This often results in people skipping meals or eating poorly, habits that result in malnutrition. This means that even if you are managing to eat regular, healthy meals while living with an addiction, your body is not gaining the full benefit of that food.

Alcohol causes damage to the lining of the stomach and intestines, leaving your body less able to absorb nutrients.

The pancreas, which is critical to producing chemicals needed for digestion, is also negatively affected by alcohol abuse. Long-term alcohol abuse also leads to vitamin deficiencies, which can, in turn, cause other physical ailments like anaemia or problems with the nervous system.

The use of stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, has a significant impact on appetite, as these drugs send signals to the brain that block the natural impulses to eat and sleep. Dehydration is common during binges, as is a balance in electrolytes that can compound malnutrition.

For some, dehydration causes severe dry mouth, which when combined with a lack of attention to dental care leads to tooth decay. Excess weight can lead to a variety of other health conditions including high blood pressure and heart problems. Opioids like oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl and morphine significantly slow down body functions, making digestion less efficient.

Constipation is a common problem among people using opioids, and can also negatively affect appetite and create other digestive issues. Withdrawal from opioids can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be severe. This can contribute to dehydration and an imbalance of electrolytes that can make it difficult for your body to function normally.

When you begin recovery, whole foods — as in foods that are not processed, ready-made or otherwise altered from their original form — should be prioritised. Whole foods include things like eggs, fruit, vegetables, meat, quinoa or oats.

These foods possess a diverse array of nutrients that help nourish both your body and mind. Because in early recovery you are most likely still operating at a nutritional deficit caused by addiction, it is important to target specific vitamin and mineral-rich foods to help replenish your stores and regulate your body functions.

These include whole foods with essential amino acids, vitamins and nutrients like the ones listed here. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps us feel calm and relaxed, and is key in managing stress. In early recovery you may be struggling with anxiety and insomnia, and so foods known for boosting GABA levels are helpful in alleviating these symptoms.

Try: cherry tomatoes, shrimp, kefir. Antioxidants have gotten a lot of attention in recent years, and for good reason. Their protection against cell damage makes them a powerful nutrient towards good health.

In recovery, antioxidants help cleanse the body and rebuild a weakened immune system. Try: berries, pecans, leeks, onions, artichokes.

Try: beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, citrus fruits, brown rice, barley, lentils, beans. Tyrosine is an amino acid that acts as a precursor for the neurotransmitter dopamine, a key chemical in boosting mood and cultivating a sense of feeling good.

Dopamine is often depleted through addiction, and in recovery these low levels can make you feel apathetic, depressed, and weary. Eating foods that are high in tyrosine helps your body produce more dopamine.

Try: cheese, whole grains, pork, lamb, beef, bananas, sunflower seeds, soybeans. Another power-packed amino acid, L-glutamine benefits the immune system, and has antioxidant properties that help reduce sugar cravings.

Sugar cravings are common in recovery, but high levels of sugar can cause a host of negative effects on both physical and mental health. Try: dark, leafy greens, papaya, Brussels sprouts, celery, carrots, beans, beets, and foods high in protein. This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, another mood-boosting neurotransmitter.

For instance, studies show a link between depression and low vitamin levels. Your mental health can impact your dietary requirements, and vice versa. Your care team may advise a meal plan, IV therapy, or even fasting.

Ask your admissions team about their approach to nutrition, and how that will impact your treatment plan. A 5-star Yelp-rated Luxury Treatment Center in Malibu, offering a majestic ocean view, doctorate-level therapy sessions, and private ensuite rooms.

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Because nutrition is such a large part of both recovery and everyday life, it can affect every aspect of rehab. Every center has its own way of integrating nutrition into the healing process. Many luxury rehabs employ nutrition specialists or other food experts.

For example, you might work closely with a nutritionist or dietitian. They may also give you vitamins, minerals, or other supplements. And when talented chefs design the daily menu, you can look forward to every meal.

Some rehabs create individualized meal plans to bring your body back into balance. They can then make changes based on real-time feedback.

