The Benefits of Medical Nutrition Therapy

When individuals misuse a substance for a long time, their body is depleted of essential vitamins and nutrients needed for vital bodily processes. They might also be struggling with additional health complications due to their substance use. After someone goes through the detox process, they can utilize medical nutrition therapy to help restore their health. It can even help them stay on the road to recovery and avoid relapse. Medical nutrition therapy should be done in combination with other types of continued treatment such as counseling, rehabilitation, or a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. 

The Definition of Medical Nutrition Therapy

There is more to medical nutrition therapy than simply eating healthy things. Instead, it is a nutrition plan tailored to an individual’s specific needs depending upon what nutrients they are deficient in. This type of therapy is done with the help of professionals and counseling. Throughout this process, an individual will learn why a healthy diet is so important. It will begin with an assessment to determine what the individual’s goals should be. These goals are not weight-related, although individuals may find that they gain or lose weight during this process. For some individuals, their goal may be to consume a certain amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains daily. Their goal may also be to consume a certain amount of calories per day. 

A nutritionist will work with the individual to put together a meal plan appropriate for the individual and offer them support and counseling throughout the process. There will generally be check-in visits where the nutritionist can determine how much progress has been made and whether or not changes to the meal plan need to be made to achieve better results. 

Slowing, Reversing, and Preventing Chronic Illness

One of the most significant benefits of medical nutrition therapy is that it can slow or even reverse symptoms of chronic illness. For example, someone with type 2 diabetes might find that they have an easier time keeping their glucose levels where they need to be and experience fewer problems with their diabetes through medical nutrition therapy. Medical nutrition therapy is also a great way to prevent other chronic illnesses from happening in the future, such as heart disease or obesity, that may shorten one’s lifespan or impact their quality of life. 

Increased Energy Levels and Better Sleep

Another benefit that people often experience through this therapy is increased energy levels. They might find that they can be active for more extended periods throughout the day and keep up with things they weren’t able to before. They might also find that they experience better quality sleep at night. 

Lowering Healthcare Costs

Medical nutrition therapy, which is covered by Medicare, could even help to lower an individual’s overall healthcare costs. Someone who has just gone through detox might be struggling with various health complications due to their previous substance misuse. These health complications likely require frequent doctor’s appointments, tests, and procedures. However, if they can restore their health through this therapy, they might be able to go without the hefty medical bills. 

Preventing Relapse

For those that recently went through the detox process, the most significant benefit of medical nutrition therapy is that it can help them prevent relapse. When proper diet and nutrition are implemented, it benefits one’s mental health and can prevent symptoms of depression, hopelessness, or anxiety. When someone is in a positive state mentally, they will be better equipped to fight off any temptations and stay on the road to recovery. 

What Else Can Medical Nutrition Therapy Help With?

Someone might choose to utilize medical nutrition therapy for the primary purpose of getting their health back following treatment for a substance use disorder. However, they might find that it helps them with other conditions they might struggle with as well. For example, medical nutrition therapy has been known to help with osteoporosis, a disease in which one’s bones become weak and fragile. A nutritionist will be able to recommend certain foods that can boost calcium and Vitamin D levels if consumed on a regular basis, which in turn can strengthen the bones.

Medical nutrition therapy can also benefit those who are battling cancer. A nutritionist will be able to recommend foods that assist with anti-inflammation and can alleviate the symptoms the individual is struggling with. Those at risk of heart disease will also benefit from a nutrition plan full of foods with low animal fat and plenty of vegetables. 

Individuals that recently went through the detox process may be deficient in vitamins and nutrients due to their prior substance misuse. These vitamins and nutrients are essential for the success of natural bodily functions. Medical nutrition therapy can help them get their health back and stay on track in their recovery. This process is done with the help of a nutritionist and involves counseling and an individualized meal plan. It can boost energy levels, increase focus, and benefit one’s mental health, which can prevent relapse. It can even help alleviate the symptoms of other conditions such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease.

If you or someone you know is actively struggling with a substance use disorder, there is help available to you. Our team at Gallus Medical Detox Centers has helped countless patients overcome addiction and live the life they deserve. To learn more about our program, reach out to us today.

Steve Carleton

Steve worked in the Department of Veterans Affairs for 10 years. He is a PTSD and substance use disorder expert with over 14 years of experience in and around addiction. Steve is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social work. He teaches cognitive behavioral therapies, Motivational Interviewing, assessment skills using DSM-5, amongst others.