Nutrition in Recovery

Introduction to Nutrition in Recovery

Nutrition is important for good health, generally, however, nutrition in recovery becomes all the more necessary. With Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), nutrition is often overlooked in favor of drugs or alcohol, as a result of cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and other reasons. Most of the time is spent on substance use and the body simply does not get enough nutrients. It is not a focus either. With mental health conditions like depression or eating disorders as well, health and nutrition are often overlooked. Therefore, in recovery, nutrition needs to be paid particular attention to, as it becomes one of the priorities in reclaiming one’s life after an experience with a mental health condition.

At the NuView Treatment Center, we consider our clients’ nutrition to be of the utmost importance. We offer personalized health plans to facilitate physical healing, mental well-being, and lasting recovery.

The Role of Nutrition in Substance Abuse Recovery

Substance use disorders damage the body to a great extent. Poor nutrition is common among those suffering from SUDs, and nutritional deficiencies make it physically harder for the body to cope with during recovery. Nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin deficiencies, even impact body mass and hormone regulation.

In the cases of SUDs, one of the telling signs is that a great deal of attention is paid to abusing substances more so than anything else. This includes personal hygiene, relationships, career, and nutrition. Substance use impacts vital organs like the pancreas, heart, and brain, and even weakens the immune system. Once the person begins to experience withdrawal symptoms, then vomiting and diarrhea become very common, leading to dehydration as well.

While treatment and rehabilitation are crucial for recovery from SUDs, nutrition in recovery plays an equally crucial role in repairing the damage and getting physical health back on track. On the other hand, if nutrition is not paid attention to, SUDs can only lead to further damage.

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Essential Nutrients for Recovery

Nutrients in recovery usually refer to the proper foods and liquids that can go a long way in undoing the damage substance abuse has done to the body. A well-balanced diet for recovery is not only important for physical health, but mental well-being and overall health. Some of the essential nutrients to consider are:

• Water – Highly essential to combat withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, and to rehydrate the body. It is also important to absorb medication during the treatment and rehabilitation as well.
• Amino Acids – They are important for the synthesis of dopamine in the brain, and by doing so, they decrease cravings for dopamine-based drugs and also help reduce aggression.
• Complex Carbohydrates – They are carbohydrates made up of long chains of sugar molecules. Complex carbohydrates play an important role in producing serotonin, thereby balancing mood, decreasing irritability and depression, and also helping with sleep.
• Healthy Fats – While foods that are low in fats are required during recovery, healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids are also important as they help in balancing mood, heal damaged membranes, and reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin and Mineral Supplements – Vitamins and mineral supplements like iron, zinc, folate, B-complex, and vitamins A and C are very helpful during recovery. In case of deficiencies, it can lead to fatigue, sleeplessness, lack of focus, and even depression.

What Are Simple Steps To Start Eating Healthier During Recovery?

To eat healthier during recovery, a well-balanced diet for recovery must be implemented. This includes knowing the right foods and liquids to eat, and the ones to avoid.

During recovery from substance use disorders, dehydration is very common. So, a well-balanced diet must consist of enough fluids to keep the body hydrated at all times. It is important that liquids are consumed during as well as in between meals. Water is on top of this list as it is kind of nature’s own detox – it flushes out the toxins from the body and keeps it hydrated.

Some foods to consider during recovery are milk, cheese, eggs, leafy greens, artichokes, beans, carrots, grain-based cereals, whole grains, salmon, trout, tuna, nuts, and fruits.

At the same time, it is also important to avoid eating unhealthy foods like junk food, chips, cookies, soft drinks, and other processed foods.

By focusing on knowing what makes for a healthy diet and what does not, one can start eating healthier during recovery. Eating healthy is an important part of treatment and rehabilitation, so it is also important to focus on the diet for recovery as prescribed by healthcare providers.

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How Does A Balanced Diet Help Maintain Long-Term Recovery?

Substance use affects the body and leads to adverse lifestyle changes that can damage the body at many levels. Proper nutrition is important for immediate recovery as well as to maintain recovery.

A balanced diet helps in keeping the body energetic and reduces tiredness. It repairs the damage caused to the body and tissues and vital organs, including the immune system, gastrointestinal system, and even the nervous system.

Apart from the body, a balanced diet helps in mental well-being, as it improves cognitive functioning and helps in getting a balanced sleep.

When it comes to long-term recovery, optimal physical and mental functioning are keys to maintaining recovery and balance in life, and also highly necessary to reduce the chances of a relapse. A proper diet is essential for optimal functioning of the body and mind. By promoting overall physical and mental well-being, a balanced diet strengthens the body and mind, making long-term recovery a sustainable reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is nutrition important for recovery?

Nutrition in recovery is important as it undoes the damage done to the body and mind by substance abuse and also helps sustain long-term recovery.

What are the nutritional strategies for recovery?

Eating healthy, eating a balanced diet, drinking enough fluids, and consuming vitamin and mineral supplements are important nutritional strategies during recovery.

Creative Expression Tips for Beginners

Creative outlets are unique to different people; finding the creative outlet that is the best fit is the beginning of creative expression.

• Painting –

  One of the best ways to engage in creative expression is beginning to paint. Buy a paint kit and let imagination do the talking.

• Music and Dance –

  Play a favorite song(s) and begin to dance. This helps establish a good connection between the mind and body.

• Do-It-Yourself Projects -

  There are plenty of ways to engage in do-it-yourself projects. Anything that is of interest and can be created with ease is a good step to begin with. This can be embroidery, crocheting, woodwork, and more.

• Photography –

  In the digital world, everyone is a photographer. Take long walks, explore new places, and capture them with photography.

• Video Recording –

  Videos are a new, brilliant way to express oneself. It can be about anything, like cooking something or getting ready. All these are good content for creative expression.

The best thing about creative expression is that it is not limited, not even to the above-mentioned activities. There are many possibilities, and it only requires a little push in the right direction.

What is Creative Visual Expression?

Creative visual expression or visual creativity is a form of creative expression that involves a talent, originality, and sensitivity, and it delves into deeper aspects of personality through sublimation or mentalization. It brings ideas, feelings, and values to vision and basically communicates a person’s inner world in a way that words or speech cannot.

It can be achieved through drawing, painting, or even in a digital way like graphic design, animation, video creation, and more.