Many centers offer nutrition education, so you can learn life skills before finishing treatment. This helps clients make long-term plans for their ongoing nutritional health. You can continue to benefit from proper nutrition on your own after learning about balanced eating from professionals.

Inpatient treatment centers like Paracelsus Recovery in Switzerland help you set up long-term nutrition plans.

Some centers even help find support for you closer to home in your aftercare. And for many people, food can be a positive, healthy way to find that joy.

Explore our searchable list of luxury rehabs and filter your search by dietary preference, see centers that offer gourmet dining, and more.

University, U. Diet, nutrition, and substance use disorder. Substance use recovery and diet: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Baldini, A. The Primary Care Companion to CNS Disorders, 14 3 , PCC.

Panarese, A. Chronic functional constipation is strongly linked to vitamin D deficiency. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 25 14 , — Mahboub, N. Nutrition Reviews, 79 6 , — Gottfredson, N. Explaining excessive weight gain during early recovery from addiction.

Cowan, J. Food, eating, and weight concerns of men in recovery from substance addiction. Appetite, 50 1 , 33— Ross, J. The mood cure: The 4-step program to take charge of your emotions--today. Carabotti, M. The gut-brain axis: Interactions between enteric microbiota, central and enteric nervous systems.

Clapp, M. Clinics and Practice, 7 4 , Rao, T. Understanding nutrition, depression and mental illnesses. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 50 2 , 77— Eating disorders.

Froreich, F. Dimensions of control and their relation to disordered eating behaviours and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Journal of Eating Disorders, 4, Tardy, A. Vitamins and minerals for energy, fatigue and cognition: A narrative review of the biochemical and clinical evidence.

Nutrients, 12 1 , We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and addiction. Any center that meets our criteria can list for free. We do not and have never accepted fees for referring someone to a particular center. Providers who advertise with us must be verified by our Research Team and we clearly mark their status as advertisers.

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New Jersey. Canada British Columbia. Australia Queensland. New South Wales. Latin America Costa Rica. Europe United Kingdom. Africa Tunisia. South Africa. If your body suffers from nutritional deficiencies, it could make it more difficult to maintain recovery and manage cravings over time.

Creating a nutritional plan can help you make sure you are eating healthy foods and consuming the proper nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. If you need help creating your nutritional plan, contact the Northstar Transitions team at We can help you maintain your recovery for the long haul.

Eating Healthy in Recovery: Nutritional Planning. December 19, You may know that nutrition is crucial to a successful recovery, even years after you leave rehab. Addiction and Diet Individuals struggling with active addiction typically have a poor diet. Nutritional Deficiencies in Recovery When you start the path to recovery, your body may be lacking the crucial vitamins and minerals it needs to survive and heal.

Some common deficiencies found in those that have struggled with drug or alcohol addiction include: Vitamin D It is not uncommon for those that struggled with addiction to have a vitamin D deficiency.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine A deficiency of Acetyl-L-Carnitine ALCAR is common in those that struggled with stimulant drugs. Calcium When the body is undergoing active addiction, it cannot absorb calcium properly, causing a calcium deficiency. Nutritional Planning Although many people think you need to focus on therapy, medication, and other treatment methods for addiction to recover, you should also learn more about diet and nutrition.

Some things to consider in your nutrition plan may be: Healthy Foods When creating your nutritional plan, remember to include real foods that will give you the proper nutrients needed to remain healthy and boost your recovery. Consistent Meal Times It is understandable to be caught in a chaotic schedule when you return to work and school, but try to stick to consistent meal times.

Hydrate Water can do wonders for the body. Nutrients You should make sure you are replenishing your body with the nutrients it needs to grow stronger. P: F. Privacy Policy.

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If you still need some extra support, sitting down with your therapist and talking through the nutritional aspect of recovery can be helpful in building this into your overall recovery plan.

A nutritionist is also well-placed to help craft a meal plan suited to your unique needs. The Dawn Wellness Centre and Rehab focuses on a holistic, integrated approach to recovery from addiction. Our clients have access to a range of effective psychotherapeutic techniques as well as proven wellness practices like yoga, meditation, fitness training, and massage.

