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Alcohol and Drug Addiction – Nutrition

Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious problem that requires treatment to overcome. By learning the facts about addiction and treatment options, it is easier to understand the role of nutrition and exercise in fighting the dependence on drugs or alcohol. Addiction treatment is constantly changing as new information comes out about ways to improve the rate of success, which includes holistic measures like nutrition therapy. Addiction Facts The statistical information about addiction is often surprising, particularly when it relates to children and young adults. As many as one in nine youths are abusing prescription medications, which are showing a growth in drug abuse. Beyond the facts about increasing rates of prescription drug abuse, around 22.6 million Americans are using illicit drugs. That high number accounts for almost 9 percent of the population, which is a very high rate of illegal drug use. The most commonly abused substances are marijuana and alcohol. While alcohol is a legal substance for adults, as many as 10 million children between ages 12 and 20 have admitted to heavy drinking or binge drinking. The disturbing fact about addiction is that it remains a major problem even after years of programs designed to prevent or fight the development of drug abuse. When the use of substances develops into physical and mental dependence, it is time to seek treatment and a solution. Treatment Options While the facts about drug and alcohol abuse are disturbing, treatment options are available. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs are available and offer a wide range of treatment solutions based on the individual and the causes of drug usage. Programs include in-patient treatment, out-patient treatment, 12-step programs and individual counseling services. Regardless of the selected program, the treatment includes counseling, group therapy and family therapy to provide the appropriate support individuals need to move past the addiction. In many programs, treatment will also include nutrition therapy, exercise programs and activities that can help improve physical health, reduce the withdrawal symptoms and provide a distraction from the temptation to use the substance. Nutrition in Treatment Nutrition plays a key role in addiction recovery because it helps rebalance and heal the body after the damage caused by drug or alcohol abuse. Depending on the particular substance, the use of nutrition therapy will vary. Nutrition is an excellent way to heal the damage of alcohol and drug addiction. To begin the process, eliminate foods that can cause a change in mood such as sugar and caffeine. Next, flood the body with clean, pure water to fully hydrate the system. Then, travel to a local Farmer's Market or a health food store and buy many brightly colored fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, legumes, eggs, lean proteins, and assorted dairy items. Include sea vegetables in the diet for high iron count and seafood for high levels of zinc. The focus needs to be to replenish the vitamins and minerals that have been lost to the abuses of alcohol and drugs. Be sure to pay close attention to the care of the liver. The liver remains highly taxed after abuse of alcohol and drugs because it serves as the body's filter for contaminants. Garlic, grapefruit, leafy green vegetables, lemons, limes, cabbage, and broccoli work to detoxify the liver. Spices such as turmeric and herbs such as milk thistle seed are essential to restoring liver health. Fill your grocery cart with these nutritional foods, herbs, and spices to begin the path to recovery. In some substances, a diet that is high in fiber and whole grains is recommended because it reduces the withdrawal symptoms and makes it a little easier to handle during initial detoxification and treatment. This is particularly useful when treating addictions to prescription opiates. Other substances will require the addiction of particular nutrients, such as calcium and iron. The nutrients are necessary because the substance has reduced the rate of absorption and flushed out the nutrient during abuse. Alcohol addiction will require the addition of calcium, thiamine, B vitamins and folic acid. Nutrition and exercise are vital for good overall health, but also play a role in addiction recovery. Programs to fight addiction include nutrition therapy because it can help the body heal and avoid some complications related to withdrawal symptoms. References: University of Maryland Medical Center http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/002149.htm National Institute on Drug Abuse http://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics Michael's House http://www.michaelshouse.com/drug-addiction/drug-addiction-statistics/ - Alex Kerwin works closely with Treatment Centers to help raise awareness of the dangers of addiction. He has helped many Americans battle addiction and strives to provide treatment options for those in need.

'A Half An Avocado A Day, Melts The Fat Away' - Try Out These Delicious Avocado Salad Dressings!

The amount of people I have met that have never tasted an avocado is hard to keep count.... it shocks me everytime I hear it! Avocados are packed with lots of goodness, keeping your skin glowing and they are an excellent fat burner. Many people tell me they are either afraid to taste them or that they always find them boring and bland. I have put some easy salad dressings together that you will love and are packed lots of good fats! Easy Avocado Salad Dressing: 1 avocado 1 tomato 1 garlic clove Squeeze of lemon Pinch of sea salt Description: Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until creamy. or Avocado Salad Dressing: 3 avocados 2 smoked chilli peppers 1/2 cup olive oil 2 tablespoon agave 1/4 cup lemon juice Description: Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until creamy.

