The physical changes made to the body while abusing drugs and alcohol can lead to severe biochemical imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and digestion problems.  Proper nutrition will help to naturally correct these imbalances.  The following tips will help your body and brain get the nutrition they need to stay on track with your recovery:

Get more zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that has been found to help with liver functioning.  This leads to a healthier immune system and increased brain function.  Good sources of zinc are oysters, lamb, potatoes, shrimp, and pecans.

Avoid refined sugars

During recovery, you may find yourself craving sweets as the body is trying to relieve the low blood sugar levels common among recovering addicts.  Refined sugars have no nutritional value and have been shown to deplete the body’s levels of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.

Eat more fish

Seafood is a great source of protein as well as Omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3s have been shown to aid in mental health and mood disorders such as depression and ADHD.  A diet that includes two meals per week of non-predatory fish is an excellent source of Omega-3s.

Avoid white flour

White flour is highly-processed and should be avoided especially during recovery.  When whole wheat flour is processed and turned into white flour it is stripped of the vital nutrients your body needs.  When a meal is nutritionally poor your body must use stored nutrients to aid in digestion causing an increased imbalance.

Get more B-complex vitamins

Excessive use of sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and drugs can cause severe deficiencies in B-complex vitamins.  These deficiencies have been shown to cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and a craving for addictive substances.  B-complex vitamins can be found in most unprocessed foods.

Avoid high fructose corn syrup

High Fructose Corn Syrup has been shown to deplete the body of nutrients and raise blood levels of cholesterol.  High fructose is a common ingredient in most processed and packaged foods.

Get more vitamin C

Vitamin C has been found to be an essential part of addiction treatment.  Vitamin C acts as a primary detoxifier of drugs and alcohol.  It has also been shown to counterbalance some of the symptoms of withdrawal.  Vitamin C can be found in most fresh fruits and vegetables.

Avoid hydrogenated oils

Hydrogenated oils are made by rearranging fatty acid molecules, creating trans fats which are difficult for the body to digest.  Hydrogenated oils are found in almost all processed foods as well as commercial salad dressings and margarine.

Get more whole grains

Whole grains are digested slower than processed grains.  This slower digestion can help prevent blood sugar and insulin levels from rising and falling.  Oatmeal and brown rice are excellent sources of whole grains.

The Kimberly Center is a place for healing. We welcome you to our treatment programs for substance dependence and abuse where the number one goal is restoring your or your loved one to live a healthier, happier, and more productive life. A life free from substance dependence and destructive behaviors waits. Call us now for information on our programs of treatment and start your journey today: 855-452-3683