We work with every one of our clients to develop a personalised recovery plan adapted to your specific needs and goals. At The Dawn you will live at a beautiful riverfront sanctuary located in Northern Thailand where you can recover in a relaxed, cosy ambience and truly focus on yourself.

We offer a delicious buffet with healthy international and Thai foods that can be tailored to your dietary requirements. Call us today to learn more about how we can support your full, well-rounded recovery. Copyright © The Dawn.

All Rights Reserved. We Have Helped Over Clients Heal and Recover. Call Us For a Confidential Consultation. Call Us Now For a Confidential Consultation. Table of Contents. Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Nutrition Addiction draws attention away from basic needs as the mind and body grow increasingly focused on feeding the dependency.

Stimulants The use of stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine, has a significant impact on appetite, as these drugs send signals to the brain that block the natural impulses to eat and sleep. Opioids Opioids like oxycodone, heroin, fentanyl and morphine significantly slow down body functions, making digestion less efficient.

Foods that Nourish Your Recovery — and Make You Feel Great When you begin recovery, whole foods — as in foods that are not processed, ready-made or otherwise altered from their original form — should be prioritised.

GABA-Boosters GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps us feel calm and relaxed, and is key in managing stress. Try: cherry tomatoes, shrimp, kefir Antioxidants Antioxidants have gotten a lot of attention in recent years, and for good reason.

Try: beef, pork, poultry, fish, eggs, citrus fruits, brown rice, barley, lentils, beans Tyrosine Tyrosine is an amino acid that acts as a precursor for the neurotransmitter dopamine, a key chemical in boosting mood and cultivating a sense of feeling good. Try: cheese, whole grains, pork, lamb, beef, bananas, sunflower seeds, soybeans L-Glutamine Another power-packed amino acid, L-glutamine benefits the immune system, and has antioxidant properties that help reduce sugar cravings.

Try: dark, leafy greens, papaya, Brussels sprouts, celery, carrots, beans, beets, and foods high in protein Tryptophan This amino acid is a precursor to serotonin, another mood-boosting neurotransmitter.

Try: beans, lentils, cheese, turkey, pork, lamb, oat bran, tuna Detoxifying Your Diet: Where to Begin With all the lifestyle changes that come with recovery, thinking about how to restructure your diet might seem overwhelming.

Feeding Your Body and Mind at The Dawn The Dawn Wellness Centre and Rehab focuses on a holistic, integrated approach to recovery from addiction. Private Accommodation in a Riverfront Sanctuary At The Dawn you will live at a beautiful riverfront sanctuary located in Northern Thailand where you can recover in a relaxed, cosy ambience and truly focus on yourself.

Related Posts Are You Addicted to Sugar? Finish the first Is Food Addiction Really an Addiction? Understanding the parallels THE DAWN WELLNESS CENTRE AND REHAB THAILAND 5, Nong Tong, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai Treatment Services.

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Call Us For a Confidential Consultation US CALLERS. UK CALLERS. OTHER COUNTRIES. Related Article: Finding the Right Alcohol Addiction Rehab Center: Factors to Consider. The first step to addiction recovery is undertaking a specialized detox program handled by certified recovery experts. Afterwards, addiction rehab programs may recommend individual therapy sessions, cognitive behavioural therapy and other solutions to help you develop the tools for long-term recovery.

Alongside, a comprehensive nutrition program is a key component of the addiction recovery procedure. Proper nutrition is essential in repairing the damage caused by substance abuse. Nutrients help your body rebuild tissues, repair organs, and restore overall health.

Substance abuse affects your eating habits, often leading to undernourishment and malnutrition. As such, nutrition and nourishment often get left on the back burner.

Proper nutrition can help address these deficiencies and nourish your brain. Eating well provides your body with the essential building blocks to support neuroplasticity.

Enhancing neuroplasticity is an especially key role of nutrition in recovery since addiction changes how your brain behaves. The lack of essential nutrients during drug abuse can worsen mood imbalances, increase feelings of depression and anxiety, and hinder your overall mental well-being.

