A vast majority of recovering addicts tend to tell themselves that it is okay to overindulge in sweets and other unhealthy foods while they are in the throws of detox and the beginning stages of sobriety. Unfortunately, this is more of a risk for recovering alcoholics who may have spent time in a rehab facility like https://www.aristarecovery.com/ as part of their journey to sobriety. Alcohol is typically saturated in sugar, so drying out tends to bring about some pretty powerful sugar cravings.
Swapping out an illegal drug habit for a sugar dependency is not a recommended course of action for any addict in recovery. A healthy diet is an important part of the healing process. Here are a few helpful nutritional tips for those seeking a healthier recovery process.
How good nutrition helps recovery
As it does for anyone, proper nutrition will help an addict in recovery to feel better from the inside out. Addiction does some pretty nasty damage to the body, and an addict seeking recovery has a hard road to travel. Proper nutrition will help to restore damaged organs tissues and strengthen the immune system.
Nutrition plays a vital role in sustaining one’s mood, as well. Changing a person’s diet will also affect their brain’s chemistry in a positive manner. Particular foods have been linked to a rise in the primary neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which both works to enhance a person’s mood. Recovering addicts can use proper eating habits to feel better physically and mentally.
How drug use damages the body
- Opiates – (Oxycodone, Heroin, Morphine, and Codeine) Affects the gastrointestinal system in the body. Common withdrawal symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Extreme detox symptoms could lead to an imbalance of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the body. Eat meals that are high in fiber and complex carbs.
- Alcohol – Alcohol use robs the body of vitamins B1, B6, and folic acid. Over time, lacking these nutrients can cause anemia and neurological problems. Alcohol is also particularly damaging to the liver and pancreas.
- Stimulants – (Crack, Cocaine, and Methamphetamine) These drugs reduce the user’s appetite and lead to weight loss due to poor nutrition. Dehydration is also a symptom. Addicts in recovery should hydrate and seek out a diet full of fruits and vegetables.
A balanced diet should include
Carbohydrates are the best remedy for low energy production in the body. Protein is a necessity for rebuilding damaged muscles. Fatty acids are needed for energy and to complete some vital chemical reactions in the body. Vitamins and minerals are helpful to complete essential metabolic activities, and water is the key to life.
The dangers of an unhealthy diet while in recovery
Bad food choices could affect a person’s ability to remain sober. Eating unhealthy foods will cause a person to feel sluggish and lack motivation. These mindsets are dangerous to a newly sober addict. Poor diet also affects health, and health complications during recovery are not helpful.