How to Nourish Your Body: Learning Good Nutrition After Addiction Recovery

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Rebuilding your life and your body after recovering from an addiction is something that happens gradually. The good news is that the body is able to recover physically by following basic guidelines, and with the assistance of professional help, there is the potential for healing and restoration.

One of the most crucial aspects for recovering from an addiction is replenishing the body nutritionally. Because an addiction to drugs or alcohol often strip the body of crucial vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, it takes vigilance and proactivity to repair the body.

Restoring the body nutritionally is one of the key foundations to physically and mentally recovering from an addiction.

Finding a Registered Dietitian

If you or a loved one has been struggling with an addiction, it is important to seek the appropriate help and care you need for intervention and treatment. Many treatment teams for addiction recovery often involve a registered dietitian, who is a professional who specializes in nutrition and food.

Working with a registered dietitian can be helpful in learning what and how much to eat in order to over optimal nutrition to the body.

Improving the Quality of Food

ascend_nutritionIn many cases with concerning addiction, there is a lack of quality food in general. This is typically the result of a substance becoming the priority over food as addicts become consumed with either drugs or alcohol. A basic way to begin nourishing the body once again is to each balanced and cohesive meals at regular increments throughout the day.

Aiming to have meals that incorporate foods from the various food groups, including grains, meats, dairy, fruits, vegetables and fat is a good starting place for building healthy meals. Hydrating the body with adequate water is also another important aspect of nourishing the body.

Nourishing Your Body

If you are recovering from addiction, be sure to work with your treatment team to begin the process of healing from your addiction and learning how to nourish your body once more. In some cases, weight restoration may be necessary, and it is advisable to complete this under the guidance of a dietitian and treatment team.

By nourishing your body adequately, you can begin to heal and recover from the inside out.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What are ways that you learned to nourish your body after addiction recovery?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on July 1st, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com