Certain foods can positively impact your mood and mental well-being. For instance, foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains and leafy greens, can help alleviate depression and anxiety, common challenges faced during recovery. Proper nutrition also directly impacts the operation of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine — all of which play key roles in regulating mood and emotions.

A diet rich in essential nutrients can help restore these neurotransmitter levels, supporting your mental health and emotional resilience. Nutrition aids your addiction recovery by balancing blood sugar levels, which are crucial in maintaining energy and focus throughout the day.

You can achieve this by incorporating complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables into your diet. This intentional act can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing mood swings and cravings.

The damaging effects of addiction include poor eating choices and gastrointestinal disorders. Adequate intake of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids helps facilitate the healing process in the gut, allowing it to function optimally.

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, can contribute to gut healing and overall well-being. A healthy gut is essential for nutrient absorption and overall well-being. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented foods can promote gut health and improve nutrient uptake.

Proper nutrition can help reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol. Protein-rich foods like lean meats, tofu, and legumes can provide longer-lasting energy, preventing energy crashes that might trigger cravings.

Related Article: The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction: Understanding the Complex Relationship. Remember, your journey to recovery is unique, and being patient and kind to yourself is essential. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, and be gentle during setbacks.

Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and professionals who understand and empathize with your situation. You have the strength within you to transform your life and find hope and healing in every step of your recovery.

And here at Addiction Rehab Toronto , we can help you find the perfect nutritional diet. Call us at today to learn more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Adding {{itemName}} to cart.

A healthy gut is essential for nutrient absorption and overall well-being. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and fermented foods can promote gut health and improve nutrient uptake.

Proper nutrition can help reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol. Protein-rich foods like lean meats, tofu, and legumes can provide longer-lasting energy, preventing energy crashes that might trigger cravings.

Related Article: The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction: Understanding the Complex Relationship. Remember, your journey to recovery is unique, and being patient and kind to yourself is essential.

Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, and be gentle during setbacks. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and professionals who understand and empathize with your situation.

You have the strength within you to transform your life and find hope and healing in every step of your recovery. And here at Addiction Rehab Toronto , we can help you find the perfect nutritional diet. Call us at today to learn more. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Adding {{itemName}} to cart. Common issues include: Loss of appetite : Many substances suppress appetite or cause you to forget eating altogether. Poor eating choices : Under the influence, you might make poor decisions, leading to an unhealthy fast food or sweets diet.

Hypoglycemi a: Low blood sugar due to insufficient sustenance or a proper diet. Organ damage : Most drugs cause direct harm to the organs responsible for nutrient breakdown and processing. Gastrointestinal disorders : Alcohol and drugs contribute to chronic issues in the gastrointestinal tract, hindering nutrient absorption from food.

Related Article: Finding the Right Alcohol Addiction Rehab Center: Factors to Consider How Nutrition Can Aid Addiction Recovery The first step to addiction recovery is undertaking a specialized detox program handled by certified recovery experts.

Rebuilding Your Body Proper nutrition is essential in repairing the damage caused by substance abuse. Enhancing Neuroplasticity Substance abuse affects your eating habits, often leading to undernourishment and malnutrition.

Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds are known to promote brain health and may aid in restoring cognitive functions affected by addiction. Vitamin B12 is essential for forming myelin, a protective sheath around nerve cells that promotes proper neural connectivity.

Alternatively, it could be that you have gained weight following a critical illness or major surgery - especially if you are experiencing mobility problems.

If this is the case, your recovery diet plan will be tailored to include nutrient-rich foods that are low in fat and support blood sugar levels to lose weight effectively.

Discover more about working with a nutritional professional for weight management. Loss of appetite can be an obstacle when it comes to recovery from illness or surgery. Getting back into the habit of eating regular meals can be difficult after a period of disruption or lack of food.

If you were fed through a tube in your nose nasogastric tube while you were in the hospital, it may take some time to get used to the taste and texture of food again.

