It is obvious that addiction can have a huge impact on your life. Not only does it affect your well-being, but it can also affect your metabolism, organ function, and more. This is why it is important to remember that, when you are going through addiction recovery, you should remember to have the healthiest diet, as this can impact your overall recovery. Here are just a few ways that certain drugs can have an impact on your body:
Opiates: Opiates can have a huge impact on your gastrointestinal system, with constipation being a common system of abusing this drug. You might also experience diarrhea and nausea with vomiting. Because of these symptoms, your body could be lacking sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes it needs.
Alcohol: Alcoholism is one of the biggest causes of nutritional deficiency in the U.S. This means that you could be lacking certain B vitamins, which can lead to anemia and nervous system issues that can have a huge impact on your life and cause lasting effects.
Stimulants: Stimulants, including crack and meth, reduce your appetite and cause you to lose weight on many occasions. You might find yourself awake for many days at a time due to these drugs, which means that you could be experiencing vast dehydration during these periods.
The Importance of a Nutrition Screening
In many cases, when you enter into a recovery program, you might endure what is known as a nutritional screening at the intake. Many individuals will look at what you have been eating, how often, and the eating habits and frequency that you endure. In many cases, it will be found that your addiction might have contributed to the impairment of you getting the fruits and vegetables you need to thrive and being organized enough to buy food for yourself in a period of many month’s time so that you can get back on track. From there, you might see a physician or nutritionist so that you can get started on gaining your health back.
Best Foods to Eat for Overall Health
Water: H20 is always a better option than reaching for a soda or juice as you go through addiction recovery. You don’t want to be putting unnecessary sugars in your body and instead stay hydrated the best way possible – with water.
Colorful Fruits and Veggies: When it comes to eating healthy, fruits and veggies are necessary. You should have a variety of fruits and veggies so that you can prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases that can impact your life negatively.
Proteins: Proteins can help you gain strength, which is necessary at this time. Your tissues and organs can be built during this time when you need them the most.
Oils/Fats: Oils and fats that are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated can lower the risk of heart disease such as oil, canola, flaxseed, avocado, and sesame seed.
Superfoods: Superfoods are packed with vitamins and minerals and should always be incorporated into your diet.
Holding Yourself Accountable and Receiving Help
One of the biggest goals in recovery is to get healthy and hold yourself accountable. You need to set goals for yourself and stay on track when it matters most. At Broadway Treatment Center, we have your best interests in mind when it comes to getting healthy and working through the barriers of addiction that might try to stand in your way. We offer various types of treatment options and addiction resources that can help you get back on your feet. Our staff will always have your best interests in mind and will help you work through one of the most difficult times in your life. Give us a call at 714-443-8218 to start your journey to a healthier you.
