To stay healthy, people must be made aware of the link between nutrition and brain health. Of course, we know that we have to eat. Humans are biological organisms that require a complex balance of vitamins and minerals, as well as base fuel, to keep us functioning. Our brains are no different, also requiring nutrition that promotes brain health. Believe it or not, this link between nutrition and brain health can have a serious impact on addiction and someone’s recovery. When people are not properly nourished, they may have difficulty recovering from addiction.
That’s why at Painted Desert Recovery, clients have access to nutritional therapy. It’s important enough to a client’s health that it’s included in most treatment plans. Clients gain the education they need about nutrition and brain health in a judgment-free zone. For those who worry that they will be shamed for their dietary choices, they have nothing to fear. It’s a safe place to create new and healthier habits that lay a foundation for addiction recovery. But before we can dive into just why nutritional therapy works, we must understand how nutrition affects our brain health.
Nutrition and the Brain
The link between nutrition and brain health has been studied for a while now, revealing some important data that affects everyone. One agency, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), has collected and published several studies centering around nutrition and brain health. It’s documented that nutrition has an impact on mood and mental well-being, especially for those struggling with anxiety and depression. Nutrition is also linked to preserving brain health as we age, and a healthy diet can boost memory and neuroplasticity. It’s been well-proven already just how much nutrition can impact our brain function and health. But what does that mean for an average person?
It means that specific diets and foods can bolster brain health and prevent or lessen negative symptoms a person may feel due to a mental health disorder. Nutrition is needed to keep the brain running smoothly by promoting healing and growth and allowing the brain to produce the chemicals it needs to keep the body functioning. For general brain health, it’s recommended to have a varied diet rich in vitamins and healthy fats. A few common foods associated with brain health are:
- Fatty fish that are rich in omega-3s
- Berries, which include flavonoid antioxidants
- Nuts and seeds, which are full of good fats and protein
- Whole grains, which contain vitamin E
- Green and leafy vegetables that are full of lutein, folate, beta-carotene, and vitamin K
- Dark chocolate, as it contains a healthy source of flavonoids, antioxidants, and a non-harmful source of caffeine
Of course, what specific changes a person needs to make to their diet is determined by the client and treatment provider. However, these are easy to add foods to any person’s diet that can improve brain health and function.
Why Brain Health Is Important for Addiction Recovery
Brain health is important for addiction treatment and recovery for several reasons. One, it gives the client the energy needed to undergo something as challenging and focus-heavy as treatment. Two, it can reduce the mental health disorder symptoms a person may struggle with, allowing them more comfort as they focus on treatment. Three, it boosts mood, allowing clients the ability to feel hopeful and get proper rest. Lastly, it makes clients feel better in general. When someone is not feeling good, it can make it hard for them to accomplish what they need to do to complete treatment.
Brain health is also vital for recovery. Again, people simply feel better and more optimistic when they have a properly nourished brain. This allows people to look at life in a more hopeful way and utilize healthy coping skills. When someone can do that, they are less likely to experience a relapse. To visualize this better, imagine that your brain needs batteries to function. When your batteries are full, you have the energy to do things the healthy way. Without full batteries, it’s more tempting to do what seems easier because you have little energy to spare. Often, this means engaging in substance use over what may be a harder, but healthier, way to cope with negative feelings and experiences.
The Impact of Nutritional Therapy on Brain Health
Painted Desert Recovery employs staff members who understand the importance of nutrition on brain health. That is why it’s common for all clients to at least consult a nutritional therapist to make sure they are doing all they can to strengthen their brain health. Nutritional therapy is helpful because it breaks down the complexity of nutrition in a way that is easy for a layperson to understand. It’s also not a therapy designed to deprive someone of things that bring them happiness. Nutritional therapy is a way to incorporate healthy habits into an already busy and complicated life. Healthy food can be delicious, too, which not only promotes brain health but can bring another source of enjoyment into a client’s life.
It can seem like such a small and insignificant change to just add some foods to your diet to feel better, but it has a large impact on brain health. What makes nutritional therapy so effective is just how easy it is once you understand how nutrition works. Again, clients are not in nutritional therapy to be shamed about their weight or diet choices. That is not the point of nutritional therapy or addiction treatment. Instead, these therapies exist to help clients feel better by both promoting physical and brain health. Remember that anyone can recover from addiction, especially when they feel healthier and more energetic.
Having a properly nourished brain is important for mental health. It is especially vital for those who are undergoing addiction treatment. Knowing just what the brain needs to stay healthy can be difficult for many, especially in a society where junk food is the norm. That’s why at Painted Desert Recovery in New Harmony, Utah, nutritional therapy is an essential part of addiction. Utilizing this important type of therapy teaches clients how to make healthy dietary changes to nourish their brains and bolster their energy through addiction treatment. Anyone can make healthy life changes if they’re given the help and quality treatment they need. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, call (844) 540-0353 today.
