Importance of Nutrition in Addiction Treatment and Recovery

When you get treatment for substance use disorders, most individuals do not think about diet. They consider withdrawal. They consider counseling sessions or group therapy. People in recovery speak about adhering to the 12 Steps, locating purpose in life or creating a relationship with a higher power.

Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet plan is seldom discussed.

It’s easy to ignore nutrition. Everyone understands they need to eat a lot more fruits and vegetables. The majority of people eat what makes them happy– or what’s easy and fast– until a physician informs them they’re at risk for diabetes, heart disease or various other conditions.

Some illnesses even contribute to bad nutrition or malnourishment. Addiction is just one of those.

Regular intake of alcohol or other substances deprives the body of necessary nutrients. Several substances enhance or reduce hunger. Meth users may go days without eating. Cannabis smokers are well-known for “having the munchies” and binge eating. It is almost difficult to have a substance abuse disorder and a nutritional diet at the same time.

Harmful diets prevent recovery by creating headaches, sleep issues and reduced energy levels. Much of those signs and symptoms are likewise caused by drug withdrawal, so it’s challenging for many people to understand if they’re hungry or in withdrawal. Nutritional health and wellness along with a healthy diet regimen can aid the recovery process.

The Way Substance Abuse Disrupts Health And Nutrition

The primary negative effects of a harmful diet plan are malnutrition, a problem caused by a lack of nutrients. Alcohol and other drugs deprive the body of its ability to soak up nutrients. Lots of people with substance use disorders overlook dietary requirements and rely on their drug of choice to soothe emotional or physical pain.

When people use, it can be tough to separate cravings cues from various other cues. Throughout recovery, it’s difficult to differentiate between malnourishment and withdrawal. Weight gain or loss is an overarching worry for people in recovery. Some individuals lose too much weight due to malnourishment. Because they try to replace substances with food, others obtain too much weight. Each type of substance additionally creates specific health problems.

Alcohol

Chronic alcohol consumption deprives the body of an important vitamin called thiamine. Every tissue in the body uses thiamine, consisting of tissues in the brain, heart, liver and kidneys. Without the vitamin, the tissues can not function correctly.

Low thiamine levels enhance the risk of cardiovascular disease and heart failure. The human brain likewise suffers. People with thiamine shortage are more likely to experience dementia and Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The syndrome is associated with lack of coordination, vision problems, confusion and amnesia. Persistent alcohol use likewise raises the risk of metabolic syndrome, which is connected with high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, hypertension and too much body fat. Metabolic syndrome enhances the risk of diabetic issues and heart disease.

Opioids

Opioids slow down the way the body functions, making individuals that take them feel drowsy. The drugs likewise slow food digestion and metabolic processes. That implies the body isn’t able to effectively process nutrients from food. The most recognizable adverse effects of disrupted food digestion is constipation. Withdrawal from opioid usage can interrupt a food plan. People commonly feel nauseated, vomit and have diarrhea during withdrawal. These signs and symptoms can protect against food and water consumption at a time when the body needs these nutrients and fuel for energy.

Stimulants

Significant weight loss is the primary worry for individuals that persistently use stimulants, such as prescription ADHD medications, cocaine and methamphetamines. Stimulant users are more likely to create eating disorders, such as anorexia. People who continue cocaine or crystal meth benders may go days without consuming or sleeping. When the bender finishes, they are starving and binge eat. These dramatic using habits increase the risk of malnutrition. Additionally, crystal meth users usually have troubles with dental hygiene. They might be unable or less likely to consume solid foods due to missing teeth or pain while chewing.

How Nutrients Affect the Body

A nutrient is a substance that promotes wellness and growth in the body. Nutrients are split into two categories: macronutrients and micronutrients. The body requires a great deal of macronutrients, such as carbs, fats, proteins and water. Human beings need small amounts of micronutrients, such as minerals and vitamins.

Vitamins & Minerals

Although we don’t require a great deal of micronutrients, insufficient vitamin or mineral levels can cause damaging effects. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by an absence of thiamine (vitamin B-1). Low levels of folate, iron or b vitamins can trigger symptoms that mimic those of depression, exhaustion and sleep issues.

Healthy and balanced sources of minerals and vitamins consist of:

• Whole grain bread or grain
• Fruits
• Peas
• Beans
• Seeds
• Dairy
• Peanuts
• Veggies (especially greens)

Adding vitamin-rich foods to your daily diet helps maintain your body functioning at optimal level. Pursue well balanced meals containing fruits, veggies and whole grains.

Carbohydrates

The body gets most of its energy from carbs. Without carbs, numerous parts of the body struggle to operate and glucose levels fluctuate. These interruptions trigger sensations of fogginess, anxiousness, depression and frustration.

Healthy and balanced sources of carbs consist of:

• Beans
• Whole-grain bread and cereal
• Low-fat dairy products
• Potatoes
• Vegetables
• Whole fruit
• Nuts

Diet plans low in carbs can interfere with sleep patterns and cause cravings. Cravings for carbs can be mistaken for drug cravings.

Fiber

Fiber is a special kind of carb. Unlike other carbohydrates, fiber isn’t converted into energy. Fiber travels through the body without being digested. It controls blood sugar level, lowers blood cholesterol and aids in nutrient absorption by slowing down the digestive process through the digestive system.

