Did you know that neglecting to practice proper self-care can be a relapse trigger for those who are recovering from addiction? The right nutrition is key to kicking the habit for good. Here are the facts to help you stay strong in your resolve to lead a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Overcoming bad eating habits
You may follow poor eating habits when you are in the midst of a drug or alcohol addiction. For instance, you will often skip meals, consume less food in general, as well as suffer the loss of important vitamins and minerals through vomiting and diarrhea, both of which are likely to follow a binge. It is important to tackle and remedy these bad habits from the get-go during your recovery. Eat regular meals, make nutritious food choices, and strive to eat everything in moderation.
Balancing the chemicals in the brain
There are numerous foods out there that can play a substantial role in helping to balance the serotonin levels in the brain both during and after rehab. Serotonin is essentially a hormone that boosts the mood and assists you in feeling more relaxed, both of which are imperative when it comes to avoiding relapse. Complex carbohydrates, in particular, are chockfull of ingredients that will help to balance the chemicals in the brain. These foods include legumes, wholewheat bread and pasta, and root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots.
Replenish your vitamins
Those recovering from drug or alcohol abuse may find themselves deficient in various vitamins. For example, recovering alcoholics will often be lacking in vitamin C, thiamine, folate or folic acid, and B12. Along with vitamins, your minerals may also be depleted. Magnesium, calcium, and zinc are all of concern for those recovering specifically from an alcohol addiction. The main signs of a vitamin and mineral deficiency are a weak immune system, fatigue, and feeling depressed. There might also be physical symptoms, such as dental cavities, skin conditions, and digestive problems, whether chronic constipation or diarrhea.
Start slow
While great nutrition is important for optimal recovery, you will need to start off slow, especially during the initial stages of overcoming the addiction. This is because your body will not be used to digesting large or rich portions of food and may react negatively to being suddenly overloaded. Many Unitedhealthcare rehab centers will be able to refer you to a nutritionist for help if you are struggling to get your diet back on track. Wondering how to find rehab centers that take Unitedhealthcare patients? Visit www.toprehab.net
Balancing your diet
Keen to maximize your diet for recovery? It should include the following:
50% complex carbohydrates (root vegetables, whole wheat products, legumes)
15% protein (chicken, beans, fish etc.)
30% healthy fats (coconut oil, nuts, avocado, oily fish)
5 – 10% dairy and other products rich in calcium (milk, yoghurt, broccoli etc.)
Focus on feeding your body the nutrients that it needs and you will soon be one step closer to making your recovery stick. Healthy body, healthy mind.
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