OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS: THE KEY NUTRIENT FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY

Your brain runs on food. Specifically, your brain runs on the nutrients, acids, and fat in food. Even more specifically, your brain needs specific amino acids and fatty acids which can only come from food. Feeding your body is feeding your brain. Feeding your brain foods with high levels of Omegas and fatty acids is feeding your brain exactly what it needs to recover.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids cannot be made from the body but are essential to the body. These fatty acids are critical to the body being able to produce and rehabilitate itself. Omega-3’s help the production of hormones which help the heart, support cell membranes, reduce inflammation, and much more. Repeatedly, Omega-3’s have been proven to improve mental health and brain functioning. Addiction damages the brain and often causes malnourishment in those who become addicted to drugs and alcohol. A diet full of Omega-3’s and supplements rich in Omega-3’s are of great need in recovery.

3 Kinds Of Omega 3’s

There are three different kind of Omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are needed for a fully rounded nutritious diet. First are EPA’s or, Eicosapentaenoic acid and DHA’s, or, docosahexaenoic acid. EPA and DHA omega fatty acids mostly come from fish, giving them the name of marine Omega-3’s. ALA, or Alpha-linolenic acid, is found in a number of foods including vegetables and nuts, as well as fat from grass-fed animals. ALA is an energy source for the body and DHA as well as EPA helps the brain to function.

Foods With Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fish: Fatty fish like salmon are rich in EPA and DHA fatty acids. A regular diet of fish is helpful in getting the EPA and DHA necessary. Vegans or those who do not like eating fish, can take fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can also be sourced from algae, which fish eat.

Oils: Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, and flaxseed oil are all rich in ALA omega-3 fatty acids. Healthy oils are a better alternative to corn, canola, or other oils which are high in the unhealthy kinds of fats.

Nuts: Walnuts have the highest amount of omega-3’s out of all nuts. Almonds and other nuts are a good source of healthy fat. Try introducing raw nuts as well as raw nut butters into your diet.

Vegetables: Leafy green vegetables are your best bet for getting omega-3’s from any kind of vegetables. Technically, avocado is a fruit. However, avocado is a fantastic source of healthy fat for the brain and the body.

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