Healthy sources of fiber consist of:

• Apples
• Oatmeal
• Wheat bread
• Nuts
• Tomatoes
• Carrots
• Wild rice
• Beans

Diet regimens reduced in fiber can enhance the risk of high blood glucose, cholesterol problems and constipation.

Fat

The majority of Americans think they need to lower the amount of fat in their diet plans, but not all fat is bad. Moderate amounts of healthy fat can enhance mood and assist cells throughout the body function properly. When the body runs out of carbs, fat can also be a reserve source of energy.

Fat can be a great diet addition for people who might tend to binge eat. This is because fats make us feel full for longer, therefore we don’t feel the need to snack throughout the day.

Healthy resources of fat include:

• Seeds
• Dairy
• Omega fatty acid supplements
• Fish
• Nuts

Water

Water is necessary for wellness. It protects inner parts of the body, oils joints and assists the body make use of nutrients. The liver and kidneys require water to work, and water protects against constipation.

Healthy and balanced resources of hydration include:

• Water
• Cucumbers
• Watermelon
• Low-sugar
• Strawberries
• Low-fat milk
• Soup

Drinking water is a staple of a healthy and balanced diet regimen. Dehydration can trigger lethargy, frustration, lightheadedness, fever and complication.

Protein

Proteins and many hormones are made of amino acids. Hormones are chemicals that manage our mood. Individuals who don’t get enough protein do not obtain adequate amino acids, which lowers hormone production. Low hormone levels create sensations of anxiousness, temper and despair.

Healthy resources of protein include:

• Nuts
• Fish
• Chicken
• Beans
• Eggs
• Milk

Proteins also boost the body’s body immune system, which battles infections and illness. Many addictive substances deteriorate the body’s immune system. Therefore, low protein absorption added to the already deteriorated immune system can make the body’s already fragile immune system weaker.

The Role of Health And Nutrition During Rehab

Counseling and therapy are key elements of substance addiction treatment programs. They show individuals in recovery healthy and balanced ways to cope with tough feelings and behaviors. It’s difficult for a malnourished brain to learn.

We need to feed the person and get them nurtured before the therapy can do its job. Coping skills are going to go in one ear and out the other if their brain isn’t working. If they’re eating correctly, the psychoanalyst can analyze their mood accurately.

The dietitian is associated with an individual’s treatment program from the minute she or he walks right into our rehab.

We look for unhealthy eating patterns. We ask if they’re eating enough, what their weight is and what they were eating at home. We get a good idea of what their food and nutrients look like, and we look at lab reports.

The analysis begins with weight, however, dietitians likewise assess heart rate, cholesterol levels and various other healthy levels. They also ensure the individual hasn’t relied on food as a coping mechanism. Dietitians attempt to start rehab clients on a healthy and balanced diet as soon as possible, but withdrawal complicates many food strategies.

Amino Acid Therapy

A stated earlier, amino acids are essential in many of our biological functions. One of these functions includes building neurotransmitters in our brain. Therefore, the suppression of amino acids caused by chronic use of drugs and alcohol slowly deteriorates the brain and its function.

After years of substance abuse, the brain can recover, but it can take months if not years to restore back to normal.

Amino Acid Therapy provided individuals with an individualized amino acid plan according to their specific needs. Studies have shown the potential for amino acid supplements in addiction therapy as a means to speed up the brain’s recovery.

Coalition Recovery is one of the only treatment centers in the Tampa, Florida area to offer this unique and progressive therapy.

Learn More About Amino Acid Therapy HERE

Nutritional Effects of Detox

Numerous rehab clients gain a great deal of weight during the detox phase of treatment. As drugs leave the body, hunger increases. Because it’s hazardous to gain weight too fast, dietitians keep track of weight carefully. Eating too much can bring about weight problems, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other issues. Increased hunger can be valuable for people that enter recovery with reduced body weight.

Some individuals struggle to eat during medical detox. Alcohol and marijuana withdrawal can cause appetite loss. Withdrawal from opioids can trigger throwing up, diarrhea and queasiness. Dietitians need to make sure people recovering from these drug addictions don’t shed too much weight.

Some medications that are used throughout detoxification make a person’s diet complicated. Naltrexone (Vivtrol) and disulfiram (Antabuse) can create queasiness and vomiting. Acamprosate (Campral) raises hunger and can make foods taste different. Methadone, buprenorphine (Suboxone) and bupropion (Wellbutrin) can trigger constipation and changes in hunger.

Nutrition Therapy

By the time clients are done with detox, they’ve usually begun a structured meal plan for numerous days. When it’s time to start therapy, the favorable impacts of a healthy diet are evident.

The meal plans at Coalition Recovery include a balance of carbohydrates and protein. Each meal consists of a fruit or vegetable, and clients have multiple meals to pick from.

Long-Term Sustainability

Health and nutrition treatment isn’t limited to ensuring clients eat the best food throughout treatment. Dietitians show clients the difference between appetite and drug-related cravings. They likewise instruct them on how to produce their own meal plan so they can purchase and prepare balanced foods in their own home.

Each of these factors impacts the kind of diet plan that’s sensible for individuals after they leave treatment. Due to the fact that each person’s healthy demands are various, dietitians function with each person individually.