Thomas Cothren works with individuals suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues and is passionate about seeing his clients improve. In the following article, Thomas Cothren explains the important role that proper nutrition plays during substance recovery, for both the physical and mental recovery process.
The value of a good diet and the importance of proper nutrition can never be overstated, but it is particularly important for those recovering from addiction to drugs and alcohol. The journey of healing is both physical and mental, and proper nutrition aids in both.
Thomas Cothren on Nutrition During Substance Addiction
No two experiences with addiction will ever look exactly the same, but there are elements of addiction that most individuals will attest to being a common symptom. Thomas Cothren says that one of these is the lack of desire for food, especially nutritious food. This can lead to malnutrition.
Studies have shown that this is a vicious cycle: addicts often consume very little food, and the onset of malnutrition can promote further drug seeking, thus impeding any potential recovery from substance abuse.
It means that there is strong evidence for the importance of good nutrition when assisting those who have substance use disorders (SUDs).
Boosts Brain Recovery
Thomas Cothren of Maryland reports that food fuels the body, including the brain. And for those recovering from SUDs, the latter can be even more crucial.
The right foods can increase neurotransmission of brain signals, promoting good brain health. And a healthy brain is less likely to be susceptible to depression and suicidal ideation, both common in people in recovery, or indeed those who use drugs and alcohol, even though they may not be considered dependent.
Thomas Cothren of Fresh Start explains that foods high in nutritious content for the brain are those that are high in B vitamins, zinc, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Such foods include fatty fish, berries, walnuts, and leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli.
Even caffeine is known for boosting mental function and concentration, meaning tea and coffee are encouraged as part of a nutritious diet explains Thomas Cothren of Fresh Start.
These foods, therefore, are good for everyone to eat, no matter whether there is a link to SUDs or not, but they are particularly important for people in recovery, and much of this is because the brain has the ability to heal itself.
Thomas Cothren of Maryland explains that neurotransmitters can become blocked or damaged through abuse of drugs and alcohol, and overuse of these substances can cause the brain to modulate its reward system, the ‘feel-good’ factor that comes from these substances. As a result, the drive of addiction moves from a sense of reward, to one of dependence.
Repairing the brain and restoring the correct balance concerning the neural pathways can be aided in many ways, including exercise and sleep, but nutrition plays a large role, too.
Nutrition and Physical Recovery
When SUDs take hold, everyday nutrition and diet are quick to fall to the wayside. And when it comes time to recovery, it can take a while to get back into a good routine of self-care, including knowing what to eat, and even when.
Thomas Cothren of Maryland explains that regular meals that are highly nutritious are so crucial to the recovery process that doctors will often recommend or even assign a nutritionist to help in the
planning and preparing of nutritious meals to aid in boosting the body’s strength and health.
These meals should be those that contain:
- Vitamins, including the 13 vitamins essential for human health. All these vitamins perform a different job for the body, but they boost the immune system, keep bones, teeth, skin and hair healthy, boost brain power, and aid in the absorption and metabolization of important micronutrients.
- Minerals, such as calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and zinc, to name just a few. Minerals are found in the earth, but they are put into the body via a nutritious diet. Thomas Cothren of Maryland says that eating food that supply minerals means keeping the immune system healthy, regulating blood pressure, and preventing tooth decay.
- Protein, which builds muscle, keeps bones strong, and is required for every single cell of the human body to function properly.
- Fatty acids, carbohydrates, and hydrating liquids, especially water.
Foods that are prepared every day with these nutrients in mind are vital to give those recovering from substance abuse a boost to their entire bodies.
The important thing is to replace poor eating habits with nutritious foods. Junk food, and processed foods full of sugars and fats are also highly addictive, and those looking to recover from addiction find that it is best to cut out all addictive substances, including food.
