Addiction often causes a person to neglect their own needs and lose interest in taking care of themselves. Things like getting adequate rest, drinking enough water, and eating healthily may go to the bottom of the priority list. Numerous studies have shown that a proper diet plays an important part in restoring mental health. A healthy diet can aid those recovering from substance misuse by restoring their energy, improving their mood, and decreasing their cravings. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that contributes to our "feel-good factor," or our sense of accomplishment, our level of enthusiasm, and our overall sense of being alive.

However, if your body isn't producing enough dopamine, you could feel depressed, unmotivated, and unhappy. It may play a role in the progression of a variety of health problems, including addiction. Dopamine insufficiency is exacerbated by a diet high in processed and sugary foods and hydrogenated fats. In early recovery, keeping blood sugar levels stable is essential, as sugar spikes could cause anxiety and depression, therefore increasing the chances of relapsing. Sugar has the same effect on increasing the level of dopamine in the brain's reward center as narcotics and alcohol, which can induce a transfer or cross-addiction.

As a neurotransmitter, serotonin helps us unwind, lift our spirits, fight off pain, control our appetite, and get a good night's rest. Stress, poor food, metabolism, digestive difficulties, and substance addiction are just a few of the numerous possible triggers of a serotonin shortage. As a result, you may experience emotional distress, worry, physical discomfort, and food cravings. Inadequate serotonin levels increase the brain's sensitivity to the effects of dopamine, making the individual more prone to addictive behaviors such as binge drinking or drug use.

The digestive system is only one aspect of the importance of the gut, or "second brain," to our health. Healthy bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the gut microbiome have profound effects on our physical and mental well-being, including our ability to digest food, maintain a healthy weight, fight off infections, absorb nutrients, and rid ourselves of harmful substances. Negative effects on health can occur since the digestive tract produces up to 90% of the body's serotonin.

• Protein-rich diets provide energy by providing the body with the building blocks for amino acids that mimic the creation of dopamine and serotonin. Raw poultry, fish, and tofu are all great options, as are dairy products, eggs, beans, seeds, and nuts.
• Fortunately, probiotic-fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, tempeh, and miso contain helpful bacteria that can restore gut health. Jerusalem artichokes, onions, garlic, bananas, and apple skins are all examples of prebiotic foods that support digestive wellness.
• Fill your meal with colorful, antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies. They aid in the restoration of immunity and enhance the condition of the skin, hair, and nails. Carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, sweet potatoes, kale, coriander, purple cabbage, berries, apples, oranges, papaya, pecans, goji berries, and dark chocolate with a cocoa level of at least 72% are all excellent sources of antioxidants.
• Abusing substances, such as alcohol, can have negative effects on the liver, which needs to be working at peak performance in order to extract nutrients from the food you eat. Foods including cabbage, kale, rocket, beetroot, cauliflower, turmeric, and walnuts can aid in liver cleansing and restoration.
• The physical dependence of an alcoholic's body on significant amounts of sugar in the form of alcohol is a major contributor to the cravings that characterize the early stages of sobriety. Eating foods like sweet potatoes and whole grains (such as brown rice, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, and whole grain pasta and bread) that have a slower effect on blood sugar levels will help break the cycle of blood sugar lows and highs.
• Quitting an addiction is often accompanied by a host of unpleasant side effects, including insomnia and anxiety. Caffeine can make these feelings worse and has been linked to blood sugar drops, so it's better to limit or avoid it altogether.
• Consuming a diet rich in healthy fats and fatty acids can aid in cellular repair during recovery, improve nutrient and vitamin absorption, maintain emotional stability, and lessen feelings of worry and sadness. In addition to the omega-3s and omega-6s found in fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, flaxseeds, almonds, and walnuts are excellent sources of these fats.
• It's best to consume foods in their natural, unaltered state, such as an apple or orange, in their whole form rather than in the form of juice. Even though fruit is healthy, consuming too much of it in a smoothie might lead to a blood sugar collapse. Instead, drink a green juice, which has a slow release and can help stabilize blood sugar, boost energy, and protect the liver. Ideal components are spinach, cucumber, celery, kiwi, fennel, parsley, ginger, and lemon juice.

Even if you can't undo the effects of your addiction, proper eating is a crucial step on the road to recovery. At Abhasa Luxury Rehab, we believe in a holistic strategy for rehabilitation, one that prioritizes both mental and physical health by stressing the significance of a healthy diet and regular exercise. While helping your body recover from addiction's physical toll. Along with helping you feel better emotionally, boost your confidence, and keep up your stamina so you can keep moving forward, this is a great resource.

Prepared by: Ms.Nivedha L Narayanan, Centre Head at Abhasa Rehabilitation and Wellness Home
LinkedIn Id: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nivedha-l-narayanan-1781b6120/