Good Nutrition In Drug Rehab

While some physical tests such as body fat estimations and blood work can give a partial understanding, the true nutritional deficiencies are tough to accurately ascertain. Most rehab employed dieticians strive to develop a better picture of the patient's nutritional needs by working backwards and determining the diet as consumed while abusing. By evaluating past dietary intake, dieticians can determine what vitamins and essential minerals are most needed. Normally, in addition to balanced meals, dieticians will recommend the use of vitamin and mineral supplements to accelerate the nutritional recovery.

Recovering addicts are encouraged to eat three very balanced and healthful meals daily. Since low blood sugars can induce lower energy levels and a depressed mood (with increased cravings as a result) most facilities will encourage the consumption of three balanced but smaller meals, with three or four additional snacks provided throughout the day.

Because sugar and caffeine can exacerbate mood and energy swings, refined sugars and caffeine will be minimized and healthier whole food and non stimulant substitutes provided.

In addition to a restoration of optimal levels of vitamins and minerals, some histories of abuse may have diminished the production of certain neurotransmitters (tryptophan, tyrosine) and protein rich foods heavy in the needed precursors may be offered to those with particular need.

Because many addicts enter rehab with damaged gastro intestinal systems, less able to process foods and often with accompanying tissue damage as a result, nutrient rich and easily digestible foods are offered as the quickest way to begin to reverse the damage of abuse, and begin to repair the ability to efficiently process food.

Most recovering addicts make a remarkable health recovery through a mere month of rehabilitation, and through the complete, balanced and targeted nutrition offered within.