Addiction to alcohol, nicotine, opiates, or other substances often takes its toll on the body in many ways. Some of the negative consequences of addiction to health include malnutrition and weakened immune systems, which increase one's risk of developing disease. Therefore, aside from focusing on withdrawing from one's addiction to chemical substances, one must also pay attention to improving one's nutrition on the road to full recovery of health.

1. Addiction Recovery
Nutritional Support

2. Effects of Addiction on Nutrition
Alcoholics often suffer from vitamin B-complex
deficiencies as well as shortage of vitamins C and
K.

3. Drug addicts who are hooked on opiates may
show deficiencies in vitamins D, B and iron.

4. Cocaine users have low levels of omega-3
fatty acids.

5. Victims of substance abuse experience
problems in digestion and absorption.

6. Nutritional Support for Recovering
Addicts
Eat three meals and three snacks daily.

7. Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and
protein-rich foods like beans.

8. Limit your intake of sugary foods.

9. Limit your intake of red meat.

10. Obtain protein from poultry, fish, and beans.

11. Avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as
coffee, tea, soda, or energy drinks

12. Carbohydrate-fat-and protein content of your
diet must ideally be at a proportion.
45%
30%
25
Carbohydrate
Fat
Protein

13. Choose healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty
acids, olive oil, and flaxseed oil.

14. Avoid eating processed foods, artificial
ingredients, added sugar and fat.

15. Quit smoking.

16. Exercise regularly.

17. Take nutritional supplements to support your
diet and health.

18. Diet Supplements for Recovery from
Addiction
DL-phenylalanine helps restore normal
levels of enkephalins and endorphins.

19. Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which
promotes relaxation and calmness.

20. L-Tryptophan or 5HTP helps improve
mood, reduces depression, cravings and
insomnia.

21. L-tyrosine helps improve mental focus,
increase energy and reduce craving and
depression.

22. L-Glutamine reduces stress and cravings,
especially for sweets and alcohol.

23. For more information about this article,
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