How Beneficial Is Bee Pollen?

I'm addicted to this stuff!! Bee pollen combines 22 proteins, vitamin C, B-complex and foliate, polyunsaturated fatty acids, enzymes, and carotene – all of the major antioxidants. It helps to fight off infection, disease and it strengthens our immune system. 35g of bee pollen daily contains each of the nutrients needed by the human body to sustain life. It is known to help build up a resistance to allergies and decreasing high blood pressure. It is excellent for regulating mood and wards off colds, flus, sore throats, stomach ulcers and gum disease. Erika Doolan - Nutritionist

RUSTICSTONE

Concerned about all those awful pesticides that are on our fruit and vegetables?

Grapefruit seed extract is fantastic for washing fruit and vegetables but you may not have this at home. This recipe below is an example of a quick and easy way to wash off those unwanted pesticides. Simply whisk this mixture below with a fork and pour into a pump spray bottle. Recipe For Home-made Pesticide Spray: 1/2 lemon squeezed 1 cup white wine vinegar 1 cup of water 1 tbsp baking soda Erika Doolan - Nutritionist RUSTICSTONE RESTAURANT

Did You Know That Salty And Sweet Taste Sensations Can Decline Dramatically As We Age?

by Erika Doolan Nutrition Ireland on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at 9:59am · Aging is a part of life and we can't stop the clock. We can embrace it by keeping our spirits young with laughter, love and creativity. Nutrition and lifestyle plays a huge role in determining how gracefully we age. It affects certain senses, such as taste, smell, vision, and in tum affects the types of foods that will be chosen. Salty and sweet taste sensations can decline markedly with age, causing some to prefer foods that are richly seasoned. However, certain spicy foods produce gas. Many older persons complain of "heartburn,". that often is not caused by increased acidity but by gas production. Others resort to extra salt in order to overcome their gradual loss of taste. Sodium and its role in water retention and high blood pressure may then become a problem. By the way I chose this picture because I absolutely adore Jack Nicholson

Dairy Free - Sugar Free Almond and Honey Ice-Cream To Add To Your Perfect Day !

Makes about 1.5 litres 500ml almond milk 500ml hazelnut milk 4 tsp xylitol 4 tbsp organic raw honey 500g soya yoghurt a splash of amaretto (optional and this is NOT sugar free if you use this) It's So Easy: Place both nut milks, xylitol and honey into a saucepan and simmer over a low heat until xylitol dissolves. Do not boil! Let mixture cool down and then add soya yoghurt and amaretto(optional) whisk all the ingredients together. Place mixture into ice-cream maker and churn until thick and frozen. Remove aplace into a wide bowl and freeze for an hour minimum. If you do not have an ice cream maker, don't worry, it will take that bit more work but you can still enjoy delicious ice-cream. Beat mixture with an electic mixer until smooth then place in a wide metal bowl and freeze for 45 mins. Now take mixture out again and beat it with electric mixer. Place it back in freezer for 45 minutes. You must repeat this processs another few times until you like the texture. I ususally do it approximately 3 times. Serve ice cream with some delicious almond flakes to taste!

Juice Me Up!

Just made some delicious green juice. 3 apples, 1/4 cucumber, 2 celery sticks, 1 handful of spinach leaves, 1 handful of mixed herbs parsley, watercress, lettuce and to cool it down on this hot summer's day i added some ice cubes. Simply blend all these nutritious ingredients together! An excellent cleanser and packed with calcium !

No Crisps Just Kale Chips

Ingredients:

1 cup red peppers, seeded and chopped

1 cup cashew nuts

2 tbsp nutritional yeast (buy in health store its delicious) or chipotle.... but I prefer nutritional yeast.

2 to 4v tbsp water

2 tbsp agave syrup

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp sea salt

6 cups of bite size pieces of kale



Blend all ingredients (except kale) into a thick cream. Add water as needed. Place kale into a large bowl and add mixture tossing it with your hands ensuring to coat all kale evenly. Spread the kale onto a dehydrator tray and dry at 104 F for 8 to 10 hrs. You may use your oven if you do not have a dehydrator.Bake in oven at 300F for 15 mins but these would not be considered a raw food but still better than ordinary potato chips!

