22 Sep Nutrition and Recovery

The abuse of drugs and alcohol wreak havoc on the body. Continued use of drugs or alcohol weakens the immune system, leaving you vulnerable to infection and other disease. Addicts often don’t consume enough calories to sustain their immune systems, consequently becoming malnourished and sickly. Liver damage, heart damage, and poor digestive health are all consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. Getting your body back in top shape is an important aspect of recovery, and one you should take seriously. Here are some tips on how to nourish your body back to health.

Eat More Antioxidants
It’s pivotal to pay attention to your immune system when beginning substance abuse treatment. Foods rich in antioxidants will protect your body’s cells from damage and start to rebuild your immune system. Adding antioxidant rich foods to your regular diet is easy, as so many delicious foods are full of them. Try eating more blackberries, walnuts, strawberries, cranberries, and blueberries. Make a smoothie for a boost that will last all day.

Eat Fiber to Regulate Your Digestive System
The abuse of drugs can cause gastrointestinal damage, constipation, liver damage, and inflammation of the stomach. Eating foods packed with fiber will help combat these effects and get your digestive system back on track. Eat foods like black beans, lima beans, broccoli, avocados, and spinach. You can even sneakily add more fiber to your regular meals by adding chia seeds or flax seeds. Add them to a smoothie, or sprinkle over cooked vegetables for some bonus fiber.

Use Protein to Stabilize Dopamine Production
After prolonged abuse of drugs and alcohol, the body doesn’t release dopamine the way it used to. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that signals the reward center of the brain, and is often released in huge amounts when drugs are taken, signaling a “high”. The low levels of dopamine present in the brain after addiction can make people feel depressed and tired, and craving another high. Stabilizing dopamine production by eating foods rich in protein will make you less likely to crave drugs again, and will improve your overall mood and outlook on life. Eggs, milk, cheese, steak, chicken, lentils, and almonds all pack a powerful punch of protein.

Proper nutrition will greatly aid your journey toward recovery. Overcoming addiction isn’t easy, but taking the necessary steps toward health will make it all the easier. Florida Recovery Group offers nutritional and weight loss counseling to further your efforts.

If you’re looking for rehabs in Delray Beach, check out how we can help. Recovery is a team effort. If you need help, please call us today at (561) 330-4688 or visit floridarecoverygroup.com