Addiction recovery is more than just refraining from a substance; it takes your whole body and mind to be successful in residential treatment. Eating healthy superfoods for recovery benefits people of all ages, but when you are battling addiction, you need your body to be at its strongest.
I know that if I hadn’t taken care of my life in all areas, I wouldn’t have been successful at reaching my goals. Filling your life with positive energy and foods packed with vitamins will give your body the power to withstand urges and the pains that come from drug and alcohol withdrawal. Eat these Superfoods for recovery during addiction treatment.
Water
Water may not seem like a true super food, but it is your best friend when eating healthy. If you begin suffering withdrawal symptoms, water will keep you hydrated from excessive sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. Water flushes your body out and cleanses toxins from your organs.
Bananas
Bananas are the truest of super foods. They are quick to grab, easy to eat, and packed with healthy vitamins. They can combat withdrawal nausea, and if eaten in the morning, they can give your body energy to get through the day.
Whole Grains
Replacing your white breads with whole grains will do more than change the color of your sandwich; they will benefit your heart, lungs, digestive tract, and teeth. Drugs can do a number on the heart; blood pressure, heart rhythm, and your arteries could have been damaged temporarily or long-term. Whole grains have been proven to aid in strengthening the heart and lowering the risks of heart disease. This is great news for someone in recovery, and it is a small-step in healing your heart.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Withdrawal symptoms can come in a variety of painful forms, but nausea and vomiting are the most common. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, help ward off nausea and keep your digestive system running properly. Packed with Vitamins A, C, and E, your body will feel energized throughout the day.
Garlic
I love chopping up garlic, sautéing it in a pan, and then stirring it in a dish. It adds that extra delicious taste. Knowing the amazing healthy benefits that come from eating garlic only makes me love it even more. Garlic helps the liver produce steadily while filtering out toxins. When recovering from any addiction, especially alcohol, it is common knowledge that the liver can be seriously harmed by excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol. Eating garlic is one way to stay on the path to healing your body from past damage and getting the toxins out of your system.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts of all kinds are some of my favorite foods to snack on. With a high-source of protein in nuts, you can guarantee your body will feel the boost of energy from eating just a handful. Nuts and seeds help detox the body and are easy to digest.
Cantaloupe
This fruit is like a giant dose of Vitamin C. If you eat half a melon, you get double the recommended amount of Vitamin C for the day. The beta-carotene in every bite is a strong antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
Extra Virgin Oil
While cooking your leafy vegetables or garlic, try adding a little extra virgin oil to the pan. This will not only make your food taste scrumptious, but it will clean your organs and release toxins from your body. The pain of stomach problems from withdrawal symptoms can be lessened from the oil lubricating your digestive track. This will help with both constipation and diarrhea.
Citrus Fruits
All fruits are packed with vitamins to boost your energy and keep your digestive tract on track, but citrus fruits are especially helpful for those recovering from an addiction. Limes, oranges, grapefruit, and lemons flush the toxins from drugs and alcohol right out of your body. Beginning your day with a citrus fruit will help your body stay clean throughout the day. Your liver will also be happy with your choice of foods, as these fruits will help your liver begin healing. As your body begins craving foods that are full of vitamins and nutrients, you will begin to crave your addiction less. At first it will be hard to fit specific foods into your diet, but with a little preparation and planning you can successfully be eating superfoods for recovery that will give your body the power to recover from an addiction.
By Michelle Conway
Photo by: Ali Karimian (Flickr)