Biochemical restoration and nutrition: Alternative treatment for addiction complications
This mode of treatment (biochemical restoration) may be new to many of you but all the same it is tailored to bring corrective measures and repair the biochemical imbalances that cause cravings, depression, anxiety and the unstable moods that lead to and the perpetuation of addiction. It is very important to appreciate that there are certain biochemical imbalances capable of making a person more prone to addiction and which this form of treatment (chemical nutrient therapy) endeavors to improve. The direct problems to be addressed by this may include imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain, nutrient deficiencies, amino acid imbalances, hypoglycemia, inflammatory and oxidative stress, and adrenal fatigue.
Once biochemical imbalances are assessed, an individualized biochemical restoration plan can be established. This can include a personal nutrition plan, a micronutrient supplement including amino acids (sometimes with a futuristic approach of micronutrient injections), and prescribed physical activity and relaxation. The moment a balance is restored, the other addiction treatment modalities such as counseling and relapse prevention can be tackled more effectively.
Experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center believe that the single most ignored aspect to treating addiction is treating nutritional deficiencies. Many other nutritionists are also in agreement with this. Recovering addicts tend toward highly palatable foods that can provide a temporary reprieve from negative feelings. These are almost invariably processed foods with added sugar, salt and vegetable oil fats; refined carbohydrates, and caffeine rather than high-nutrient foods. Unfortunately, these foods destabilize blood sugar, spur inflammation, and deplete the brain of essential neurotransmitters that play a large role in stabilizing moods.
Doctor Akoury is very concerned that “nutritional interventions [should be] based on real food rather than supplementation.” And she is of the opinion that one should never be hungry and at the same time never be full approach of eating six small meals a day, or every two to four hours. In other words, people should eat in an interval of two hours small portions of food that will not make them to be too full or leave them hungry either. Therefore it is very necessary that addicts should strive for more protein, fiber, and healthy fats like those found in fatty fish, nuts, and flax seeds. Certainly, learning about nutrition, how to cook healthy meals and making good food choices are accessible options for the majority of people in recovery.
From a nutritional perspective point of view, an individual in early recovery can improve mood and fight off depression, anxiety, and stress by incorporating foods that contain an ample amount of omega-3 essential fatty acids, complete proteins, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals. These foods will also help the recovering addict’s mind provide essential building blocks for depleted neurotransmitters, for example as well as the body, promoting healing of all systems and tissues damaged by malnutrition.
Biochemical restoration and nutrition: Alternative treatment for addiction complications
http://www.awaremednetwork.com/
