There are millions of people around the world who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. Getting out of the cycle of substance abuse is easier said than done. The key to getting sober is checking into a reputable rehabilitation center like greenbranchnj.com. With the help of drug rehabilitation professionals, you can learn how to live your life without relying on these dangerous substances.
Once you leave a substance abuse facility, you will have to adjust to life in the outside world. One of the main concerns you may have is how to get your physical and mental health back on track. Getting healthy starts with eating a healthy diet and getting active. Here are some great nutrition tips you can follow if you are newly sober.
Avoid Consuming Too Much Caffeine
One thing to be mindful of when you are trying to build your new healthy lifestyle is that you don’t replace one addiction with another. For instance, it is somewhat common for recovery addicts to drink excessive amounts of coffee in recovery because it provides them with a caffeine buzz. However, a few hours after initially drinking the coffee, most people will have a crash. While these crashes aren’t a big deal for the average person, they can be disastrous for a recovering addict.
In some cases, these crashes can trigger a relapse in an addict because they want to feel better and could look for other substances to achieve that. Rather than tempting yourself and having a relapse, try to reduce the amount of coffee you consume on a daily basis. Ideally, you want to consume no more than two cups of coffee a day.
Add Vitamin Supplements
Many recovering addicts are surprised to learn about the damage that long-term drug and alcohol abuse can do to the human body. Recovering alcoholics could have issues with their gut or digestive health, and are sometimes malnourished. The best thing you can do to give your body the nutrients it needs is to take high-quality supplements.
Before you start any new vitamin regimen, be sure to consult with your doctor. Generally, people who are alcoholics will be deficient in vitamin B and D. Luckily, there are plenty of supplements that can help to bring your levels back to normal.
Sugar Is Not Your Friend
Many recovering drug addicts and alcoholics gravitate towards food with sugar in it. In most cases, this is due to the blood sugar spike these sugar-filled foods provide. Since alcohol turns to sugar in the human body, many alcoholics crave this substance in recovery. Instead of giving in to these cravings, try to reduce the amount of sugar you consume.
There have been a number of studies that also link consumption of sugar to spikes in dopamine levels. This is the same substance that is produced in a person’s brain when they consume drugs and alcohol. Rather than filling your body with something that reminds you of drugs and alcohol, try to distance yourself from sugar to help your body heal. Opting for healthy fruits, vegetables and lean sources of protein will help you give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Develop a Healthy Eating Routine
The life of a substance abuser is filled with chaos and disorganization. One of the main things you need to focus on during recovery is establishing a healthy routine. Getting up and starting your day with a healthy breakfast will give you the fuel you need to take on the world. You also need to get in the habit of meal prepping to make lunches and dinners easier to manage throughout your week. The longer you eat healthy, the better you will ultimately feel.