To help improve your appetite, a nutritionist will devise a diet plan that includes small, frequent meals and snacks to help make eating a regular part of your daily routine. You will be encouraged to eat with others to help detract your focus from food and your nutritionist will advise you on how much water to drink during the day and whether or not to drink with your meals.

Smoothies and juices may also be recommended as a great way of getting nutrients without being overwhelmed by solid foods. If regular exercise forms a key part of your rehabilitation programme, your nutritionist will ensure your diet supports muscle growth and repair.

All of the body's cells, tissues and organs are made from amino acids, which are the building blocks of foods high in protein. Therefore your diet plan will likely include plenty of protein-rich foods, such as lean meats, fish, natural yoghurt, nuts and seeds and eggs - depending on your individual nutritional needs.

Tissue repair will also require plenty of iron, zinc and vitamin C, so your nutritionist will probably recommend including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet, including berries, leafy greens, beans and lentils.

If you are undergoing or have had cancer treatment, nutritional support is considered essential for maintaining energy levels, fighting infection and keeping body tissue healthy.

The right nutrition can also help to reduce the side effects of aggressive forms of therapy, and it is believed some cancer treatments work better when patients are well-nourished and have enough calories and protein in their diet.

Well-nourished patients are also considered to have a better chance of recovery and quality of life. To find out more about cancer recovery and rehabilitation, please visit our cancer page. Major surgery and critical illness can affect immune function. If you have experienced weight-loss, have had prolonged inactivity and are lacking in vital nutrients due to loss of appetite, your body's immune system is likely to be very weak.

This puts you at risk of catching colds, viruses and other infections, which could seriously hinder the recovery process. Your nutritionist will make sure your nutrition recovery diet plan is tailored to include lots of antioxidant-rich foods to boost your immune system and reduce the risk of further illness.

Fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants, as well as beans, nuts and whole grains. Whilst inflammation is a natural healing process in the body, it can lead to pain and fatigue. Providing the body with nutrients that help reduce inflammation and speed up recovery is therefore a key consideration.

You may be encouraged to cut back on foods that are high in sugar, saturated fat, and hydrogenated fats such as margarine , and minimise processed and low GI foods - all of which can trigger inflammation. Instead, your diet plan will include foods like oily fish high in omega-3 fatty acids , berries, orange and yellow fruits, vegetables particularly tomatoes, peppers, leafy greens and beetroot , as well as spices such as ginger and turmeric which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Recovery from illness or major surgery can be a frustrating and deeply emotional time, and while nutrition can provide valuable support in maintaining energy levels and boosting your physical health, looking after your mental health during this time may require more support.

If you have undergone treatment for a particularly serious condition such as cancer or heart disease, you will probably be feeling extremely anxious and depressed.

Your illness or surgery may have had quite an impact on your relationships, work and home life and your self-esteem may be very low. If this is the case, you need to share your concerns with the people closest to you and seek advice from the nurses, doctors, and therapists helping with your recovery.

Speaking to your nutritionist can also help, as they can work on tailoring your nutrition for recovery diet to include foods that can help boost emotional well-being.

A nutritionist can also provide valuable advice on looking after your mental health in the long term by avoiding certain foods and drinks that can affect your mood and interfere with certain medications, as well as advising on foods that can provide the brain with essential nutrients.

To find out more about nutrition and emotional well-being, please visit our mental health page. All content displayed on Nutritionist Resource is provided for general information purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for advice given by your GP or any other healthcare professional.

Please note we are unable to provide any personal advice via this feedback form. If you do require further information or advice, please search for a professional to contact them directly.

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Another issue is opioid-induced constipation, which can become severe over time. As the condition worsens, appetite suppression increases and eating can become painful.

Stopping opioid abuse and increasing fiber intake is the only way to get back on track after opioids have hijacked your nutrition. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and heavily reduced food intake inevitably lead to malnutrition in those who use stimulants heavily.

Some of the problems from this lack of nutrition include:. A treatment program that pays close attention to nutrition for recovering addicts will create a meal plan with appropriate portions that will allow a healthy reintroduction of healthful food into the body.

