Nutrition is integral to addiction therapy as it provides the fuel your body needs to get through withdrawal and recovery. At the same time, it also replenishes the many nutrients depleted by drug or alcohol abuse. Painted Desert Recovery’s Utah nutrition therapy program offers addiction treatment for women, addressing the whole person—body and mind. Preparing for nutrition therapy is mainly about your mental attitude toward this approach to healing and recovery in general.
Learn more about nutrition therapy preparation, how diet affects your recovery, and what is involved in our program of nutrition therapy in Utah. Simply fill out our online form or call us at 844.540.0357 to connect with us.
Why Nutrition Therapy Is Important in Addiction Recovery
Addiction to drugs or alcohol takes a toll on the human body. It can have a damaging effect on your internal organs, such as the lining of the stomach, the intestines, the pancreas, and, of course, the liver. Some of the physical side effects of addiction-related poor nutrition include:
- Inability to absorb and use nutrients
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Leaky gut
- Fungal infections in the intestines
- Acid reflux and esophageal damage
- Bacterial overgrowth syndrome (BOS)
Correcting the biome within the gut through nutrition will impact brain health and the proper functioning of all your organs.
Preparing for Nutrition Therapy
There is no need to be concerned that you have to do lots of homework before beginning nutrition therapy in addiction rehab. Nutrition therapy preparation is more about readiness and intention than about completing specific tasks. A nutrition therapy program is designed to guide you comfortably as you learn the importance of healthy nutrition in recovery, learn what to eat that fits your specific needs, and develop new habits related to eating.
So what exactly do you need to bring to the table as you prepare for nutrition therapy in Utah? Here’s a short list:
- An open mind – Coming to nutrition therapy with an open mind helps the entire process. Realize that the food police will not force you to do anything uncomfortable or does not work with your lifestyle or food sensitivities. But if you can approach nutrition therapy the same way you do all treatments during this time—openly and with optimism that it can help you—you will find that it will.
- Lists of important things – You will be asked for these in your intake session, so preparing ahead will help. Make lists of medications and supplements you take, food and other sensitivities or allergies, and the kinds of foods you most often have in your pantry.
- Nutritional goals – You will learn a great deal in nutrition therapy about what a healthy diet plan can do for you, but you may already have some goals you would like to discuss concerning your dietary patterns. If so, it’s beneficial if you come prepared with those.
The fact that you are starting or thinking about beginning recovery means that you desire to be healthy and well. Your recovery involves your entire being. Brain health, psychological balance, and physical vitality go along with recovery, and you will find they happen in tandem with healthy nutrition.
Any changes to your nutrition plan will be made gradually. As you and your nutrition therapist observe results, you can tweak the plan and move it forward according to your progress in recovery. The return to health will happen over time as you work towards your goals.
Find Nutrition Therapy in Utah at Painted Desert Recovery
Reach out today to learn more about nutrition therapy and find out how our program uniquely suits the needs of women in recovery. In coordination with evidence-based therapies, healthy lifestyle experiences, and support from staff and peers at Painted Desert Recovery, nutrition therapy is a significant addition to your rehab experience. Contact Painted Desert Recovery today at 844.540.0357 or simply fill out our online form. We will be in touch.