Addiction is a challenging disease that doesn’t just impact your mind but your body too. While most people associate addiction with drug or alcohol abuse, it’s important to understand that addiction is a disease that affects the entire person, including their physical health. Nutrition plays a critical role in addiction recovery. Proper nutrition can provide your body with the necessary nutrients it needs to function correctly, repair damage caused by substance abuse, and support long-term sobriety.
How Can Nutrition Help with Addiction?
When someone is trying to overcome a substance abuse issue, making sure they eat a balanced diet is super important. Good nutrition helps fuel their body with energy and provides much-needed nutrients that improve their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Eating well can also positively impact their mood, which is a big deal when it comes to recovery. Feeling better and more optimistic can lower the risk of relapse for some people.
The Best Way to Have a Balanced Diet
The first step in adopting a balanced diet is to identify your nutritional needs. Depending on your age, gender, weight, and activity level, your body requires different amounts of nutrients to function correctly.
A balanced diet should consist of a variety of foods from all food groups, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It is also essential to consume adequate amounts of water to stay hydrated, which can help reduce cravings for substances and improve mood.
If you want to nourish your body and avoid inflammation and other health issues, steer clear of processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats. Instead, go for foods that pack a punch in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Think leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. These options will keep you healthy and feeling your best.
What Specific Foods Can Help Support Sobriety?
Certain foods can have a positive impact on addiction recovery, as they provide the body with nutrients that can improve mood, reduce cravings, and support overall health. Here are some foods that can help support sobriety:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseed, and chia seeds, omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and improve mood, making it easier to cope with the challenges of recovery.
- Complex Carbohydrates: Found in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, complex carbohydrates provide the body with sustained energy and help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing cravings for substances.
- Protein: Found in lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and legumes, protein can help repair damaged tissues, build muscle mass, and support the body’s immune system.
- Water: Staying hydrated is essential in addiction recovery, as it can help reduce cravings, improve mood, and support overall health.
Northbound Addiction Treatment Center – Newport Beach is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs that support long-term recovery. Reach out to us to learn more about our services today!
Author
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Paul Alexander is the CEO, President & Founder of Northbound Treatment Network in Newport Beach, California. He believes wholeheartedly in transformational leadership, organizational health and effective, fully integrated substance use disorder and mental health treatment. With over 27 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Paul has extensive knowledge of “in vivo” treatment modalities, clinical development, operations, strategy, marketing and financial planning. He has been widely recognized for his development of collegiate-based residential treatment programs for students in recovery and authored a research study at The University of California confirming this modality’s effectiveness.
Paul’s comprehensive professional experience, willingness to innovate, and emphasis on organizational health are vital factors in Northbound’s continued success. Paul received his Certified Addiction Treatment Specialist training at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, and was awarded Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 2002. Paul holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology, Law and Society, Summa Cum Laude, from University of California, Irvine, and a Juris Doctorate degree from Loyola Law School of Los Angeles. Paul currently serves on The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP) board. In addition, he serves on The Family Recovery Foundation board and The CarePossible board in Orange County; both organizations are committed to raising funds for family recovery and treatment for former military personnel. Paul is in recovery himself and lives in Orange County with his wife Silvana and his two young sons, Noah and Dean.