Marijuana is known to significantly increase appetite. While this can be helpful for people with chronic diseases like cancer, it can be dangerous for people without conditions because it encourages them to eat more often, in greater quantities and with less attention toward nutrition.

Someone abusing marijuana is likely to choose foods typically associated with cravings, such as those that contain significant amounts of saturated fat, sugar and salt. Consuming a diet like this long-term increases cholesterol, possibly leading to heart disease and failure.

It may also contribute to diabetes. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and addiction recovery means understanding the roles nutrients play in the body. There are six nutrient groups derived from food that are considered essential, and they can be divided into micronutrients and macronutrients.

Macronutrients are those your body needs in large amounts each day to function. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, while the macronutrients you need are protein, fat, carbohydrates and water. The human body needs 13 different essential vitamins to stay healthy.

They are categorized by fat solubility or water solubility. Fat-soluble vitamins are:. The other type of micronutrient is minerals. Within this category is another division: major and trace minerals. The major minerals are:.

These minerals allow your body to keep appropriate hydration levels, plus healthy hair and bones. The trace minerals you need are:. Proteins are often referred to as the building blocks of the body. While it is most closely associated with muscle building, protein is found in every cell of the body , from bones to skin and hair.

Proteins are composed of a variety of amino acids. Your body is able to synthesize some of the amino acids on its own, but there are several you can only absorb from food. The body needs varied sources of protein for optimal function.

Fat has gotten a bad rap in recent decades, as it can be associated with weight gain and poor health. However, it is essential to distinguish between unhealthy saturated or trans fats and healthy fat types like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Healthy fats are necessary for:. Carbohydrates, or carbs, are another nutrient that has been targeted for heavy reduction or elimination by diet fads. However, carbohydrates are essential for the function of the central nervous system and brain.

Foods that include bleached flour and sugar should be avoided, while complex carbohydrates like whole grains and starchy vegetables should be heavily incorporated into a diet for recovering alcoholics or addicts. While the body can withstand malnutrition for weeks, if not longer, dehydration quickly becomes a matter of life or death.

Critical examples include facilitating brain function, improving mood, flushing out toxins and transferring nutrients between cells. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest Neuroplasticity is a key concept in addiction recovery.

Once addiction has forced changes in the brain, however, it damages neuroplasticity and makes it much harder to adapt to sobriety. Additionally, the adaptations that the brain develops disrupt crucial neuropathways, decreasing neurotransmitters and their ability to move normally through the brain.

Brain imaging studies have revealed that drug addiction disrupts connectivity between different parts of the brain, making it more difficult to re-stabilize healthy neurotransmission during recovery. Fortunately, adequate nutrition can improve neuroplasticity by helping the brain replenish normal amounts of neurotransmitters.

Here is how the building blocks of nutrition help restore plasticity to the brain:. The majority of evidence-based treatment programs understand the importance of nutrition for recovering addicts and incorporate nutrition plans to help clients heal more fully.

Designing a meal plan that is balanced and satisfying is one way to significantly improve the experience of treatment. The steps in nutrition incorporation vary between treatment centers, but you can expect a process similar to the steps below:. As part of the intake process, clients meet with a physician for a review of health history and discussion of the specific issues related to substance abuse.

The review should include a talk about eating habits and weight that touches on:. As the brain is working to re-balance itself after chronic drug and alcohol abuse, the stress hormone cortisol is over-produced and can deplete critical nutrients, including:. Once specific deficiencies have been targeted, the nutritionist can plan meals designed to replenish the missing nutrients while also providing the client with well-balanced amounts of all six essential nutrients.

The development of a nutritional plan for those in recovery involves planning out meals and determining an appropriate meal schedule that meshes with other activities in the treatment plan. This also involves taking into account any issues the client has around food, including eating disorders.

Another good source of tyrosine is dark chocolate, which can be included in your diet in moderation. Although sweets, such as ice cream and candy, can trigger the release of dopamine, they can also lead to an addictive dopamine cycle.

