Nutrient-rich foods have the ability to:
Our New Mexico team at Longview Recovery is here to ensure that individuals get the care and treatment they need, every step of the way.
The brain and gut are more connected than most people realize. Often called the “second brain,” the gut produces almost all of the body’s serotonin, which is a key neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and emotions.
Certain nutrients play a critical role in brain function and emotional stability, including:
Substance use can take a serious toll on the body, often leading to nutrient deficiencies, imbalances, and poor gut health. Many substances deplete essential vitamins and minerals, especially when SUD lasts for many years. This affects brain chemistry and makes it harder to regulate mood and energy levels.
At the same time, poor nutrition can worsen withdrawal symptoms, increase cravings, and slow the body’s ability to heal.
Nutrition’s role in mental health is especially important during detox. The body works hard to eliminate toxins, and a nutrient-rich diet can support this process while easing discomfort.
Some key nutritional strategies during detox include:
A balanced diet plays a key role in long-term recovery. Nutrients that support brain function and emotional stability can help restore cognitive function, reduce fatigue, and improve overall well-being.
By focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods, individuals can improve:
A well-balanced diet provides the brain with the nutrients it needs to regulate mood, reduce stress, and maintain emotional stability. Certain key nutrients play a vital role in supporting mental well-being, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are critical for brain function. These healthy fats support cell membrane health, allowing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine to function properly.
B vitamins, particularly B6, B9 (folate), and B12, are essential for mental health.
They help regulate neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for mood and emotional stability. B vitamin deficiency has also shown increased stress, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
Leafy greens, whole grains, eggs, and lean meats are excellent sources of these vital nutrients.
Magnesium plays a key role in calming the nervous system and reducing stress.
Nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dark chocolate are great sources of this essential mineral.
Protein provides amino acids, the building blocks of neurotransmitters.
Tryptophan, an amino acid found in protein-rich foods like turkey, eggs, and dairy, helps produce serotonin, which regulates mood and promotes feelings of well-being. Protein also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes that can contribute to irritability and brain fog.
At Longview Recovery, nutrition is a key part of your healing process.
A well-balanced diet helps restore physical health, stabilize mood, and improve overall well-being. That’s why nutrition’s role in mental health is integrated into every stage of our treatment, from detox to aftercare.
Every person’s nutritional needs are different, especially when recovering from substance use or mental health challenges.
Longview Recovery takes a personalized approach and considers each client’s history, symptoms, and recovery goals.
Whether individuals need help replenishing essential nutrients lost during substance use or managing mental health symptoms through diet, our individualized meal plans support long-term wellness. Nutrition’s role in mental health plays a big part in our treatment for those who need it.
We incorporate holistic nutrition into both inpatient and outpatient programs, ensuring our clients develop healthy habits that last beyond treatment. This includes:
Addiction impacts more than just mental and emotional well-being – it also disrupts the body’s ability to absorb and utilize nutrients.
The impact varies depending on the substance, but common effects include:
A nutrient-dense diet can help restore balance and repair damage caused by substance use. Longview Recovery prioritizes:
At Longview Recovery, nutrition’s role in mental health is more than just a supplement to treatment – it’s an integral part of mental health and addiction recovery.
Our program is designed to assess each client’s unique needs, provide personalized nutrition planning, and offer ongoing education to help sustain long-term well-being.
The process begins with a full evaluation of each client’s current nutrition and mental health status. This includes:
This allows our clinical team to understand how nutrition plays a role in each individual’s mental and physical recovery.
Each client receives a customized nutrition plan developed in collaboration with dietitians and mental health professionals.
Unlike traditional treatment programs that focus only on mental health counseling, Longview Recovery integrates nutrition counseling into both individual therapy and group support, if needed.
Individuals will learn how dietary choices impact their emotions, cravings, and overall well-being, allowing them to make informed decisions about their health. Additionally, this can help keep their body and mind strong for years to come after they finish treatment.
To achieve this, we offer a range of evidence-based and holistic therapy options, tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
We utilize various evidence-based therapies, which are approaches supported by scientific research. The most common evidence-based therapies we utilize alongside nutritional counseling care include:
CBT is a cornerstone of our treatment programs. It helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance use and mental health challenges.
CBT empowers individuals to develop healthier coping mechanisms, manage triggers, and improve emotional regulation.
DBT is a skills-based therapy that focuses on teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It is especially beneficial for individuals with co-occurring disorders who struggle with intense emotions, impulsivity, or relationship difficulties.
This therapy helps process traumatic memories and reduce their lingering impact, allowing individuals to move forward without being held captive by their past experiences.
MI empowers clients to take ownership of their journey and build confidence in their ability to achieve their goals.
In addition to evidence-based therapies and nutrition’s role in mental health, we integrate a variety of holistic approaches to support the mind, body, and spirit, such as:
By combining these evidence-based and holistic approaches, we provide a comprehensive and personalized treatment experience that empowers individuals to achieve lasting recovery.
Nutrition’s role in mental health is a powerful tool for recovery. The right foods can help stabilize mood, improve cognitive function, and support emotional resilience. By prioritizing nutrition’s role in mental health, individuals can enhance their recovery journey and build a foundation for long-term well-being.
Where your recovery journey begins, proper nutrition plays a vital role in lasting success. Longview Recovery integrates nutrition into treatment to help clients heal both physically and mentally.
If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, substance use, or any co-occurring disorders, our team is here to support you every step of the way during your healing journey. We ensure that you will find the treatment and guidance you need, regardless of your symptoms.
