Detox programs are safe and supportive places where you can eliminate dangerous substances from your body. Detox is also a time when you can begin to replace self-defeating behaviors with healthier ways of living.
Developing better eating habits is one of the many essential changes you can begin to make while you’re in detox. As you learn more about what foods are good for drug detox, you can start to experience the physical and mental benefits of proper nutrition.
What is a Drug Detox?
When you become addicted to alcohol or another drug, your body adapts to the presence of this substance. If you try to reduce or stop your use of the substance, your body may react with a variety of painful symptoms. This is known as withdrawal.
Drug withdrawal can include physical discomfort and psychological distress. Depending on which drug you’ve become addicted to, trying to get through withdrawal on your own can be dangerous. In some extreme cases, it can even be deadly.
Detox, or detoxification, programs offer a safer and more comfortable option for ridding your body of addictive substances. In a drug detox, you can receive professional care and supervision to ease your discomfort and protect your health.
For example, at Brentwood Springs Detox, our treatment options include both medical services and therapeutic support. We also offer nutritional guidance, so you can follow a healthy diet plan that includes foods that are good for drug detox.
If the pain of withdrawal has kept you trapped in the downward spiral of active addiction, a detox program may be the ideal place for you. Completing detox can be an important step on the path toward a healthy, drug-free future.
The Importance Of Replacing Lost Nutrients
Poor nutrition is one of the many negative effects of untreated addiction. The type of nutritional deficiencies that you experience can depend on many factors. This includes which type of drug you have become addicted to and how long you have been abusing that drug.
Most Common Deficiencies From Substance Abuse
A report in the June 2021 edition of the journal Nutrition Reviews assessed the nutritional impact of various types of substance abuse. This report included the following findings:
- People who abuse cocaine often eat foods that are high in fats and refined carbohydrates. They typically do not incorporate fruit and vegetables into their diet.
- People who have become addicted to heroin or other opioids usually consume excessive amounts of empty calories, primarily via sugar and alcohol.
- People who use cocaine and heroin often don’t consume enough protein. They also often fail to get enough vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, magnesium, thiamin, and many other important vitamins and minerals.
Several studies have also documented the association between malnutrition and chronic alcohol abuse. In addition to not following a healthy diet, people who develop alcohol use disorder may also have problems properly digesting foods and absorbing essential nutrients. This can lead to dangerously low levels of amino acids, proteins, and vitamins.
What Foods are Good for Drug Detox?
Following an appropriate nutrition plan can help your body recover from the ravages of substance abuse.
Eating the right types of foods can even help you while you’re still in the process of eliminating alcohol and other addictive substances from your body.
Here are some foods that can help:
- Water: Proper hydration is always important. Failing to get enough water during detox can have a negative impact on your body and your mind.
- Fruits and vegetables: Green, leafy vegetables are excellent sources of folic acid and vitamin B6. Other vegetables and fruits can provide you with vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, and an array of additional nutrients.
- Meat, poultry, and fish: These foods are rich in proteins. Protein can help your body build muscle and repair tissue damage. Getting enough protein can also boost your metabolism and lower your blood pressure.
- Dairy products: Cheese, yogurt, milk, and other dairy products can provide your body with calcium and protein. Low-fat or fat-free dairy may be best.
- Nuts, grains, and legumes: Whole grains are better for your body than refined carbohydrates. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, they can also be essential sources of protein.
When you receive care at Brentwood Springs Detox, your treatment team will discuss your nutritional needs with you and recommend the diet that’s best for you.
Other Healthy Habits During Detox
Proper diet is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. Here are three other habits that can help you during detox and throughout your recovery journey:
- Exercise: It is important to incorporate exercise into your daily life. You don’t have to adopt a strict workout regimen, but it can be extremely beneficial to find a few physical activities that you enjoy. This can include walking, hiking, bike riding, and a wide range of other options.
- Mindfulness: This is the practice of being fully present in the moment. Mindfulness also involves acknowledging your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without reacting impulsively or judgmentally. Addiction often has its roots in an attempt to hide from emotional pain. Mindfulness can help you face challenges in a healthy and productive manner.
- Gratitude: It is no secret that life can be difficult. Getting treatment for addiction won’t make these difficulties disappear, but it can empower you to respond in a healthier way. When you make gratitude a priority in your life, you begin to see how the light of hope and possibility can illuminate even the darkest days.
In addition to providing medical support, therapeutic services, and nutritional guidance, your detox treatment team can also help you develop the healthy habits that will support your recovery efforts.
Drug Detox in Nashville, TN
If you have been struggling with an addiction to alcohol or another drug, the Brentwood Springs Detox team is here for you. When you choose our detox center in Nashville, Tennessee, you will have the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals in a safe and highly supportive environment. Detox can be a vital step on your path to a brighter future. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
