The link between what we eat and our overall physical health has long been known, but research into the mind-body connection has intensified in recent years, particularly with regard to nutrition. Researchers are studying how our eating habits and when we eat them can affect our overall well-being and mental health. It can be difficult for many people to eat with good intentions. recognize the connection between physical and mental health and prioritize and maintain healthy eating habits for optimal physical performance. But power, and in the case of good intentions, comes with knowledge.
Why good nutrition is important for addicts?
Nutrition is much more important to those struggling with addiction. The urge to seek out and use substances sometimes takes precedence over even the most basic human needs, like food, when a person is struggling with drug dependence or addiction. In these situations, malnutrition and disease are problems caused by both drug use and the drugs themselves, which have a significant negative impact on the body's overall health.
For example, excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to many types of cancer and other diseases. Alcohol is the most consumed substance in the world. Cocaine suppresses appetite, so often when users manage to eat, they fill up on carbohydrates, sweets, and other empty calories. Saliva production and quality are changed by methamphetamine, which makes it challenging to effectively chew and digest food.
These factors make it imperative that recovery programs include healthy eating and nutrition, particularly with an emphasis on teaching patients the importance of good nutrition to their mental and physical well-being.
How healthy eating affects the mind?
The vagus nerve connects the gut and mind directly, and the brain stores and controls sanity and general function. Because the digestive tract is known to produce 90-95% of the body's serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and is thought to play a role in many mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, it is referred to as " called second brain. Therefore, what we eat is extremely important. In order to function optimally, the human brain requires a variety of nutrients, including fatty acids and various vitamins, many of which are found in various plant-based meals.
How do I fill up?
It is extremely important to provide the body with the variety of carbohydrates, proteins and minerals it needs as the brain and neurological system depend on nutrition to produce new elements such as cells and tissues. The following food groups should be prioritized in your daily diet for better physical and cognitive health: Foods that contain complex carbohydrates are made up of sugar molecules that the body breaks down into glucose, the body's fuel. Legumes, beans, whole grains, and a variety of starches are all nutrient-dense foods that help you feel fuller for longer.
Lean Protein: Lean protein contains less saturated fat without sacrificing nutrients and provides long-lasting energy. Protein works hard to build muscle mass and support important activities. However, there are plant foods such as soy (in all its forms), various nuts and seeds that are not as lean as most chicken and fish. Healthy fatty acids and oils are found in a variety of fish and meat products, as well as eggs, flaxseed, almonds and other foods. They are used to lower cholesterol and support the proper functioning of body systems.
The best and most effective way to manage your health is to combine more fruits and vegetables (which are high in fiber and antioxidants), equal amounts of protein and whole grains, and a small amount of natural fats. While there are countless diets and paradigms, this combination is universally accepted.
Eating healthy food doesn't heal everything
A healthy diet has several benefits. However, it is not a panacea. Help is available if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health problems or is self-medicating with drugs or alcohol. Realize that you are not alone and that there are professionals who are happy to take care of your problems and offer you the help you need.
