Boosting Immunity: Nutritional Guidelines for a Strong Recovery Journey
At Caritas Treatment and Wellness Center in Cleveland, Ohio, we advise you to follow the following guidelines to help you maintain overall health and strong immunity to help your recovery journey.
Let food be your medicine. It’s always best to let food be the first source of your nutrients. There is no substitute for optimal nutrition directly from food sources. The resources we researched advise the following general nutritional guidelines to support the immune system:
Eat nutrient-dense whole foods, preferably organic (think “dirty dozen” or “clean fifteen”)
Eliminate sugar, refined grains, and starches all of which can suppress the immune system and promote inflammation.
Ensure adequate protein intake. Adequate protein intake to maintain immunity: ½ gram of protein per pound of lean body mass.
(ie: subtract your % body fat from 100. Then take that amount and multiply that percentage by your current weight to get your lean body mass in pounds.)Eat immune-supporting foods and spices such as ginger, oregano, rosemary, turmeric, Asian ginseng root, garlic, onions, etc.
Eat foods high in vitamins A, C, and phytonutrients, such as colorful vegetables, and fruits. Foods high in sulforaphane such as broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and brussel sprouts. Eat potassium-containing foods.
Eat fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, natto, miso, tempeh, unsweetened yogurt, and kefir. These are probiotics and support a healthy microbiome in the gut.
Consider eating chicken or beef bone broth soups with vegetables.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid concentrated fruit juices (too much sugar). To calculate your baseline fluid intake: take your weight (in pounds) and divide by 2. This equals the amount of fluid, in ounces, required daily. If exercising, increase this amount.
Avoid alcohol and of course, stop smoking or vaping.
Embarking on the path to recovery is a holistic journey that encompasses not only the cessation of substance use but also the cultivation of overall health and resilience.
At Caritas Treatment and Wellness Center, we emphasize the integral role that nutrition plays in supporting your immune system and fostering a robust recovery journey. Our expert team recognizes the importance of incorporating nutrient-dense whole foods, immune-supporting spices, and probiotic-rich options into your diet.
As a comprehensive wellness center, Caritas is dedicated to providing guidance and personalized support to individuals seeking recovery. Our services extend beyond nutritional advice, encompassing evidence-based treatments, counseling, and a supportive community to empower you on your journey toward lasting recovery.
Prioritize your well-being with Caritas, where we believe in the transformative power of comprehensive care.