Years of alcohol or drug abuse can wreak havoc on your gut. Plus, some studies suggest that your digestive health can impact your overall mental health. This is because gut bacteria has been found to play a key role in anxiety and depression, influencing how you think and how you feel.
Luckily, boosting your digestive health doesn’t require a huge overhaul to your dietary and lifestyle habits. And many of these steps may already be integral to your addiction recovery plan.
Say “yes” to…
- Fiber. Loading up on fiber-rich foods (veggies, legumes, and fruits) will help prevent constipation and keep things moving through your digestive tract. Experts recommend 25 grams of fiber a day.
- Water. Good old H2O is great for dissolving fats and soluble fiber and keeping you regular.
- Probiotics. They’re found in foods like yogurt and kefir and have been study-proven to combat poor diet and stress and improve digestive functioning.
Say “no” to…
- Coffee and cigarettes. These stimulants can be a recipe for heartburn, ulcers, and overall poor digestive health. Try cutting back until you manage to quit entirely.
- Supersized meals. Eating or drinking too much at a single sitting can cause fullness, reflux, and bloating. Staying full with frequent small meals will also keep blood sugar levels stable and help you resist giving in to other problematic cravings.
- Stress. Unmanaged stressed is a surefire way to kick your digestive system into overdrive. Try incorporating yoga or meditation into your daily rehab activities.
Nutritional Therapy at Red Oak Recovery®
Our nutritional therapy program, as part of our drug and alcohol treatment, approaches food and eating holistically. The food we prepare is designed to heal the body from the malnutrition and dehydration that substance use can cause. To learn more, call: 866.457.7426.
