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Fresh Produce


Nutritional Support
for Detox
 

Foundational Approach

What you put into your body has an effect on biochemistry. It stands to reason that many of the negative symptoms we experience are related to a gradual or abrupt imbalance of these essential elements. DATS have compiled a list of information related to how this is impacted by different addictions, as per online medical, research and Government resources.

 

DATS provide the option to use hair mineral analysis for a better individualised understanding of how lifestyle & behaviours are impacting health. This will naturally be different for everyone. Genes have not been attributed to mental health diagnoses, thaough biochemistry has. Biochemistry is heritable & treatable. Many specialists argue addiction is a bio-psychosocial issue (see rat park study)

 

Nutrition is a foundational support for your nervous system, & compliments other strategies to address social / environmental challenges operating at any one time. ​Malnourishment, malabsorption, digestion and metabolism issues related to misusing alcohol & other drugs (AOD) indicate the need for a holistic approach to the impact this has on biochemistry.

Hair mineral analysis is a cost effective, non-invasive method for gaining insight into nutritional supports for what you are going through now and track progress (e.g metabolic functioning, ability to respond to stress, adrenal functioning). Providing a mineral blueprint of one's biochemistry, hair analysis can provide pertinent information about metabolic rate, energy levels, & stage of stress. Analytical Research Labs, have been providing nutritional advice from hair tests for over 45 years. 

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DATS is not an addition specialist, though can support your recovery and coordinate individualised supports where required.

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 Impact of Vaping on Biochemistry 

Products included in vapes can cause nutritional issues from malabsorption of Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Vitamin C and D; loss of electrolytes from dehydration, and loss of appetite from vomiting or diarrhea. This is not accounting for how different toxins are reacting with one's individual biochemistry.

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Oxidative stress caused by smoking nicotine alter omega-3 fatty acid concentrations - This plays a role in dopaminergic neurotransmission

and therefore considered vitally important for understanding nicotine dependence. ​One study found that smokers had lower DHA (omega-3) concentrations and that treatment with omega-3 (DHA & EPA) significantly reduced levels of dependence. 

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Vapes can contain over 200 chemicals.  Chemicals from vapes come from 3 main sources including:
 

  • the e-liquid ingredients;

  • the chemical reactions created when the e-liquid is heated, and;

  • contaminant chemicals that appear in the e-liquid over time (such as heavy metals from the device leaking into the liquid).
     

All of these chemicals are inhaled when you use e-cigarettes. Research studies that have tested the e-liquid and the aerosol from the same vape have found that all of the chemicals in the e-liquid are found in the aerosol, plus the extra chemicals from chemical reactions and contaminants

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Vaping

Understanding the health impacts of vaping is complex. E-cigarettes’ risk to health varies depending on many factors including which device or flavours are used, and how people use them. Vapers don’t know what they’re inhaling & cannot be certain of the health impacts.

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Toxic metals and related substances such as arsenic, lead, chromium and nickel can be detected in both e-liquids and vapers’ urine, saliva and blood.
 

These substances can pose serious health risks (such as being carcinogenic). They can leach from several parts of an e-cigarette, including the heating coil, wires and soldered joints.

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(NSW Health)

Alcohol

"The process of metabolizing alcohol utilises nutrients in your body. The liver breaks down most of the alcohol you drink so that it can be removed from the body. When the level of essential nutrients decreases in your liver the bloodstream is called upon to replenish it. As a result, body cells are deprived of critical nutrients and normal body functions can suffer.

 

If you consume alcohol regularly and try to stop, you may suffer from anxiety, insomnia, tremors, shakiness, dizziness, and depression. You may also experience impaired cognitive thinking and poor memory".

(Boulder Medical Centre)

 Impact of Alcohol on Biochemistry 

​Many of these symptoms are caused by nutrient deficiencies, particularly the B-complex vitamins, which are especially vulnerable to alcohol use. These vitamins are essential to mental and emotional well-being.

 

Deficiencies of other nutrients can also contribute to the negative feelings that frequently lead susceptible individuals toward another alcoholic beverage.

These include:
 

  • Vitamin C — Continuing deficiency causes chronic depression and fatigue

  • Magnesium — Symptoms of deficiency include confusion, apathy, loss of appetite, weakness, and insomnia

  • Calcium — Depletion affects the central nervous system

  • Zinc — Inadequacies result in apathy, lack of appetite, and lethargy

  • Iron — Depression is often a symptom of chronic iron deficiency

  • Manganese — Necessary for proper use of the B-Complex vitamins and Vitamin C

  • Potassium — Depletion is frequently associated with depression, tearfulness, weakness, and fatigue

  • Chromium — Enhances glucose uptake into cells. A deficiency can cause hypoglycemia

  • Omega 3 EFA — In adults, skin disorders and anemia develops as a consequence of EFA deficiency"


Despite the reduced number of studies, omega-3 interventions seem to be promising for controlling issues related to alcohol dependence - This is one of them

Substance Abuse and Biochemistry 

see Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vulnerability to Addiction

 

Methamphetamine use can significantly lower essential vitamins & minerals in the body, including:

  • Vitamin B12: Deficiency can lead to fatigue, weakness, & nerve damage.

  • Vitamin C: Levels decrease, impacting immune function & overall health.

  • Calcium: Long-term use can weaken bones & increase fracture risk.

  • Magnesium: Deficiency may cause muscle cramps & irregular heart rhythms.

  • Zinc: Insufficient zinc can impair immune function, wound healing, & nervous system regulation.
     

Opiates & opioids (codeine, oxycodone, heroin, morphine, & fentanyl) disrupt the gastrointestinal system, leading to issues like constipation & nutrient deficiencies. This can result in imbalances of electrolytes and contribute to deficiencies in vitamins A, E, C, & amino acids, vital for protein synthesis.

 

Long-term substance abuse disrupts the body's ability to absorb nutrients & often associated with poor eating habits, lack of exercise, & disrupted sleep. These increase the risk of long-term health problems, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, weight fluctuations, & eating disorders.

 

Substance use may lead to poor food choices, favouring processed foods over fresh produce, which can create weight & digestive issues.

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Drug and alcohol addiction causes a person to forget what it is like to be hungry, and instead think of this feeling as a drug craving. The person should be encouraged to think that they may be hungry when cravings become strong.​

Substance Abuse

Someone who has just given up an important source of pleasure may not be ready to make other drastic lifestyle changes. It is more important that the person avoid returning to substance use than sticking with a strict diet.

 

Dehydration is a common concern during recovery, making it important to maintain adequate fluid intake during & between meals. Appetite usually returns during recovery; however, individuals may be more prone to overeating, particularly if they were previously using stimulants. It is vital to focus on healthy meals & snacks while avoiding high-calorie, low-nutrition foods like sweets.

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To support recovery, individuals should focus on:

  • Eating balanced meals & snacks at regular times.

  • Engaging in regular physical activity & getting enough rest.

  • Limiting caffeine & quitting smoking if possible.

  • Seeking support from counsellors or groups.

  • Taking vitamin & mineral supplements as advised by healthcare providers.​​

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