Nutrition

How The Gut Microbiome Contributes to Depression

April 6, 2020 / Alcohol, Nutrition, Prevention, Research/Trends/Statistics, Sober Living

In 2008, the NIH started funding the Human Microbiome Project in an effort to identify and characterize the microorganisms of the human body (such as those on the skin and in the vagina, mouth, and the intestinal tract) to determine if they play a role in human health and disease. This research has started unraveling the relationship between the humane microbiome and our health, and has revealed that these organisms contribute to diseases, including psychological disorders.   Nervous System in the Gut The gut has its own nervous system, known as the enteric nervous system. It is commonly referred to …

How The Gut Microbiome Contributes to Depression Read More …

11 Foods and Drinks to Avoid Near Bedtime

April 6, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Nutrition, Sleep Hygiene

Recovery is largely about ritual, and at Two Dreams we encourage the establishment of rituals that promote regular, high quality sleep. For example, each morning residents on the Outer Banks embark on a sun salutation walk on the beach to expose their retinas to sunlight, encouraging the switch from a sleep state (when GABA brain receptors are activated) to a wake state (when glutamate brain receptors are activated.) In the evening, we recommend shutting off all electronic devices at 8pm, so as to not confuse the body’s sleep/wake neurotransmitter cycle with the unnatural light from the screens. I won’t go …

11 Foods and Drinks to Avoid Near Bedtime Read More …

Six Reasons to Quit Caffeine During Drug Addiction Recovery

April 6, 2020 / Drugs and the Brain, Nutrition, Research/Trends/Statistics, Sleep Hygiene, Sober Living

To gain control over addiction, it is important to remove all drugs from your system that affect neurological signaling, which includes caffeine. Although caffeine is commonplace and not considered to be harmful in most cases, it is an addictive substance that can cause its own set of health problems such as upset stomach, sleep disorders, and anxiety. Two Dreams recommends that people undergoing alcohol or drug addiction treatment cut out caffeine in addition to alcohol and drugs for a number of reasons, some of which are listed below. Exception: we do allow our residents to have a shot of caffeine …

Six Reasons to Quit Caffeine During Drug Addiction Recovery Read More …

Benefits of Ginger

April 6, 2020 / Nutrition, Research/Trends/Statistics

Gingerbread, ginger ale, ginger beef…the culinary versatility of ginger is unparalleled by any other spice. The span of gastronomic use ranges from aromatic pungent Indian and Asian dishes to sweet treats and candies. Ginger is one of the most widely consumed spices in the world. In addition to ginger’s use in the kitchen, science suggests that there are also many uses in the healthcare realm. The ginger plant is made up of flowers, leaves, and the stem and root system. Ginger used for cooking is often referred to as “ginger root,” however this terminology is not correct. The large knobby …

Benefits of Ginger Read More …

Benefits of Milk

April 6, 2020 / Nutrition, Research/Trends/Statistics

The benefits of milk for bone growth and development have been accepted for years. The composition of milk, its protein and carbohydrate balance, helps to improve muscle performance and to attenuate damage after exercise. The current governmental dietary recommendation for dairy consumption in adults is 3 cups per day. Pasteurized dairy milk is a good source of protein, calcium, potassium and vitamin D that aids in development of the human bone matrix, which involves vitamins C, D and K. In addition, calcium is an essential part of the development of collagen, which is necessary for bone strength. The combination of …

Benefits of Milk Read More …

B Vitamin Deficiency

April 6, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Nutrition

Drug users often suffer from vitamin deficiencies because they do not eat enough food for various reasons. Some use drugs as a way to stay thin, some do not realize they are hungry, and some forget to eat because they are consumed by other problems. These behaviors can lead to serious medical conditions caused by malnutrition, such as neurological damage. Two Dreams provides its clients a well-balanced diet and emphasizes that the feeling of hunger may be a stressor. It is important to seek out food instead of drugs when hunger strikes. Vitamin B deficiency (especially deficiencies in vitamins B1, …

B Vitamin Deficiency Read More …

Holistic Nutrition to Treat Addiction

April 6, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Nutrition

When you’re struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol and it’s mealtime, it’s all too easy to stop in at your favorite fast food place and pick up a burger, fries and a soda to go. But while that may be fine for an occasional treat, if you’re suffering from the disease of alcohol or drug addiction, it’s important to think about what you’re putting- and not putting – into your body on a regular basis. Holistic nutrition to treat addiction is a part of the recovery process, and well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks will not only aid in your …

Holistic Nutrition to Treat Addiction Read More …

What are the Benefits of Antioxidants?

April 7, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Inpatient, Medical Consequences, Nutrition, Outer Banks, Prevention

Substance-use exerts a large amount of physical stress on the human body. Drugs take precedence over basic necessities during active addiction, so health often falls by the wayside. Malnourishment, for example, causes the body to function improperly due to a lack of essential nutrients. Some drugs create the illusion of “fullness” so the body doesn’t convey to the brain that it needs sustenance. Some drugs nurture such a strong dependence that users forget to eat or simply aren’t motivated enough to find nutritious food options. Poor diet can cause damage to the digestive system, resulting in indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, etc. …

What are the Benefits of Antioxidants? Read More …

Using a Holistic Approach to Treat Addiction

April 7, 2020 / Holistic Care and Treatment, Inpatient, Nutrition, Outer Banks, Recreation, Research/Trends/Statistics, Sleep Hygiene

It used to be, if you visited a physician for a medical exam, he or she would most likely ask you few if any questions at all about your lifestyle: what kind of food you ate each day, how well you slept each night, and whether or not you incorporated exercise into your life on a regular basis. Today, it’s standard practice for many healthcare professionals to use a holistic approach in treating their patients. And most likely, when you step into your doctor’s office for a visit, your physician will not only pull out his or her stethoscope, he’ll …

Using a Holistic Approach to Treat Addiction Read More …

December 2015’s Dream Journal

April 6, 2020 / 12 Steps, Addiction Science, Art Therapy, Chicago, Dream Journal, Heroin and Opioids, Holistic Care and Treatment, Inpatient, Intensive Outpatient, Medical Consequences, Mental Health, Mindfulness, New Orleans, Nutrition, Outer Banks, Outpatient, Prevention, Recreation, Research/Trends/Statistics, Sleep Hygiene

Dream Journal Volume XXXV / December 2015 Note from Dr. B. The holidays can be a difficult time for individuals in recovery: frustrating family members, crazy Christmas parties, stressful shopping trips, etc. You don’t have to let the season get you down though! There are plenty of ways to stay centered and sober during the winter season. Make sure to listen to your body and avoid letting yourself get hungry. Maintain a regular meal plan full of nutritious fruits and vegetables. Eating a plateful of cookies may seem like a good idea when you’re at an event, but the inevitable …

December 2015’s Dream Journal Read More …

Call us at (708) 613-4750

or message us below and one of our caring counselors will reach out to you.

Scroll to Top