Common Heavy Metals: Effects and Sources

Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling

Horizons Of Hope puts a great deal of emphasis on nutrition in the treatment of addiction. When nutrition is poor, the brain does not function properly and easily causes people to feel generally unwell, unhappy and anxious. Stress levels rise. Thinking becomes less clear. Complete and restful sleep may be difficult to achieve. At this point, cravings often kick in for something to fill the emptiness or make you feel better. So, in order to enjoy a natural sense of well being, proper nutritional intake that nourishes the brain is essential. Indeed, the correct balance of protein, carbohydrates and fats, along with minerals, vitamins and water is essential to the survival and health of all cells.

To ensure a well-functioning brain, to complete the biologic repair of damaged or malfunctioning body systems, and to establish optimal wellness, patients work individually with a nutrition/lifestyle counselor in our Nutrition and Lifestyle Counseling program that includes:

Lifestyle analysis, counseling and management of changes.
Individualized oral supplement program.
Testing for food allergies.
Meal planning.
Food shopping education.
Food preparation education.

Creating a Good Nutritional Foundation

We provide a healthy foundational diet that is individualized according to each patient's special needs.

The foundational diet includes:

Eating a well balanced diet with plenty of variety
- Protein (nuts, legumes, fish, poultry)
- Vegetables/ Fruits
- Breads, whole grains and cereals
- Dairy/Non-dairy
- Fats (nuts and seeds)
Eating frequent small meals
The longer your body goes without food, the more likely it is that your blood sugar levels will fall. The body depends on glucose to function, so its glucose level falls, it produces cravings within the body for things such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol or drugs.
Eliminating sugar and caffeine
When you consume sugar and caffeine your body craves the continual stimulation. The same principle of physiological craving applies to alcohol and drugs. Caffeine and sugar raise the blood sugar, but then cause a quick and dramatic drop in blood sugar levels. Eliminating these two substances will help reduce other cravings and help keep you on track.
Eliminating processed foods
Processed foods have far fewer nutrients than whole foods, including the vitamins, minerals, and fiber that have been "processed out". They also contain added chemical preservatives and stabilizers. Many of these processed foods are high in fat and sugar, which provide "empty calories". Foods to avoid in this category include: white bread, rice, pasta, packaged snack foods, TV dinners, canned goods and any food that is low in fiber and high in sugar and fat.
Eliminating food allergens
If it is determined that you have food allergies (through allergy testing), it is important to eliminate these foods from your diet. Food allergies can cause a variety of symptoms including cravings, headaches, muscle pain and fatigue.
Taking the proper oral supplements on a daily basis
Oral supplementation can help to regulate many of the body's functions. Your supplement program is designed to complement your nutrition regimen by adding the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements that you may be deficient in. Natural Horizons will create a special supplement regimen tailored to your individual needs.