By Robyn Wright, CHC – Integrative Program Coordinator and Nutritional Program Director at New Beginnings Recovery Center
At New Beginnings Recovery Center we are always looking at how we can improve an individual’s recovery. We have been noticing that many substance dependant or addicted individuals coming into our addiction recovery center are not taking care of themselves nutritionally. Many eat a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fat. Addiction or not that way of eating does not improve health. At New Beginnings Recovery Center (NBRC) we start the physical healing at the source. The food we eat directly impacts the ability for our bodies to function optimally and that is why we start by healing the gut.
To begin, we first need to understand the basic anatomy of the digestive system. Digestion first starts in the mouth where enzymes are produced and begin to breakdown food. From there, the food travels through pharynx and down the esophagus into the stomach, then food travels into the small intestine. While traveling through the small intestine the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas all secrete enzymes in the small intestine to help breakdown food. According to studies, 90% of all nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. At this point your food is broken down and waste is moved into large intestine where the end result is elimination. The movement of food through the digestive system is carried out by a process called peristalsis, a series of wave-like muscle contractions that moves food to different processing stations in the digestive tract.
Where is the gut? The gut: part of the alimentary canal that includes the intestines or stomach. The human gut is commonly referred to as the second brain because of its high production of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters play a huge role in addiction and in recovery. To help paint a picture of the complexity of the gut, the human genome codes for approximately 23,000 genes, whereas, the genomes for bacteria and viruses are thought to number 3.3 million genes! These bacteria and viruses serve as a buffer and they interpreters of our environment. With addiction the entire digestive system is affected. The negative effects on the digestive system are due mainly to the deterioration of the mucous membrane lining that runs through the entire digestive tract. The mucous membrane helps to break down food during peristalsis. Substance use and abuse also leads to alterations in the patterns of intestinal bacteria called “gut flora”. Gut flora refers collectively to the many microbes of bacteria in the gut. This damage as well as the flora imbalances result in compromised intestinal lining and mucosal membranes that can lead to a vast array digestive issues. Gut imbalances lead to neurochemical imbalances as well as the suppression of production of prostaglandins which leads to gut inflammation. When the gut is not functioning properly disease will follow. Your immunity is compromised because as much as 70% of immune system is in the gut. One common result of compromised gut integrity is Leaky Gut Syndrome. Leaky Gut Syndrome is also known as intestinal permeability. The damaged lining allows substances that would normally be eliminated in the stool can be absorbed in the bloodstream. This influx of toxins, undigested food, and microbes can lead to alterations in the brain chemistry and auto immune diseases.
With substance dependent individuals, the effects of drug use and abuse on the gut can arise even after an individual has stopped using substances. Opiates in particular are hard on the digestive tract because the body has to re-learn how to produce endorphins which can cause digestive issues including stomach cramps.
As you can see the gut plays a large role in the health of the entire body. It is with this knowledge and understanding of what a critical role a healthy gut plays, not only those in recovery, but also for the entire population. For these reasons, NBRC has a nutritional program with a focus on nourishing the gut as a part of the overall addiction treatment program.
About the author:
Robyn Wright, CHC is a Certified Health Coach who holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from La Salle University. She has been working in the integrative and functional medicine field in various capacities for the last 6 years. Here at NBRC she is the Integrative Program Coordinator and Nutritional Program Director. The NBRC website is www.newbeginningsrecoveryctr.com or you can call at 888-840-5189.