Erika Doolan - Nutri Club Nutritional Adviser

Spinach And Goat's Cheese Soufflé - Gluten Free

Ingredients:
1 1/2 - 2 tbsp Coconut oil to grease ramekins and to use for cooking
250g baby leaf spinach
2 organic eggs, separated
20g amaranth flour(gluten free)
1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely crushed
Himilayian salt
Black peppercorns, freshly ground
Pinch of cayenne pepper
125ml semi - skimmed milk
100g soft goat's cheese
1 tbsp grated parmeasan

Let's Go:
Heat oven to 200c. Brush 4 ramekins with heated coconut oil.
Steam some spinach and when cooked squeeze out excess moisture and chop finely. Set aside.
In a saucepan add a shallot and garlic in coconut oil. Stil over a medium heat until soft. Add amaranth flour and cayenne pepper. Stir over a low heat for approximately 3 mins.
Gradually add in milk. Simmer a stir for a few minutes until mixture becomes thick. Allow to cool.
Crumble the goat's cheese into mixture, add parmeasan and season with himalayian sea salt and black pepper. Mix in chopped spinach and egg yolks. Set aside.
Beat egg whites until firm (use an electric whisk if yoou need to) then fold into the spinach and cheese mixture.
Spoon into the prepared ramekins and tap gently on the work surface to rid of any air pockets.
Bake for 15 mins until risen.
If desired you may serve with a rocket salad (Season salad with extra virgin olive oil, pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon)

Recipe: Healthy Strawberry & Banana Cheesecake

Serves 6-8
For the crust:
100g (4oz) oatcakes, broken up
100g mixture of chopped macadamia nuts, walnuts, cashew nuts and sunflower seeds (choose your favourite)
50g (2oz) coconut oil or 75g (3oz) butter, melted
30g (1 oz approx) xylitol
1 heaped tbsp. ground ginger
For the filing:
375g (13oz) cottage cheese
300g (10 ½ oz) natural yoghurt
2 tbsp tahini
75g (3oz) xylitol
1 tsp vanilla extract (not artificial vanilla essence)
3 ripe bananas
3 handfuls strawberries

How To Make It:
Put some greaseproof paper onto the bottom of 8 or 9 inch springform pan. Grease the sides of pan with coconut oil.
In a food processor, combine all ingredients of base mixture. Press this mixture onto the pan with a spoon.
Preheat oven at 160c and place in oven for 10 mins. Remove from oven and leave to cool.
In a food processor, now blend all ingredients for cheese mixture until smooth.
Pour this mixture onto the crust.
Place in the oven for 10 mins until the top is just firm to touch. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Place chopped strawberries on the top and serve. (drizzle strawberry puree if desired)

Erika Doolan - Nutrition Consultant

RUSTICSTONE
by dylan mcgrath

phone: 0863019305 / 01 - 7079596
email: erika@rusticstone.ie

Opening times - Lunch: 12-2.30, Dinner 6-10.30
17 Georges Street, Dublin 2.

Your Strongest Cancer Strategy With Diet And Nutrition by Katrina Evans

Katrina Evans is a recent college graduate who asked me could she write a guest article on my blog. She is aspiring to write about health and wellness in the future. She enjoys making a difference in people’s lives seeing how devastating cancer can be for people and their families.
Well done Katrina and keep up this wonderful interest in helping others to live a more fulfilling and healthy lifestyle - Best Wishes, Erika xxx

Eating healthy plays a fundamental role in supporting a strong immune system to naturally ward off cancer. Though diet and exercise is highly beneficial for overall wellbeing, following a healthy nutritional guideline is key to promoting growth, replacement of tissue and keeping everything from organs to cells healthy.

It is not always easy to maintain a healthy diet when battling cancer or going through cancer treatments. Since cancer diagnosis, especially aggressive ones like, pancreatic or mesothelioma cancer, call for more intense treatments, patients may experience side effects that occur which diminish a person's ability to maintain a healthy diet.

Planning and maintaining a healthy diet may take some effort, but is never unattainable. Focus on core concepts like setting specific goals for achieving a healthier lifestyle with diet and nutrition or focusing on a main element of a diet like fiber, an essential nutrient that helps rid the body of toxins and carcinogens.

Fighting Symptoms with Diet
One of the most common symptoms of cancer treatment is chronic fatigue, lack of strength, and can cause severe nausea. Getting enough protein, a natural form of energy, can help battle these symptoms and restore energy needed to recover. Meats are an ideal source of protein, but some may find it hard to tolerate these hard-to-digest proteins and go for eggs, beans, and dairy as alternative sources. Starchy foods may help settle the stomach if necessary or mixing a base, like a pinch of baking soda, with juice often helps as well. Ginger is another popular source of nausea relief, however, what works is different for each person.

