How Healthy Eating Can Help You Stay Sober
February 11, 2019
February 11, 2019
For those recovering from substance abuse and addiction, getting the body back to a healthy state of homeostasis can not only prolong life, it can also help to mitigate the side effects and cravings that are associated with ceasing the drug use. Eating healthy is a solid approach toward regaining your physical and mental equilibrium, and can aid the detox process as well as your journey toward wholeness.
Persistent drug and alcohol abuse negatively affects the condition of the body in multiple ways. Some substances block the body’s ability to properly process vitamins and minerals, meaning that vital nutritional components – such as potassium and niacin – are passed through the system without having an opportunity to work. Certain drugs, such as opiates, also tend to elevate blood sugar levels, which can result in the user developing stage-two diabetes, or even lapsing into a diabetic coma.
With many substances, there also exists the side effect of dehydration. Without adequate fluid levels in the body, vital systems cannot receive the support that is needed. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth; infrequent urination; and dizziness. Acute, devastating, symptoms arise as a response to lowered blood volume and a lack of electrolytes being delivered, and can result in a lack of oxygen, seizures, and kidney failure. Substances which are particularly prone toward causing dehydration are alcohol and amphetamines.
Replenishing the body’s supply of fluids and nutrients is a vital part of successful addiction recovery, and the experience of treating yourself well through mindful eating can result in a healthy, lasting, change in lifestyle perspective.
When choosing foods to best support your recovery from your drug of choice, consider what your body has been lacking as a result of your substance abuse. Certain substances tend to affect certain bodily systems more than others, and determining your specific nutritional deficits is a good place to start. In some cases, it may be beneficial to undergo a blood panel procedure with your medical provider. Blood tests can reveal deficits and excesses that are present in your current condition, and can provide a road map for your new, nutritional, goals. Some of the vital nutrients, and their benefits in aiding recovery, are listed below:
In addition to the physical benefits, a healthy diet is increasingly considered to be a vital part of maintaining our psychological health. As mentioned, nutrients within a healthy diet can directly assist in relieving the negative psychological experiences that are often present during withdrawal and recovery. Emerging studies also indicate that, in addition to the specific anxiety and depression relieving affects of some vitamins and minerals, choosing to follow a healthy diet may result in improved mental health, overall.
The psychological effect which can arise from a focus on healthy eating can be its own reward. This “food-mood connection” suggests that those who eat nutritious food, at regular intervals, experience more peaceful and positive emotions throughout their day. Energy that is gained from nutrition-rich foods is better sustained, as well, and is free from the crashing effects that are experienced with sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. So, not only are those who eat healthy more happy, they also have more daily energy to devote to their recovery.
As experiencing negative thoughts and emotions is a primary risk factor in relapse, promoting psychological wellness through engaging in healthy eating can be an important safeguard. Successful drug treatment programs will do well to incorporate this focus on nutrition into their holistic approach toward recovery. For those seeking to improve their nutritional habits on their own, there are many guiding resources that are available, online.
Ascendant offers drug and alcohol addiction treatment in New York. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and seeking a drug or alcohol rehab center near you, give us a call today to learn more about our process and programs. We are here for you.
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