Addiction is taxing on your physical health. Your body is working overtime to rid itself of the harmful chemicals, and may not have the right amount or balance of nutrients from food to help it with detoxification. When you begin addiction treatment at Painted Desert Recovery, every day is an opportunity to repair the body. As your body begins to heal, it needs essential nutrients that it was deprived of or unable to absorb when addiction was the priority.
That’s why the nutrition therapy program is a crucial part of your addiction treatment program at Painted Desert Recovery. The importance of nutrition in recovery is key to reversing the effects substance use had on your mind and body. Our staff has the expertise and knowledge of both foods and addiction, so our addiction treatment plans include one of the most innovative nutrition therapy programs in Utah.
How Are Nutrition and Addiction Related?
When you are actively abusing drugs or alcohol, self-care takes a back seat to the addiction. One of the first adverse impacts of addiction is to the diet. Nutrition is a critical component of overall health. Unfortunately, addiction causes people to skip meals or eat unhealthy food because nutrition is not a priority. At Painted Desert Recovery, our distinctive nutrition therapy program will teach you how to create a meal plan to keep you on a healthy schedule and also which foods are the best to combat addiction.
What Are the Best Foods to Combat Addiction?
Through our team’s extensive research and experience in the field of nutrition therapy, we have compiled a list of some of the best foods that you can eat to combat addiction. These powerful foods include:
- Leafy greens – Leafy greens are naturally high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help prevent and delay cell damage in the body, which is beneficial when you’re in recovery. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals, which can help your body strengthen your immune system. Kale, arugula, mustard greens, and spinach are all examples of leafy greens to get you started. These leafy greens are easy to incorporate into your diet by mixing into a salad or smoothie for a quick and easy nutrition boost.
- Fish – The fatty acids in fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and sardines, known as Omega 3 oils, are effective at stabilizing mood and easing anxiety and depression. Most nutritionists recommend at least two servings of fish per week. If you dislike the taste of fish, there are many supplements on the market that contain fish oils.
- Fruit – This is a no-brainer when it comes to proper nutrition. Fruit may help to reduce cravings for drugs or alcohol, so remember to keep your plate colorful with options like blueberries, acai berries, coconuts, and pears.
- Lean protein – Omega fatty acids are essential for tissue repair and brain function. Choices such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and eggs will help you restore your physical and cognitive health while in recovery.
- Whole grains – Whole grains are loaded with nutrients and will give your body a slow release of energy to sustain your activity levels. Look for breads that are completely whole wheat, such as brown rice or whole-wheat pasta.
Learn How Nutrition Therapy Can Help Your Addiction
At Painted Desert Recovery, we pride ourselves on being leaders in the field of nutrition therapy in Utah. Our innovative nutrition therapy program fuels women as they pursue their addiction treatment goals. If you are curious about the connection between foods and addiction, reach out to our team today for more information. Contact us today by calling 844.540.0357 or completing our secure online form.