Importance of Nutrition in Recovery

Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) often struggle with malnutrition. Maybe you struggle with mental or physical health side effects caused by past substance abuse. You can heal more effectively by prioritizing nutrition in recovery. According to Nutrition Reviews, “[S]ubstance use can compromise the user’s nutrition and greatly affects their dietary habits.” Yahlight encourages people in recovery to eat balanced meals and take steps to create a healthier life through regular exercise, meditation, and engaging in wholesome activities. A healthy lifestyle improves the effectiveness of treatment programs and reduces the risk of relapse.

Why Is Nutrition in Recovery Important?

Eating meals with the proper balance of essential vitamins and minerals ensures your body gets all the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. People recovering from substance abuse may have a wide range of health issues caused by chronic malnutrition. Eating nutritional meals helps the body heal more quickly from the damage caused by addictive behaviors. You may benefit from speaking with a registered dietitian-nutritionist to create a tailored meal plan to address any specific health issues or deficiencies in your diet. 

Nutritional meals provide the following: 

• Additional energy and focus 
• Mood stability and increased cognitive function 
• Faster healing and overall improved physical health 
• Immune system boost 
• Better digestive health
• Improved sleep 

According to MedlinePlus, “Proper nutrition can help the healing process” by helping the body “build and maintain healthy organs and fight off infection.” Some health issues caused by chronic substance abuse may take months or years to fully heal. Regular nutritious meals can help you manage the effects and recover more quickly.  

Malnutrition and Substance Abuse

Every substance has different potential health side effects, and many make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. Chronic abuse of alcohol or drugs may cause you to experience malnutrition, loss of appetite, overeating, and digestive issues. Diet, hydration, exercise, and quality sleep are essential during recovery to help your body heal from the effects of SUD. 

Some of the common health issues and physical symptoms caused by substance abuse include:

• Chronic dehydration due to diarrhea or vomiting 
• Diabetes 
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies 
• High blood pressure 
• Organ damage
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Electrolyte imbalances

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Adults aged 18 to 64 who have been identified as being in poor physical health typically exhibit chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, being overweight, or combinations of these conditions; chronic conditions such as these are linked with higher health care expenditures.” Many health issues can be reversed or managed with a healthy diet. The body, soul, and spirit are directly connected. Meditation, prayer, proper nutrition, and therapy positively impact your mental health and help you heal from the damage caused by substance abuse. 

The Benefits of Focusing on Nutrition in Recovery

Eating regular healthy meals reduces the risk of relapse in early recovery. According to the previously mentioned article by MedlinePlus, “A person with substance use is more likely to relapse when they have poor eating habits. This is why regular meals are important.” Balanced meals supply your body with the necessary nutrients and provide a steady supply of energy. 

Eating nutritional meals does the following: 

• Reduces strain on the body 
• Encourages healthy eating habits 
• Creates a more positive relationship with food and body image 

Eating disorders (EDs) and other mental health issues may impact a person’s ability to eat regular nourishing meals. Yahlight encourages people to address the root cause of psychological and physical health issues using evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies. You can improve your relationship with food and eat healthier when you take the time to manage any issues affecting your relationship with food. 

How Does Yahlight Prioritize Nutrition in Recovery?

Proper nutrition improves mental and physical health simultaneously. Food is a type of medicine for the body and can minimize, reverse, or even eliminate many side effects and symptoms of SUD. According to Frontiers in Nutrition, “Epidemiological studies have shown that diet impacts mental health, and intervention studies confirm this relationship.” Eating regular nutritious meals improves your ability to manage mental health issues and overcome challenges in recovery. 

Yahlight provides nutritional counseling to individuals who need help creating a meal plan focused on balance and nutrition. Tonyah Dee is a registered dietitian-nutritionist (RDN) and understands the importance of a healthy diet. Yahlight also understands people can benefit spiritually, emotionally, and physically from combining meditation, prayer, and proper nutrition during recovery. 

Healing Through Nutritional Guidance

You can recover from SUD more effectively by nourishing your mind, body, and soul through meditation, prayer, and healthy meals. The spiritual and nutritional guidance provided by Yahlight ensures you have the information and tools you need to make educated decisions about your health. You are not alone in your recovery. Yahlight is here to help you better understand the connection between nutrition and your emotional well-being.