How can good nutrition help?
Substance abuse can cause a person to make poor food choices, or it can make them forget about eating at all. This, together with the effects of the substance, can have many negative effects on the body: it can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), gastrointestinal issues, and even organ damage. Too much alcohol can keep nutrients from being properly absorbed into the body, and alcohol abuse can lead to deficiencies in thiamine (B1), vitamin B6, and folic acid, which can lead to anemia.
Proper nutrition is also important for the brain to function properly, and not getting the right nutrients can make recovery even harder, because the brain is working hard trying to adjust to all of the changes made during recovery. A healthy brain requires omega-3s and omega-6s, amino acids, carbohydrates, and dietary fat.
Nutrition tips for recovery
If you know the importance of good nutrition, that is a step in the right direction! But you should also keep in mind that you shouldn’t put added stress on yourself about your diet. Set small goals for eating better; you don’t have to change everything about your diet overnight. Don’t cut out your comfort foods completely – such a drastic move can lead to frustration, which can cause you to give up on trying to eat better. And, it can help to plan meals in advance. If you stock up on nutritious food you won’t grab the first snack you can find when you are hungry.
Wasatch Crest Treatment in Heber, Utah, has a variety of programs to help patients overcome drug and alcohol addiction – but eating right is an excellent way to start feeling better. Call (800) 385-3507 today for more information on recovery.
