Addiction is a severe illness that impacts all aspects of your life, including your health. As you probably know by now, your mental and physical health go along. As a result, even though addiction is a chronic brain disease, it doesn’t just affect your brain but the rest of your body as well. Specifically, substance abuse prevents your body from properly breaking down and assimilating nutrients, thus leading to nutritional deficiencies. At the same time, prolonged use can result in neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal issues, as well as liver and kidney damage. Therefore, if you’re struggling with addiction, you should immediately seek professional help and focus on improving your overall health. Here are 5 nutritional supplements that should be a part of addiction recovery plans
No. 1 Vitamins are nutritional supplements that should be a part of addiction recovery plans
We all know that vitamins are essential for our health. However, you probably didn’t know they can reduce withdrawal symptoms, help you get clean, and regain your health.
For instance, some studies have found that vitamin C can help relieve heroin withdrawal symptoms and inhibit the development of tolerance and dependence on morphine. At the same time, it can also reduce stress and anxiety, thus contributing to the treatment of depression, which is often associated with addiction.
Another discovery is that vitamin D deficiency might increase the risk of developing an addiction. Therefore, regulating its levels should be a part of your addiction recovery.
Since we get most of these vitamins from food, you should work on improving your eating habits. Some of the best sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and cruciferous vegetables. As for vitamin D, you should eat fish and vitamin D-fortified foods and spend some time in the sun. Still, if you suffer from a vitamin deficiency, you should also take some supplements.
No. 2 Minerals
Minerals are another example of nutritional supplements that should be a part of addiction recovery plans. More precisely, research shows that magnesium can reduce withdrawal symptoms and the intensity of substance dependency. Moreover, it’s also associated with decreasing relapse rates. The process is pretty simple. This mineral stimulates the brain’s reward system, thus reducing the craving for additional stimulation.
Zinc is another mineral that is vital for our health. Even though you don’t need large amounts of it, addiction depletes your reserves, so you should restore them. Furthermore, some studies show that zinc can relieve pain associated with opioid withdrawal. You can find it in meat, legumes, seeds, and zinc supplements. As a bonus, magnesium and zinc will also significantly boost your energy levels, often low when you’re struggling with addiction.
No. 3 Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits. They promote brain health, help you sleep better, and improve mood. Research also shows they can reduce anxiety and prevent depression, which is crucial for addiction recovery. The main reason is that addicts often relapse because of these conditions. Moreover, it seems that, in the case of alcohol addicts, they reduce alcohol cravings by decreasing stress and cortisol levels. Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as seeds and nuts. However, many people don’t eat fish, so supplements might be a better option.
No. 4 Amino acids
Substance abuse inhibits the brain from properly regulating neurotransmitters. As a result, it gets used to being artificially stimulated by various substances and can no longer produce neurotransmitters. One of the benefits of amino acids is that they promote neurotransmitter production. Here are three types of amino acids that should be a part of addiction recovery plans:
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR)
- N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
- Theanine
Studies show these three amino acids can help reduce drug and alcohol withdrawal symptoms and cravings. They can also reduce stress and anxiety, thus helping prevent a relapse. Note that you’ll generally find them in supplements.
No. 5 Herbs
Researchers found that some herbs can be very beneficial in addiction recovery. Specifically, they can help cleanse your body, reduce cravings, and resist addiction triggers. Not to mention that they can improve your overall health. Here are some examples:
- Burdock root has long been used as a diuretic, blood purifier, and antioxidant. As a result, it can help cleanse your kidneys and liver of toxins during recovery.
- Milk thistle will soothe your liver while allowing it to eliminate drugs and alcohol from your system. Be careful not to ingest too much, as it can cause diarrhea.
- Hawthorn berries help strengthen your heart. That is very important since prolonged substance abuse significantly weakens your heart.
How to use nutritional supplements
While nutritional supplements have many health benefits, you should avoid taking a handful of pills daily. The addiction recovery experts at Little Creek Recovery advise you to consult a health professional before taking any supplements. Plus, read the label carefully and avoid ordering supplements online from unreliable sources. After all, most of the supplements on the market include many ingredients, some of which might even be harmful to you.
At the same time, you shouldn’t rely on nutritional supplements all your life. Make a habit of eating healthily to increase your intake of nutrients from natural sources. You'll regain your health quickly by combining a healthy diet with regular exercise. That, in turn, will make it easier to resist addiction triggers and remain clean.
Final thoughts
Regardless of the type of addiction you’re struggling with, the first thing you have to do is seek professional help. Don’t try to treat yourself because this increases the risk of relapse. Once you start your journey to recovery, make sure you focus on regaining your health as well. Because over time, substance abuse can lead to many health issues as it depletes your body of essential nutrients. You should also consult a health professional about these 5 nutritional supplements that should be a part of addiction recovery plans to make sure they are safe for you.