While in recovery, one should be cautious of their sweet intake as sweets release huge spikes in dopamine levels, which trigger the brain to want more dopamine at higher levels. Eating sweets can also lead to a sugar crash shortly after eating, which can cause emotional instability.

Many people in or after treatment use food as a way to feel better and avoid their emotions. This can lead to food addiction and obesity which affects self-esteem and can result in a disastrous cycle of eating to cope with emotions.

In addition to nutritional education, rehabs and sober living homes may offer cooking classes and encourage clients to drink a lot of water. Patients and residents typically have little access to fried foods, artificial sweeteners, and desserts.

Healthy nutrition post-rehab can become a new hobby for many patients, creating positive, long-term physical and mental changes. People struggling with substance abuse have a higher risk of many health conditions.

Many of these health conditions can be helped by both achieving sobriety through rehab and by improving nutrition. Some of the most common and prominent include:.

Getting help with a substance abuse disorder is the key to living an empowered life. If you or a loved one struggle with substance abuse, contact a treatment provider today. Future patients can inquire about cuisines and nutritional plans.

Additionally, they can explore if facilities cater to patients with food allergies, or those who prefer specific targets. Change starts today. More from Krystina Murray. All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

More from Theresa Parisi. Saiz, Alyssa. Substance Abuse and Nutrition. Nutrition In Recovery From Addiction. Substance Use Recovery And Diet. The Role Of Nutrition In Recovery From Alcohol And Drug Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide Third Edition. Call Calls to numbers on a specific treatment center listing will be routed to that treatment center. All calls are private and confidential. Find out more about Rehab Spot.

Chats will be received and answered by one of treatment providers listed below, each of which is a paid advertiser:. All chats are private and confidential. Call now for addiction support - OR - Get a Call Thank you! Is your loved one struggling with addiction? Get Help. Frequently Asked Questions How does treatment work?

What is inpatient rehab? What is outpatient rehab? How much does rehab cost? These include:. Another issue is opioid-induced constipation, which can become severe over time. As the condition worsens, appetite suppression increases and eating can become painful.

Stopping opioid abuse and increasing fiber intake is the only way to get back on track after opioids have hijacked your nutrition. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and heavily reduced food intake inevitably lead to malnutrition in those who use stimulants heavily.

Some of the problems from this lack of nutrition include:. A treatment program that pays close attention to nutrition for recovering addicts will create a meal plan with appropriate portions that will allow a healthy reintroduction of healthful food into the body.

Marijuana is known to significantly increase appetite. While this can be helpful for people with chronic diseases like cancer, it can be dangerous for people without conditions because it encourages them to eat more often, in greater quantities and with less attention toward nutrition. Someone abusing marijuana is likely to choose foods typically associated with cravings, such as those that contain significant amounts of saturated fat, sugar and salt.

Consuming a diet like this long-term increases cholesterol, possibly leading to heart disease and failure. It may also contribute to diabetes. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and addiction recovery means understanding the roles nutrients play in the body. There are six nutrient groups derived from food that are considered essential, and they can be divided into micronutrients and macronutrients.

Macronutrients are those your body needs in large amounts each day to function. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, while the macronutrients you need are protein, fat, carbohydrates and water. The human body needs 13 different essential vitamins to stay healthy.

They are categorized by fat solubility or water solubility. Fat-soluble vitamins are:. The other type of micronutrient is minerals. Within this category is another division: major and trace minerals. The major minerals are:. These minerals allow your body to keep appropriate hydration levels, plus healthy hair and bones.

The trace minerals you need are:. Proteins are often referred to as the building blocks of the body. While it is most closely associated with muscle building, protein is found in every cell of the body , from bones to skin and hair.

Proteins are composed of a variety of amino acids. Your body is able to synthesize some of the amino acids on its own, but there are several you can only absorb from food.

The body needs varied sources of protein for optimal function. Fat has gotten a bad rap in recent decades, as it can be associated with weight gain and poor health. However, it is essential to distinguish between unhealthy saturated or trans fats and healthy fat types like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Healthy fats are necessary for:. Carbohydrates, or carbs, are another nutrient that has been targeted for heavy reduction or elimination by diet fads. However, carbohydrates are essential for the function of the central nervous system and brain.

