Addiction can break down many aspects of a person’s life, including their physical and mental health. When you begin the journey of recovery, it’s important to focus on holistic healing, which includes taking care of your nutrition. Proper nutrition can restore the damage substances wreak on the body and mind.
The Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Recovery
It is important to focus on healthy eating habits and nourish your body with essential nutrients while in recovery so you can create the foundation for a healthier future. Nutrition in addiction recovery is so important for many reasons. It will:
- Restore your physical health. Since a substance use disorder can lead to an array of health problems and weaken your immune system, eating a healthy diet can help rebuild your physical health. Essential nutrients will strengthen your immune system and improve your digestion.
- Support your mental health. Addiction can lead to issues such as depression and anxiety and affect your overall mood. When you nourish your body with foods that support your brain function, you can improve your mood and overall mental health. Nutrients that boost brain health include omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Help reduce cravings. It is not uncommon to struggle with cravings for alcohol or drugs while in recovery. Proper nutrition can help reduce cravings by giving your body what it needs to function properly. If you keep your body nourished with healthy foods, you are less likely to crave other substances.
- Give your energy levels a boost. In recovery, you need all the energy you can get to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Incorporating a healthy diet into your daily routine can give you the energy you need to take care of responsibilities, nurture relationships, and work toward long-term dreams.
- Build a foundation for lasting sobriety. If you develop healthy habits, you can reduce the risk of relapse and improve your life.
Nutrition Tips for Those in Recovery
Recovery from addiction can come with certain challenges. It’s tempting to replace substances with unhealthy foods that provide a temporary rush, like sugar, caffeine, and processed foods. The more you can follow the tips below, the more you can build the physical and mental strength needed to resist addictive patterns.
- Keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help flush toxins out of your body and support healthy digestion. Aim to drink water frequently throughout the day, and choose purified water over soft drinks, energy drinks, and other sugary options. If you do not like plain water, consider adding fresh fruit or a sugar-free flavor enhancer to your drink.
- Eat whole foods. Processed foods are often high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Instead, choose whole foods whenever possible. Whole foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods can help provide your body with essential nutrients that support healing and recovery.
- Avoid caffeine and sugar. Consuming caffeine and sugar can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. It’s hard to avoid caffeine and sugar altogether, but set a goal for yourself to cut back on your intake and replace processed sugars with sweet whole foods, like fruit.
- Keep on a schedule. You may have been on a tight schedule while at your recovery center, and you probably learned the value of a schedule in combating cravings. Sticking to a schedule after you leave treatment is immensely valuable. When it comes to food, eat meals on a regular schedule so you can keep your blood sugar levels stable and reduce cravings for substances.
If you are unsure how to get the nutrition you need in recovery, reach out for support. You may want to consider working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist who can help create a personalized eating plan and give you support as you journey through the recovery process.
Contact Mountain Laurel Recovery Center
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, Mountain Laurel Recovery Center, a leading Pennsylvania drug and alcohol addiction treatment center, is here to help. We offer a holistic approach to treatment and can tailor a personalized treatment plan that includes individual and group therapy, nutrition support, exercise, meditation, and more to meet your specific needs. To find out more about what programs and services are available in our Pennsylvania recovery center, please contact us today.
