For those managing a withdrawal from regular marijuana use there are several common side effects to be overcome. In my practice as a leading Cannabis Cessation Specialist I have identified that food intake can have a huge impact on withdrawal success rates and the consumption of the correct nutrients will provide a far faster system cleanse. The question for those wishing to quit cannabis use is: Which are the top 10 dietary ‘must haves’ when working toward delivering freedom from dependence?
Three times a day, everyday – Acquiring regularity to your eating will pay benefits. When the correct food is combined with the breakfast, lunch, evening meal structure it works very efficiently to prevent low spots in your energy levels, and keeps your brain in peak form.
Cleanse your liver – Your liver filters toxins – it has been working overtime whilst you have been absorbing drugs into your body. Milk Thistle taken as a supplement is a useful liver improver.
Improve digestion – Yes it is as true for those withdrawing from marijuana as it is the rest of the population – good digestion gives your body the very best chance to function efficiently. So begin the day with a fantastic cereal containing roughage (bran and oats are excellent), and switch from over processed white bread to a wholemeal option.
Love water – It is cheap, plentiful, calorie-free, sugar-free, thirst-quenching and refreshing for body and mind. The human brain is 85% water and even being slightly dehydrated will lead to loss of mental function and slowing of responses. Aim for 2 litres per day, every day.
Get some nuts – Packed with goodness and perfect as a ‘distraction snack’ when you are feeling tempted, or as an energy booster if you hit a low at any point of the day. The less interfered with the better so try to avoid the heavily salted varieties or those with roasted coatings.
Heavenly honey – During detox there is a temptation to turn to chocolate or other empty calories. This will undoubtedly lead to roller coaster sugar levels and make the quitting cannabis process more challenging. Those with a sweet tooth will be pleased to know, however, that honey is a great alternative to packing in processed sugars. Full of antioxidants and easily added to a variety of meals or drinks honey is natures’ special treat. Go for the least processed option you can locate for maximum benefit.
An apple a day – You know the popular rhyme ‘keeps the doctor away’ – well perhaps there is some truth in it. Treat yourself to an apple around an hour or two before bedtime and you’ll be rewarded with all the natural goodness and put pay to any late night snack cravings.
Avocado beauty – Healthy skin and lustrous hair may well have been denied to you during your time as a regular cannabis user – eat avocados as part of your cessation program and you’ll be on your way to looking great. In addition the beta-sitosterol contained within an avocado prevents cholesterol absorption and they are a great source of fibre too.
Carrots, carrots, carrots – Eat cooked or raw this affordable vegetable is highly beneficial in delivering nutrients without fat and sugars. Carrots have been proven as cancer fighters too in many studies. Carrots help to boost your immune system during the withdrawal process so keep them on the menu (certainly daily for the first 2 weeks of quitting cannabis).
Dopamine anyone? – You want to feel good – then reach for the kettle and make yourself a green tea! The calming and soothing feeling that you experience after drinking green tea is due to the release of the brain chemical dopamine. So when you feel the agitation so often associated with quitting marijuana treat yourself to a marvelous drink that not only makes you feel great but is packed with goodness.