Foods that include bleached flour and sugar should be avoided, while complex carbohydrates like whole grains and starchy vegetables should be heavily incorporated into a diet for recovering alcoholics or addicts. While the body can withstand malnutrition for weeks, if not longer, dehydration quickly becomes a matter of life or death.

Critical examples include facilitating brain function, improving mood, flushing out toxins and transferring nutrients between cells. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest Neuroplasticity is a key concept in addiction recovery.

Once addiction has forced changes in the brain, however, it damages neuroplasticity and makes it much harder to adapt to sobriety. Additionally, the adaptations that the brain develops disrupt crucial neuropathways, decreasing neurotransmitters and their ability to move normally through the brain.

Brain imaging studies have revealed that drug addiction disrupts connectivity between different parts of the brain, making it more difficult to re-stabilize healthy neurotransmission during recovery.

Fortunately, adequate nutrition can improve neuroplasticity by helping the brain replenish normal amounts of neurotransmitters. Here is how the building blocks of nutrition help restore plasticity to the brain:. The majority of evidence-based treatment programs understand the importance of nutrition for recovering addicts and incorporate nutrition plans to help clients heal more fully.

Designing a meal plan that is balanced and satisfying is one way to significantly improve the experience of treatment. The steps in nutrition incorporation vary between treatment centers, but you can expect a process similar to the steps below:.

As part of the intake process, clients meet with a physician for a review of health history and discussion of the specific issues related to substance abuse. The review should include a talk about eating habits and weight that touches on:. As the brain is working to re-balance itself after chronic drug and alcohol abuse, the stress hormone cortisol is over-produced and can deplete critical nutrients, including:.

Once specific deficiencies have been targeted, the nutritionist can plan meals designed to replenish the missing nutrients while also providing the client with well-balanced amounts of all six essential nutrients.

The development of a nutritional plan for those in recovery involves planning out meals and determining an appropriate meal schedule that meshes with other activities in the treatment plan. This also involves taking into account any issues the client has around food, including eating disorders.

This can lead to several nutritional imbalances and deficiencies, compounding the challenges of addiction recovery. Common issues include:. Related Article: Finding the Right Alcohol Addiction Rehab Center: Factors to Consider.

The first step to addiction recovery is undertaking a specialized detox program handled by certified recovery experts. Afterwards, addiction rehab programs may recommend individual therapy sessions, cognitive behavioural therapy and other solutions to help you develop the tools for long-term recovery.

Alongside, a comprehensive nutrition program is a key component of the addiction recovery procedure. Proper nutrition is essential in repairing the damage caused by substance abuse.

Nutrients help your body rebuild tissues, repair organs, and restore overall health. Substance abuse affects your eating habits, often leading to undernourishment and malnutrition.

As such, nutrition and nourishment often get left on the back burner. Proper nutrition can help address these deficiencies and nourish your brain. Eating well provides your body with the essential building blocks to support neuroplasticity.

Enhancing neuroplasticity is an especially key role of nutrition in recovery since addiction changes how your brain behaves. The lack of essential nutrients during drug abuse can worsen mood imbalances, increase feelings of depression and anxiety, and hinder your overall mental well-being.

Certain foods can positively impact your mood and mental well-being. For instance, foods rich in B vitamins, such as whole grains and leafy greens, can help alleviate depression and anxiety, common challenges faced during recovery. Proper nutrition also directly impacts the operation of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine — all of which play key roles in regulating mood and emotions.

A diet rich in essential nutrients can help restore these neurotransmitter levels, supporting your mental health and emotional resilience. Nutrition aids your addiction recovery by balancing blood sugar levels, which are crucial in maintaining energy and focus throughout the day.

You can achieve this by incorporating complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables into your diet. This intentional act can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing mood swings and cravings.

The damaging effects of addiction include poor eating choices and gastrointestinal disorders. Adequate intake of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids helps facilitate the healing process in the gut, allowing it to function optimally.