Nutrition in Addiction Recovery
A recent article by Jeanene Swanson in Addiction Treatment Magazine by Elements Behavioral Health featured David Wiss, MS RDN, founder of Nutrition in Recovery.
The article features helpful recovery information such as this:
The Recovery Diet
So, just what should recovering addicts eat?
- Less sugar – Staying away from sweetened foods (anything with added sugar counts) will help stabilize blood sugar levels, which will help with mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
- Fewer refined carbohydrates – Choose whole grains instead.
- More protein – The amino acids in proteins serve as building blocks for neurotransmitters, often lacking in persons with addiction.
- More fiber – Fruits and vegetables help begin to heal the gastrointestinal system.
- More healthy fats – Good fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins. Choose olive oil, flaxseed oil, and omega-3s (found in fatty fish, nuts, and flax seeds).
- Fewer processed foods – Liver repair is critical in early sobriety, so avoid ultra-processed foods with excessive food additives.
- Less caffeine – Caffeine can exacerbate insomnia and anxiety, which are especially prevalent in early sobriety.
Wiss encourages a “never hungry, never full” dietary approach, encouraging his patients to eat every 2-4 hours or 5-6 smaller meals daily. The importance of keeping blood sugar levels stable cannot be overstated. There is a strong connection between mood swings and blood sugar changes, as well as depression and nutritional deficiencies. Both can lead to relapse in early addiction recovery if not managed well.
