When blood glucose (BG) levels drop; addicts become moody, depressed, anxious, and crave the substance of choice to dull those feelings. Rehab facilities are teaching recovering addicts to be mindful of what they are eating and when, to reduce addiction cravings.

Nutrition and Addiction:

Not long ago, it was normal for addicts to be encouraged to eat anything they craved. It was believed that any food was better than substance abuse. So, recovering addicts would turn to junk food and high sugar intake to ward off the effects of their cravings.

The bad news, research has found that high sugar intake results in the same disease as alcohol abuse. Not only does excessive sugar cause fatty liver, fat deposits in the blood stream, insulin resistance, and inflammation; it is just as addictive as alcohol!

High sugar is also found to feed cancer cells, cause brain disorders, and induce Alzheimer’s.

Beat the Sugar Addiction with Rehab

Our facilities recognize the danger of high sugar intake. With evidence-based research in hand, they have turned toward nutritionists to help plan healthy meals for patients. These meals are well-balance; including the minerals, vitamins, and amino acids proven to help curb addiction.

Amino Acids and the Good Fats

Drug addiction affects neurotransmitter production, chemicals in the brain that release to make a person feel good. Drugs increase the release of these neurotransmitters causing an emotional high. Over time, the brain stops releasing these chemicals on its own. When a recovering addict stops using drugs, they can no longer feel happy. This is why many addicts relapse.

By supporting a recovering addict with proper nutrition, amino acids (building blocks of protein) will repair the damage by supplying the brain with neurotransmitters. Addiction nutritionists recommend higher intake of protein each day. Instead of eating one protein rich meal, spread the protein out by including 10-15 grams of protein in each meal or snack. Also space smaller meals out every 2-4 hours to reduce binge eating of sugary foods.

Include good fats into your diet such as avocados, olive oil, flax seed, and salmon. These are rich in Omega-3 which create neurotransmitters.

Substance abuse depletes different neurotransmitters and affects different organs in the body depending on the substance used. It is important to work with a nutritionist while in rehab that can recommend a diet plan to restore organ damage based on the abused substance of choice.

Northlake Recovery Offers Much More Than Recovery

Along with nutrition education, our center offers plenty of options to help you stay healthy and fit. Our team will organize trips to the gym and show you how to choose healthy foods. Adding this to your bodies schedule can help you recover from addiction by giving you a healthy alternative to using drugs and alcohol. 

Feel Better to Stay Sober

Proper nutrition is essential to recovering from substance abuse. Damaged organs need repaired and neurotransmitters need restored. Choosing healthy foods instead of sugar laden snacks will help the recovering addict to feel better physically and emotionally.

If you or a loved one is ready to begin recovery and need help to eat healthy and restore well-being, contact Northlake Recovery today at (561)-770-6616. Recovery Specialists are available 24 hours to help you take the first step in repairing your health.