The food you eat will definitely play a role in your battle against drug addiction. The right foods will help you in the recovery process and curb the ‘urges’ while keeping you energized throughout the day. If you are coming out of a heavy addiction period, your body will have already gone through some damage. There are certain ‘power’ foods that can help you reverse that damage and bring your health back. Let us take a look at some which can help your fight with drug addiction.
Green Vegetables
While planning out your diet for addiction recovery, don’t forget to include green vegetables! They contain numerous vitamins and minerals which will help combat the nutritional deficiencies many people face after periods of heavy drinking. Apart from this, they aid in digestion and removing alcohol from your body. Their high antioxidant levels are just what your body needs to repair damaged cells or organs in your body.
Fish
Drug addicts are more vulnerable to heart and liver conditions because heavy drug usage can damage the tissues of vital organs. Fish and fish oil are powerful foods that can reverse the damage caused due to a long or chronic addiction period. They are rich in Omega3 fatty acids which can help combat any neural damage especially, in your brain. Fish can also help prevent fatty liver and reduce inflammation. So make sure you include plenty of salmon, mackerel and trout in your meals. Although, if your heart or liver condition is severely deteriorated, a rehab program is the best way to go. The Muse drug treatment LA program aims to help addicts fight addiction and accelerate recovery with personalized therapy and treatment processes.
Berries
Berries not only help alcoholics control their sugar cravings but offer plenty of health benefits as well! They are high in fiber and antioxidants – something that every person recovering from drug addiction needs. Another surprising benefit is that they are great for your skin! A lot of drug addicts suffer from dehydration and this can affect their skin’s elasticity. Berries can help your skin look supple again because of their antioxidant content.
You can easily include berries with your morning cereal, on bread, or smoothie and even eat them as a healthy snack or dessert.
Bananas
Addicts usually complain of poor sleep and low energy during the deaddiction phase. Although medications can help with such withdrawal symptoms, their effect is temporary and the doses are limited. As such, you’ll need healthy comfort snacks that make your recovery journey smooth sailing. And a banana can prove to be the most convenient (and powerful) snack you can reach out for! Banana is a great source of potassium, vitamins B and C, and the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Potassium is an essential mineral that helps in stabilizing blood pressure, heart function and the entire nerves. Vitamins B and C boost immunity and tryptophan brings relaxation and improves sleep quality.
Eggs
Eggs are popularly known for being a good hangover cure but they have a number of other benefits as well. When you are fighting drug addiction, you tend to suffer from energy loss constantly. Consuming eggs can give you sustained energy because of their high protein and healthy fat content. Don’t stress about the fat, if you’re fighting alcoholism and obesity at the same time. Eggs contain healthy unsaturated fats, that give you a feeling of fullness (the good kind!) and prevent you from consuming more unhealthy calories. Make it a habit of eating one to two eggs in the morning to give yourself a much-needed energy boost.
Nuts
Addicts tend to snack a lot more because they struggle with having three whole meals a day. When you start your recovery process, you should start having meals at regular intervals with healthy snacks in between. Having a few nuts in between can help you curb your hunger and provide some important nutrients as well. In contrast to processed snacks which contain unhealthy fats, they contain fats that are monounsaturated and healthy for your body.
Whole Grains
When you start to include whole grains in your diet, you will start to notice changes in your mood and energy levels. It will reduce your risk of strokes, heart disease, anxiety, and stress disorder – which most drug addicts are at risk of developing. You can start by replacing your regular pasta and bread with whole-wheat substitutes. Incorporate foods like brown rice, millet, oats and quinoa into your diet. The high fiber content will also help prepare your digestive system after the damage done by drugs.
Beans and Lentils
There is a whole list of beans and lentils that are power-packed with protein and fiber that aid in restoring muscle strength and endurance. Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans, especially, are the superfoods to consider when you’re trying to get back your stamina post the deaddiction phase. Beans are rich in calcium and other minerals. They support bone health and can help restore lost bone density due to prolonged substance abuse. They are also great for keeping blood sugar and blood pressure in check. So next time you’re fixing yourself a bowl of salad, remember to mix up some beans. You can also make curries, hummus, and healthy bread spread with beans.
Dark Chocolate
After seeing the dark world of substance abuse, addicts might find the taste and effect of dark chocolate fairly delectable and comforting. Chocolate contains harmless stimulants and mood-lifting elements that can make the blues disappear, and promote a sense of happiness and wellbeing. Isn’t that what makes people crave addictive substances in the first place? Yes, chocolate can get addictive too. But we are talking of a harmless addiction here, so remember to stick to low-sugar high-cocoa dark chocolate to keep yourself on the healthy track!
Conclusion
Consulting a nutritionist or rehab professional can also help you decide which foods to include in your diet. Get lab tests to find out the nutrients you are deficient in and make sure you eat foods that are rich in those specific nutrients.
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