Nutritional imbalances effects and diet: Drug addiction recovery
The human body needs to be kept healthy for it to function optimally as required. Several things put together helps in ensuring the proper functionality of the body. Among them is the good nutrition, we all need to feed well for our bodies to have enough energy to propel daily life activities. When we feed well and avoid harmful substance like drugs into our system the body will function normally, however, the deficiency of these vital nutrients in the body may have serious consequences especially in the life of those using drugs. It, therefore, means that nutritional imbalances effects on such people if not addressed in good time can cause serious health complications, and that is why we want to engage the services of doctor Dalal Akoury MD, President, and founder of the AWAREmed health center to help you and me live a healthy lifestyle.
Nutritional imbalances effects and diet: How substance abuse harms the body
Substance abuse harms the body in two major ways which need to be properly identified and addressed adequately, the two ways include:
- The substance itself affects the body
- It causes negative lifestyle changes, such as irregular eating and poor diet
For example, infants who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb often have physical and mental problems. The alcohol affects the growing baby by crossing the placenta. After birth, the baby may have withdrawal symptoms. The mother’s poor nutrition, while she is drinking, can harm the baby’s growth and development while still in the womb.
Recovery from substance abuse also affects the body in other ways, including metabolism processing energy, organ function, and mental well-being. Proper nutrition may help the healing process. Nutrients supply the body with energy. They provide substances to build and maintain healthy organs and fight off infection. The impact of different drugs on nutrition is described below.
Nutritional imbalances effects and diet: Opiates
Opiates including codeine, oxycontin, heroin, and morphine affect the gastrointestinal system. Constipation is a very common symptom of abuse. Symptoms that are common during withdrawal include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
These symptoms may lead to a lack of enough nutrients and an imbalance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride.
Eating balanced meals may make these symptoms less severe however eating can be difficult due to nausea. A high-fiber diet with plenty of complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, vegetables, peas, and beans is recommended.
Nutritional imbalances effects and diet: Alcohol
Alcoholism is one of the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the United States. The most common deficiencies are of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), thiamine, and folic acid. A lack of these nutrients causes anemia and nervous system neurologic problems. Korsakoff’s syndrome “wet brain” occurs when heavy alcohol use causes a lack of enough thiamine.
Alcohol intoxication also damages two major organs involved in metabolism and nutrition: the liver and the pancreas. The liver removes toxins from harmful substances. The pancreas regulates blood sugar and the absorption of fat. Damage to these two organs results in an imbalance of fluids, calories, protein, and electrolytes.
Other complications include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Permanent liver damage (or cirrhosis)
- Seizures
- Severe malnutrition
- Shortened life expectancy
Laboratory tests for protein, iron, and electrolytes may be needed to determine if there is a liver disease in addition to the alcohol problem. Women who drink heavily are at high risk of osteoporosis and need to take calcium supplements and also if this describes you, it is important that you be consulting with experts from time to time and AWAREmed health center is your home of all addiction solutions.
Nutritional imbalances effects and diet: Drug addiction recovery
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