Drug addiction takes a threatening toll on your body. No matter what kind of drug or substance you are addicted to, it is challenging to recover from. One major reason for it being your physical weakness. Drugs suppress your appetite, which results in you eating less, which results in lesser nutrient consumption. You eat less and consume unhealthy meals. Your gut loses the ability to absorb nutrients, and your wellness is compromised.
Experts at Lantana Recovery, an addiction recovery center, emphasize on eating healthy foods since they play a vital role in adjusting brain chemistry back to normal. If your body is receiving all the essential vitamins, minerals, and energy sources, the happy hormones start flowing in your body. They uplift your mood when you start eating the right food.
You must take whole foods, whether it is fruit, vegetables, meat or grains. You have to remember that during recovery, you are eating to make up for the loss of nutrients so you cannot afford to eat unhealthy food.
But what should you eat? Here are some of the most effective foods that help you during addiction recovery
1. Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich in fiber which helps you improve your digestive system destroyed by addiction. Fiber-rich foods work like probiotics; they give a push to digestive health. Cereals are packed with antioxidants too, which recover you from lungs and brain damage.
But be wise in your choice of carbohydrates; opt for oats, quinoa seeds, whole grain bread instead of refined carbohydrates. All nuts and seeds are significant mineral and vitamin sources. Use peanuts, almonds, and pistachios; these contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, which are essential for the normal functioning of the body.
2. Leafy Greens
Leafy green vegetables are rich in antioxidants that slow down and resist cell damage. They are also a great source of vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens are beneficial to recover from lung damage because of these properties. These leafy vegetables are also rich in fiber, folate, and carotenoids, and also contain phytochemicals. Try using more kale, spinach, romaine, dandelion greens, and others of the same family. It will also improve skin and hair, which is a reflection of a person’s inner health.
3. Colorful Fruits And Vegetables
Some fruits like blueberries are the best sources of antioxidants. These antioxidants can help get rid of toxins and wastes stored in your body because of substance abuse. Bananas contain an amino acid tryptophan which your body is unable to process during addition. This amino acid is essential for the formation of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which promotes relaxation and proper sleep.
On the other hand, vegetables and fruits are a significant source of vitamins. When your body suffers at the side of addiction, your body undergoes malnutrition. In-taking maximum vegetables and fruits can fill these gaps. Remember one thing, the more colors on your plate, the more vitamins you in-take mix them up. They also mean great skin and hair.
4. Dairy
Constipation and diarrhea are common in alcohol and opiate addiction. Your gut doesn’t do very well. Dairy products, yogurt, in particular, are packed with probiotics. Probiotics help get your digestive system back on track and restore your digestive system.
5. Lean Protein
Fish and poultry also contain an amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine is responsible for mental wellness and a sense of well-being. It is not processed correctly during drug addiction. Starting to add lean protein to your diet can restart its absorption and send some happy signals to the brain. It ultimately motivates the patient to stay on a proper diet and refrain from taking drugs.
The above foods might seem too much or too strict, but making a balanced meal plan can make a difference. Instead of getting packed food, try to benefit from locally grown food that will strat nourishing you from within, giving you a sense of improvement. It can serve as a motivation for you to continue maintaining a healthy diet.
Although the above mentioned foods help you in recovery but it should also be kept in mind that they might not work for everyone. Some people might have some sort of allergic reactions to the above mentioned foods, in which case they should avoid it..