Addiction recovery is a long process that requires a complete change of life habits. It involves both physical and mental health recovery, and it depends on everything you do and eat. Prolonged use of drugs or alcohol has a devastating effect on the body, so it takes a lot of effort to recover fully.
It’s no surprise that the food we eat also plays a major role in addiction recovery. Nutrition is very closely tied to health, so you must eat foods rich in vitamins and nutrients that promote faster opiate digestion. Keep reading, and we’ll give you a few useful tips that will help you get back on your feet and live a healthier life.
Alcohol and Drugs Have a Negative Effect On Eating Habits
Anyone battling addiction already knows that the everyday use of drugs and alcohol have a negative effect on eating habits. Most addicts have a very unhealthy diet, and they often don’t eat enough foods, eat unhealthy foods, and lose vital nutrients that can lead to gut damage and low production of brain chemicals.
These bad habits have a negative effect on the human mind, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritation. They are also followed by sleep disorders, increased levels of stress, tiredness, paranoia, and so on. That’s why the food we eat plays a significant role in addiction recovery.
What To Eat During Addiction Recovery
Almost every addiction recovery program starts with a balanced diet that works to improve natural hormone production in the brain. That includes eating foods with high levels of carbs, including complex carbs found in starchy foods. When combined with protein, these foods increase overall energy levels and help speed up the recovery process.
Vitamins are also important, as well as acids that usually reach dangerously low levels after years of substance abuse. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to the deficiency of minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and so on.
Recovering addicts should stick to a strict diet that includes a higher than normal nutrition. The idea is to feed your body with all of the nutrients it was missing for so long. A good portion of those nutrients will be lost due to detoxification. Generally speaking, prolonged alcohol and drug abuse lead to feelings of tiredness, a weak immune system, digestive problems, dental problems, skin conditions, and so on. Let’s take a look at what foods will help you regain your strength and finally balance out your entire body.
Foods That Help Addiction Recovery
Your diet should consist of foods rich in nutrients that help balance the production of hormones in your brain. That will not only help you improve your overall health and wellbeing, but you will also be in a better mood and feel more energized. Here are a few foods that will definitely help you recover faster.
Fish and poultry
Both types of meats contain high levels of tyrosine, an important amino acid that plays a significant role in the creation of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. Both of these chemicals promote focus and a sense of wellbeing.
Bananas
Bananas are rich in tryptophan, another amino acid that isn’t processed correctly while using drugs or alcohol. It’s a critical amino acid that affects serotonin production. Serotonin is the so-called happiness hormone, so eating bananas can help improve your overall sleep quality and relaxation.
Vegetables
Vegetables are full of essential vitamins our bodies and brains need to function correctly. Eating vegetables during addiction recovery has a profound effect on restoring proper nutrition levels and helping your skin and hair regenerate better.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a natural probiotic full of good gut bacteria that promotes gut regeneration and helps improve overall nutrient absorption. It helps stabilize the digestive tract and helps you get rid of diarrhea, constipation, and gasses, which are very common among addicts.
Tofu
Tofu is a food that’s very easy to digest, and it’s full of proteins that help with liver recovery. It’s an excellent option that helps detoxify the body, improve overall liver function, and promote faster healing.
Ask For Professional Help
Addiction recovery is a very hard and mentally demanding process that can easily lead to a relapse if not done right. That’s why you should contact a professional to help guide you through the entire process. There are many different addiction recovery clinics and doctors that can help you get back on your feet.
Some people who can’t discipline themselves enough join a holistic recovery center that offers advanced programs and helps patients fully recover from their addictions. There’s nothing wrong with asking for professional help when health is concerned, especially for addiction recovery.
The Bottom Line
If you’re a recovering addict or if you’re thinking about making an effort towards a healthier life, you should definitely focus on changing your diet and eating healthy. Eliminate bad eating habits and replace them with healthier alternatives, and you will be able to stay sober and live a happier life. Don’t forget to contact a nutritionist and possibly a recovery center if you’re struggling on your own.