chow gets you strong-willed and quick. That is the clean way.
You’re not just leaving something behind; you’re reclaiming your life. Nutrition is involved. It improves your mood, renews your body, and puts you at a lower risk of relapsing. Eat it like it matters, because it does.
Julian Carter, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.