One of the most common side effects of a substance use disorder is its toll on a person’s appearance. The last thing most people with an addiction are concerned about is getting the right nutrients. Once you become sober, you may find it challenging to create a diet that helps you regain your health. Red Oaks Recovery offers guidance to individuals who are starting to rebuild their lives in fundamental ways like nutritional support for recovery. Please call our young adult men’s treatment center today at 866.457.7590 to learn about our services.
How Does Substance Use Affect Nutrition?
Constant drug and alcohol abuse can deprive your body of essential nutrients and vitamins it needs to function. You may not realize the extent of your issues until you go through a detox program and become more aware of your condition. The physical and emotional toll that can take often makes efforts to overcome addiction even harder. Proper nutrition can help you in your recovery journey while allowing your body to recover from the damage done while under the influence.
Ways that a substance use disorder can impact your nutritional intake include:
- Not getting enough to eat because of a suppressed appetite
- Overeating to the point where you become obese
- Low blood sugar
- Not eating the kind of foods that provide you with enough sustenance
- Damaging your internal organs to the point where you are unable to absorb nutrients properly
- Suppress your immune system to where you are unable to fight off illness or infection effectively
It is a good idea to get a physical checkup when you decide to get sober. You should be aware of any physical ailments that poor nutrition because of substance use has caused, as these issues might complicate your attempts to get sober.
Individuals with alcohol addiction often end up with B6, thiamine, and folic acid deficiencies. That can lead to cognitive difficulties and the development of anemia. People who abuse opioids may have constant bouts of vomiting and diarrhea that lead to dehydration.
How Can You Develop Better Nutritional Habits For Recovery?
Foods that help boost the production of serotonin levels in your brain can help you relax. Foods that can help you in that effort include:
- Beans
- Potatoes
- Peas
- Pasta
- Carrots
- Bread
Try to balance your intake of these foods with a mix of foods with proteins like chicken or fish. That offers you the best chance of maintaining a balanced diet that can provide the healthy boost you need to help your efforts at remaining sober.
Keep in mind that your body will need many nutrients as it starts to heal during your first year of recovery. It can be helpful to consume foods with large amounts of calcium. If your body can’t handle dairy products, try alternatives like tofu. Foods with canola and flaxseed oil can provide you with the necessary fat intake for your diet.
The most important thing is to watch what you put into your body. You don’t want to undercut your recovery efforts by filling up on sugary foods or those cooked in unhealthy fats. It may be beneficial for you to consult a dietician who understands individuals’ nutritional needs in recovery.
Support Your Recovery With Red Oak Recovery®
It’s not uncommon for individuals in addiction recovery to have problems figuring out the right balance for getting enough nutrients in their diet. Red Oak Recovery® offers guidance to clients who want to do everything possible to recover successfully.
Our facility also offers other programs and services to help individuals with substance use disorders, including:
If you’re ready to live life clean and sober, contact Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