Planning to eat several small meals a day, whenever hunger strikes, is generally better than waiting to eat a large meal. Foods should be carefully selected to balance nutrition ensuring that the diet consists of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and protein that keep the body strong and able to fight off infections. A balanced diet also helps body tissue heal and replenish itself. Eat some of your favorite food to make sure you stick to the diet. Planning meals out and meal times in advance helps to adapt to a stable routine in no time.

The Role of Fiber
Foods and beverages rich in dietary fiber are beneficial for overall health. Fiber is the best defense that regulates the digestive system. Diarrhea and constipation, two common symptoms of treatment, are well-managed by proper fiber intake. Many studies suggest that fiber has a preventative role in certain cancers, such as stomach and colon cancer where it binds to and removes carcinogens safely from the body.

A diet high in fiber will also lead to a diet high in other nutrients. Foods that are high in fiber also contain other cancer fighting vitamins and minerals. Aiming for a fiber intake of 35 grams per day will ensure proper cancer-fighting nutrition.

As many as 35 percent of cancer cases can be connected to poor nutrition according to the National Cancer Institute. So when putting together a nutritional guideline that works for you, do your homework. Find out specifics like, what is mesothelioma, thyroid cancer, or the cause of kidney cancer and what foods can have a protective effect against them, how can green tea help prevent heart disease, or is garlic really considered a “super food?”

Secret Foods And Tips To Increase Your Sexual Desire On Valentine's Day. Share Your Ideas Too!

Aphrodisiacs can naturally alter our mental state into a relaxed and euphoric zone. These foods are highly nutritious and improve our health and intensify our libido. Both sex and food are closely related by being pleasurable and physical. 

These foods  should be eaten regularly and fused into one's daily diet for their health properties.Optimum nutrition is essential to for us to be able to feel good, enjoy life to the maximum andincrease our libido. When we are in poor health, our mood is low and we dont feel attractive or sexy anymore! 

A diet overly rich in animal fats (including pasteurized dairy products) can block nerve sensitivity. Avoid processed foods, hydrogenated fats, fried foods, refined sugars and carbohydrates because they all decrease your libido. It is also best to eat small frequent nutritious meals.

Sharing food is a symbol of  love, trust and bonding. Eating with your partner and going out for meals together can really intensify your relationship both emotinally and sexually. Use your fingers to eat, notice everything, the aromas of your food, the taste, the beauty of the food and person you see, the sensation, the feeling and conversations you have. Good quality red wine, herbs and spices can really intensify these emotions.

Fruits entice passion with their sweetness and succulence. Consider their shape, hot colors and juicy nature. Apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, dates, mangoes, mulberries, peaches, persimmons, strawberries, and watermelon are all considered sex tonic foods. Eat more nuts and seeds as a snack, they contain the reproductive energy of plants. Almonds, chia, hazelnuts, hemp seed, pine nuts, poppy, walnuts, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds are rich in zinc, an important component of sexual fluids. They are best eaten when soaked over night.

• Almond: These nuts have a certain scent that in fact turns women on and the shape of almonds represents fertility.

• Aniseed: This strong taste and smell  naturally increases your desire.

• Asparagus: Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears to get them in the mood! Eating asparugus for 3 days has an excellent effect on your sexdrive.

• Avocado: In ancient times it was believed that the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles and has a sensuous texture.
• Artichokes :Heats the body and the spirit.

• Bananas:l Rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production. Its shape has a sexual representation.

• Basil: Stimulates the sex drive and boost fertility.

• Broccoli : Increase virility. 

• Chocolate:The secret for passion is to combine a glass of red wine with a 2 pieces of dark chocolate for a sensuous treat.

• Carrots: believed to be a stimulant to the male and its shapes has been used to aid seduction.

• Garlic and onions are warming and stimulating. Ancient lords were forbidden from consuming them in the belief that they would lose control over their sensual desires.

• Grains for libido include rice, wild rice, barley, buckwheat, corn, millet and oats

• Rocket Leaves: If you really want to excel your performance in bed these delicious greens will really enhance your libido. Its peppery flavour releases a sweat that in fact attracts women and has traditionally been included in aphrodisiac recipes. 

