Substance Recovery
Proper nutrition and hydration are key to the substance abuse healing process because they help restore physical and mental health and improve the chance of recovery. Conversely, macro-and micronutrient deficiencies can lead to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and low energy, all of which can lead someone to start using drugs or alcohol or trigger a relapse.
Many key factors affect mood regarding food. For example, when we experience certain nutritional deficiencies, our brains lose the ability to work to their fullest. As a result, moods can be negatively altered, and the human body cannot grow and repair itself satisfactorily. On the other hand, when the body and mind are adequately and consistently nourished, the brain will naturally produce chemicals that help in the fight against depression.
Substance abuse generally leads to a lack of proper nutrition, either because of not eating enough throughout the day or foods that are low in necessary nutrients. Certain substances, such as stimulants, may suppress appetite and disrupt metabolic and neuroendocrine regulation, leading to improper calorie consumption and impaired nutrient processing. Other substances may lead to an increase in appetite, causing weight gain.
I approach healing from substance abuse or mental health issues practically and holistically.
How nutrition therapy for addiction relates to the recovery process
- Recovering from substance abuse reduces many of the risks associated with addiction. Research suggests that nutrition, exercise, and focusing on the individual’s health are essential for recovery. A healthy body provides a strong foundation for recovery, making it possible to maintain personal goals. Conversely, poor health makes the substance tempting and causes cravings for the drug or alcohol.
Impact of nutrition on health and cravings:
- Drug or alcohol abuse depletes certain nutrients in the body. In some situations, nutrient deficiencies directly cause health concerns. Poor nutrition harms physical health.
The importance of nutritional therapy for addiction:
-
Research shows that a healthy body is essential if an individual is recovering because it allows them to focus on the spiritual, emotional, or mental health complications that make substance abuse tempting.
-
Although nutrition therapy does not directly prevent cravings for a substance, it does balance out nutrients and prevent deficiencies. Since nutrient deficiencies contribute to cravings for the substance, eliminating those deficiencies also helps reduce the cravings.
Obtaining a healthy body
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in the health of the human body. Without the proper combination of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, the body does not have the building blocks required for healing and recovery.
Incorporating nutrition therapy for addictions
- The recovery process takes time, but a holistic action plan will incorporate nutrition therapy into the program. Physical and emotional health are essential for addiction recovery. An unhealthy body distracts individuals from their recovery goals and makes a substance tempting.
- Individuals will naturally heal and improve their physical well-being by including nutrition therapy in recovery. As a result, the individual focuses on the underlying causes of addiction and has a lower risk of relapsing.
TOGETHER, LET’S TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR NUTRITION.
ASK ASHLEY A QUESTION OR LET HER KNOW YOU’RE INTERESTED IN NUTRITION COUNSELING BY FILLING OUT THE FORM ON THE CONTACT PAGE.