Are you going through addiction recovery treatment? This is an important time to fill your body with nutrients! Addiction recovery is a lifestyle change that requires dietary support and a shift in mindset. Struggling to fight the urge to take a substance is the core of the recovery process, but other corollary measures are necessary for residential treatment.
People of all ages can benefit from superfoods, but those battling addictions benefit the most as they make their bodies stronger. The following are 7 superfoods that should be on your list!
7 SUPERFOODS TO EAT DURING ADDICTION RECOVERY TREATMENT
1. Bananas
When using drugs such as alcohol, there is an amino acid known as tryptophan that is not processed correctly. This amino acid is important in the formation of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for proper sleep and relaxation.
Taking bananas restores this neurotransmitter and also helps combat withdrawal nausea. Taking bananas in the morning gives your body the much-needed energy to carry you throughout the day.
2. Vegetables
Addiction is associated with improper nutrition absorption and many times the affected persons do not have a proper diet. This causes malnutrition which throws off the body’s nutritional balance.
Taking vegetables in your diet helps restore the nutritional levels as well as improve hair and skin health. The vitamins in vegetables are essential for meeting the body’s nutritional requirements. Leafy greens such as kale and spinach can improve your digestive system and help ward off nausea during addiction recovery treatment.
3. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Adding extra virgin olive oil when cooking your leafy greens or garlic helps to make food delicious. The extra virgin olive oil contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 which has numerous benefits to the body. For instance, the oils help cleanse your organs and battle toxic substances from the body.
Extra virgin olive oil lubricates the digestive tract making it moist. This reduces the stomach pains that come from withdrawal symptoms. Consuming olive oil gives an energy boost and promotes healthy skin and hair.
4. Beetroot
Beetroot is highly nutritious and rich in dimethylglycine. This makes it extremely useful for conditions such as drug addiction and alcoholism. In the body’s system, dimethylglycine fights off inflammatory tendencies and improves the health of the liver.
The liver is the main detox organ the body relies on to flush out toxins. The liver is also the center where complex nutrients are processed and toxins filtered out. These chemicals may include free radicals, metabolic-end products, and heavy metals. Heavy drinking damages the liver and slows down the regeneration of the damaged cells.
You can blend 4 to 5 carrots and 4 small beets to make detoxing juice specifically for the kidneys. On top of the carrot and beet, you can add celery and cucumber to make a liver cleansing breakfast drink.
5. Whole Grains
If you are a fan of white bread, it is a time for a change. Including whole grains in your diet benefits your lungs, heart, and digestive system. Drug addiction takes a toll on the cardiac system. This may cause blood pressure, arterial damage, and irregular heart rhythm.
With whole grains, you can be assured of a strengthened heart and reduced chances of cardiac diseases. If you are going through addiction recovery, this is great news for you.
6. Garlic
Garlic helps improve the taste of food, but more to that, brings along many health benefits. The first impact of garlic is on the liver system. Garlic helps the liver to steadily filter out toxins. This is extremely important for anyone recovering from alcohol addiction.
Scientists have established that garlic has over 200 chemical constituents. Garlic has a capacity to combat viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens in addition to treating cardiovascular diseases. As an antioxidant, garlic helps fight inflammations and oxidative processes in the body. Garlic’s health benefits give addiction recovery patients a huge therapeutic relief.
7. Citrus Fruits
All fruits have vitamins that boost your digestive system and sustain energy levels. However, citrus fruit is a little bit different in that it directly comes to the rescue of addiction recovery patients. Oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruits help flush out toxins brought in by drugs and alcohol.
Starting your day with citrus fruits helps cleanse your body and heal the liver. The more your body craves for vitamins, the lesser it may crave addictive substances.
At the beginning of your addiction recovery journey, it may be a little bit confusing knowing what foods to add and what to take out. However, with time, your diet will be streamlined and loaded with superfoods. The above foods are a great start for you!
Before starting addiction recovery treatment, you can take several drug tests like as the saliva drug test, urine drug test or hair follicle drug test to understand the extent of your addiction. Based on the result, better treatment is possible and adequate measures can be taken.
About the Author
Ruby J. Franke is a freelance blogger at NonCount and a mother. Ruby loves to read articles online and write about family, food, cooking, relationships, and more.
Resources
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/healthy-woman/nutrition-fitness/5-foods-to-improve-your-digestion
https://info.nihadc.com/integrative-health-blog/bid/36413/omega-3-s-essential-fatty-acids-and-detoxification
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE