Healthy eating habits are essential for everyone. However, when it comes to people recovering from an addiction, nutrition is one of those measures that need to be prioritized. One of the effects of alcohol and substance abuse is health neglect. The victim will prefer to use their money on buying alcohol or substances instead of buying food. When the victim is in recovery, besides treatment, they also need to eat a healthy diet to regain strength in the body. So how does nutrition help when one is in recovery? Keep reading to find out.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source. They play a significant role in that dietitians recommend your meal to have at least 40% carbs. One of the effects of drugs like opioids is skipping meals or eating less than two meals a day. When you start missing meals, your body does not get the energy to do anything. That is why you find some people feeling fatigued. During recovery, carbohydrates are essential in helping one regain energy. Avoid carbs with bleached sugar or flour and stick to beneficial carbs.

Vitamins

Substance abuse wears down the body. Naturally, your body needs basic vitamins to remain healthy. Vitamins help the body with tissue repair, proper brain function, and removing toxic substances from the body. All these are body functions that get affected once you start abusing substances. While in recovery, incorporate foods rich in vitamins into your diet. Some of the meals you need to consider include oranges, strawberries, spinach, sweet potatoes, and carrots. These meals will help support your immune system, which your body needs at this time. They will also help your bones become strong and keep your skin healthy.

Proteins

Proteins are also called bodybuilders. Since drugs can cause a lack of appetite, most people do not get enough protein to help with muscle building. That is why, while in recovery, you need to ensure you are also eating meals rich in protein. Some of these meals include dairy products, meats, nuts, and legumes. Proteins contain amino acids, and the body can synthesize some on its own. However, there are some you can get from foods you eat that can help strengthen. While in a treatment center, nutrition is often emphasized because one of the effects of detoxification is loss of appetite. However, at this point, your body needs food for you to recover effectively.

Minerals

These are other nutrients that your body needs. The major minerals to incorporate into your diet include potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Some of the foods you can eat to get these nutrients include avocados, berries, eggs, shellfish, and argan meat. One of the advantages of being in a recovery center is that they will ensure you get a balanced diet to help with your recovery. View more on how you can benefit from a recovery center, including consulting with a dietician. Minerals will help strengthen your immune system, prevent tooth decay and help with blood circulation.

Water

Water plays a significant role in recovery. While you may be without food for weeks, you cannot last three to four days without water. An average adult needs to take about 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water daily. Water improves moods, enhances brain function, removes toxins from the body, and facilitates the transfer of nutrients in the body. While in recovery, a healthy intake of water daily will help you cope with the various treatment options and help your body recover effectively.

No treatment program will tell you nutrition does not play a role in addiction recovery. That is why it is vital to come up with a dietary plan to help you heal fully. A balanced diet is an excellent tool for improving your treatment experience.