Recovering from a life of addiction means restoring the balance of mind and body. Along the way the substances we use can throw a wrench in that balance but healing is still possible. Since the goal of recovery is to keep things out of the body that could be potentially harmful or detrimental to your overall goals, going down the natural route is usually a safe bet.
Taking the time to learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle can prove to be beneficial in more ways than you could have ever imagined. By implementing five key foods into your everyday routine, you are sure to be on your way to achieving your mental and physical health care goals. The top five foods to a better recovery include the following.
Foods Containing B Vitamins
Whether it is an alcohol or drug addiction, long term substance abuse can deplete your body’s B vitamin levels. B vitamins are crucial for neurological health and can help with some of the uncomfortable sensations associated with detoxing. Without a healthy level of B vitamins, neuropathy can occur.
Symptoms of neuropathy include, but are not limited to, numbness, tingling, and painful or burning sensations. Not only will supplementing B vitamins help to alleviate these symptoms, but they can also aid in flushing out toxins brought into the body by substance abuse.
Foods that are rich in B vitamins include grains, chicken, salmon, fortified cereals, peanuts, yogurt, cheese, and eggs.
Sources Of Vitamin C
Same as with vitamin b, vitamin C levels can become concerningly low when consuming addictive substances. Having a sufficient amount of vitamin C in the body can help to support your immune system and protect against cardiovascular disease. While it is known to many that citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, there are other foods out there which carry a higher amount per serving.
These foods include red and green bell peppers, kale, strawberries, pineapple, and broccoli. Incorporating these food high in vitamin c will help boost your immune system in its time of healing.
Calcium-Rich Foods
Across the board, a well known symptom of withdrawal is debilitating anxiety. Calcium is known for its ability to help you relax by calming your central nervous system. Calming the nervous system will also lead to such benefits as relieving muscle tension and cramps that may appear while detoxing.
A calcium rich food we are all familiar with is the very simple raw milk. Other great sources of calcium include yogurt, cheese, sardines, bok choy, and broccoli. Since some calcium rich foods are also high in certain B vitamins, you can easily supplement these vital nutrients into your everyday diet.
Foods High In Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a well known antioxidant that is responsible in aiding such ailments as arthritis, gout, and poor eyesight. Because of its antioxidant properties, vitamin E can help to remove dangerous chemicals in the body as well as allow for the healthy functioning of red blood cells.
Healthy red blood cells means a better chance for the skin to repair itself which is good ideal for those who developed skin picking habits or skin damage from needle injection sites. Animal sources of vitamin E are not the best so it is recommended that you get this vital nutrient from fruits and vegetables.
Foods rich in vitamin E include almonds, spinach, avocados, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, and butternut squash.
Magnesium-Rich Foods
As with most individuals going through withdrawal, there are a host of unpleasant symptoms that can interfere with everyday life. Anxiety, insomnia, muscle weakness, migraines, and seizures are all ailments that can be relieved by adding more magnesium into your diet.
By consuming this mineral you are allowing your body the chance to heal as well as give yourself a break from the physical stress that comes with recovery. Some of the foods rich in magnesium include spinach, yogurt, almonds, kale, and black beans. These easy to find foods will soon become a welcomed addition to your new healthy lifestyle
As with any new diet, you want to consult your doctor to make sure you are getting the adequate amount of each deficient nutrient necessary. You new lifestyle is sure to help ease the woes of substance withdrawal, allowing your recovery process to be something you look forward to every day.
Make sure to incorporate these foods several times a week if not every day to ensure the best results possible. If getting these foods through regular consumption is not an option due to digestion issues or allergies, make sure to consult with your physician about getting you on a regulated supplement regimen. By giving your body all that it needs, you are allowing yourself the best chance at recovery.