Erika Doolan - Nutrition Consultant

RUSTICSTONE

by dylan mcgrath

phone: 0863019305 / 01 - 7079596

email: erika@rusticstone.ie

Tenderstem Broccoli Is By Far My Favourite Vegetable....What Is Yours And Why? Is It For It's Flavour Or Nutritional Content?

From a nutritional point of view my favourite vegetable is tenderstem broccoli, just bought lots of it yesterday from my local fruit and veg store! It can be hard to come across sometimes, but its really tasty. I eat it raw and dip it into some home-made hummus when im feeling a bit peckish. It is an excellent anti-aging oxidant and contains one of the highest amount of Glucosinates (double the amount that is in ordinary broccoli) which is the main anti-nutrients in vegetables and help detoxify the liver. Tenderstem is a cross between Chinese kale and broccolli (check out the picture). I love the taste of it and my body craves it possibly for its high magnesium content and its crunchy texture. We should all be eating at least three servings of vegetables per day ALWAYS ensuring to include green vegetables!  

Erika Doolan - Nutrition Consultant

RUSTICSTONE

by dylan mcgrath

phone: 0863019305 / 01 - 7079596

email: erika@rusticstone.ie

Opening times - Lunch: 12-2.30, Dinner 6-10.30

Almond Milk Recipe

Making your own Almond Milk works out much cheaper than buying cartons of it from healthstore. You may alternate the ingredients buy maybe using hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds.  

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds, soaked for 12 hours

3 cups water

1 vanilla pod, seeds

3 dates

Blend the almonds with the water until smooth. 

Strain mixture through a cheesescloth or strainer (you can buy 'Nut Milk Bags' on ebay)

Put the almond milk back into the blender.

Add seeds from vanilla pod and dates. Continue to blend until smooth.

This milk will last 3-5 days stored in fridge.

Erika Doolan - Nutrition Consultant

RUSTICSTONE

by dylan mcgrath

phone: 0863019305 / 01 - 7079596

email: erika@rusticstone.ie

Opening times - Lunch: 12-2.30, Dinner 6-10.30

17 Georges Street, Dublin 2.

Erika Doolan Nutrition Ireland: Dairy & Wheat Free - Hazelnut And Carob Cookies

Erika Doolan Nutrition Ireland: Dairy & Wheat Free - Hazelnut And Carob Cookies

Sports Nutrition - Dietplan Example

An athlete needs a lot of clean, healthy calories to provide them with energy throughout the day.

Breakfast:  If you are training with weights, working hard in practice and doing a lot of cardio all while trying to concentrate in school, you need to have a balanced diet. Otherwise, you will not have the energy to get through your workouts and your body will try to hold onto as much fat as possible as an attempt to survive. You can’t burn a fire without having something in the furnace first, remember that. You need protein to build muscle, fat to burn fat and carbohydrates for energy.

Protein shake 2 scoops of whey protein

1 cup of oatmeat

1 banana

1 cup of raisins

1 cup of total cereal ALL blended together with spring water and crushed ice

1-2 glasses of water

Mid-Morning Snack: 

8 egg whites

2 slices of rye bread

1 orange

1-2 glasses of water

Lunch:

2 cups of pasta

grilled chicken

garden salad with oil and vinegar

1-2 glasses of water

Mid-Afternoon Snack:

protein shake

1 apple

1-2 glasses of water

Dinner: grilled chicken, lean meat or fish

1 cup of brown rice

steamed vegetables

1-2 glasses of water

Buckwheat Pizza Base Using A Dehydrator

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried buckwheat groats/crispies

3 cups chopped celery

2 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp sea salt

1 cup water

1 cup flax meal

Grind buckwheat into a powder, put to the side.

Put celery, olive oil, salt and water in a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth. Now add flaxmeal and blend and mix well. Add the buckwheat powder and blend again. 

Scoop batter mix onto a lined 14 inch square Excalibur dehydrator tray. Spread evenly.

Dehydrate for 10 hrs at 104 F. Flip and cut into whatever shape you wish and dehydrate for another 4 to 6 hrs until crust has a desired consistancy.

Ideas For toppings:

You may add anything you like....hummus, tomatoes, spinach, olives, artichoke, onion,  basil, garlic, olive oil, squeeze of lemon and season lightly with sea salt. 

Erika Doolan - Nutrition Consultant

RUSTICSTONE

by dylan mcgrath

phone: 0863019305 / 01 - 7079596

email: erika@rusticstone.ie

Opening times - Lunch: 12-2.30, Dinner 6-10.30

17 Georges Street, Dublin 2.