Detox Nutrients for Natural Addiction Recovery
Detoxification is a fundamental medical procedure for treating drug and alcohol addiction. Generally, any treatment for substance use disorder begins with detoxification, a set of therapeutic interventions aimed at managing acute intoxication and withdrawal. The process involves the removal of toxins from a patient’s body. Detox aims to minimize the physical damage caused by the presence of psychoactive substances in the body, whether deliberately or accidentally.
Depending on the type of substance abused and the severity of the symptoms, various detoxification approaches may be considered for different patients. It can be performed in a wide range of settings and at multiple levels of intensity. Conventionally, detoxification uses medications to remove toxins from the body. However, it should be noted that drug and alcohol abuse leads to nutritional deficiencies in the body, which must be replenished for a healthy recovery. Therefore, health experts today recommend nutrient-based detoxification therapies. Here are some vital nutrients that people undergoing detoxification should consume:
- Vitamins B and C: Vitamins B1, B3, and B5 help the body convert sugar into energy, while vitamins B6 and B12 help make blood cells. Excessive alcohol consumption and drug use impair the body’s ability to absorb these nutrients. Therefore, people struggling with addiction should take the proper dose of B vitamins for a healthy recovery. Detox clinics use the anti-addictive property of B vitamins to treat people with addiction. Vitamin therapy, also known as NAD IV therapy, is a natural holistic detoxification procedure to help patients manage withdrawal symptoms while preparing their body for subsequent treatment. NAD or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide is a coenzyme present in almost all cells in the body and helps metabolize fats, carbohydrates, and amino acids. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency causes people to feel tired or depressed, which can make withdrawal symptoms worse. Patients undergoing detoxification treatment should increase their intake of vitamin C to counteract the unpleasant sensations caused by withdrawal symptoms.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: From improving heart health to helping alleviate depressive symptoms, omega-3s are known to offer a multitude of benefits. According to a study published in the journal Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, the antidepressant properties of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can be attributed to their anti-inflammatory effects and their role in generating structural changes in the brain. Drug addiction treatment centers now use omega-3 fatty acids in their detox programs for a natural and sustained recovery. Flaxseed oil, fatty fish, walnuts, soybeans, and oysters are some of the rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Proteins: Hundreds or thousands of amino acids together form proteins that regulate various functions and play an important role in the maintenance of the living system. Proteins exist in seven types, including enzymes, antibodies, and some hormones such as insulin. Speaking of mental health, tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is known to influence mood by producing the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin, also called nature’s Prozac, is associated with depression. Foods like meat, dairy products, fruits, and seeds are abundant in tryptophan. Many detox clinics use amino acid therapy to help patients get rid of harmful toxins without causing protein deficiency.
- Calcium: Studies suggest a positive association between calcium intake and lower levels of depression. Calcium can also have a calming effect on many mental health conditions and sleep-related problems. It is also known to have a protective effect on difficulty falling asleep, anxiety, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Seeking specialized treatment
Adequate intake of the aforementioned nutrients is important for people struggling with addiction. However, it is recommended to approach a credible detox rehab for a sustainable recovery.
