Ketamine therapy is a novel and innovative treatment for patients with treatment-resistant mood disorders and chronic pain. It involves the administration of low doses of ketamine, either intravenously or orally, under the supervision of a medical professional. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has been shown to have rapid and lasting antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and analgesic effects. Ketamine works by modulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning, memory, and mood regulation.
However, ketamine therapy is not a magic bullet. It requires careful preparation and follow-up to ensure its effectiveness and safety. Nutrition and lifestyle are factors that can influence the outcome of ketamine therapy. In this blog post, we will discuss how food and lifestyle can affect ketamine therapy and provide some practical tips on optimizing your ketamine experience.
How nutrition affects ketamine therapy
Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining your physical and mental health. It can also affect how you respond to ketamine therapy. Here are some of the nutritional aspects that you should consider before, during, and after your ketamine session:
Hydration
Ketamine can cause dehydration, which can worsen your mood and cognitive function. It is essential to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your ketamine session. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, or more if you sweat a lot or exercise.
Alcohol and caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine are both stimulants that can interfere with the effects of ketamine. Alcohol can increase the risk of nausea, vomiting, and adverse reactions to ketamine. Caffeine can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety levels. It is advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine for at least 24 hours before and after your ketamine session.
Balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and dairy products can help you maintain your energy levels, mood, and immune system. A balanced diet can also provide essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals to support your brain’s health and function. Some foods beneficial for mental health include berries, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, salmon, eggs, yogurt, spinach, avocado, etc.
Supplements
Some supplements may enhance the effects of ketamine therapy or reduce its side effects. For example, magnesium may improve the antidepressant response to ketamine by modulating glutamate receptors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may reduce the oxidative stress and inflammation caused by ketamine by increasing glutathione levels. However, not all supplements are safe or effective for everyone. , you must consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
How lifestyle affects ketamine therapy
Lifestyle is another factor that can influence the outcome of ketamine therapy. Daily habits and activities can affect mood, cognition, sleep quality, stress levels, and social support. Here are some of the lifestyle aspects that you should consider before, during, and after your ketamine session:
Sleep
Sleep is essential for your mental health and well-being. It helps you consolidate memories, regulate emotions, restore energy levels, and enhance your immune system. Lack of sleep can impair your mood, cognition, attention span, creativity, and decision-making skills. It is essential to get enough sleep before and after your ketamine session. Aim for at least 7 to 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night. Avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones, computers, or TVs at least an hour before bedtime, as they can emit blue light that can disrupt your circadian rhythm. You can also use relaxation techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, or aromatherapy to help you fall asleep faster and more profoundly.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to improve physical and mental health. It can boost your mood, self-esteem, confidence, motivation, and resilience by releasing endorphins and serotonin dopamine in your brain. It can also reduce your stress levels and blood pressure inflammation by improving your cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems. It is advisable to exercise regularly before and after your ketamine session. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. You can also include strength training and flexibility exercises to improve muscle mass and joint mobility. Some examples of exercises that are good for your mental health include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, yoga, pilates, etc.
Stress management
Stress is a normal and inevitable part of life. However, chronic or excessive stress can have adverse effects on your mental and physical health. It can trigger or worsen depression, anxiety, pain, and other conditions by activating your hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and releasing cortisol and other stress hormones in your body. It is essential to manage your stress levels before, during, and after your ketamine session. You can use various strategies to cope with stress, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, biofeedback, relaxation techniques, etc. You can also avoid or limit the sources of stress in your life, such as work, family, and finances, by setting boundaries, delegating tasks, prioritizing goals, etc.
Social support
Social support is the emotional, practical, or informational assistance you receive from your family, friends, or others. Social support can enhance your mental health and well-being by providing a sense of belonging, acceptance, and love. It can also buffer you from the adverse effects of stress by offering you comfort, advice, and feedback. It is beneficial to have a solid social network before, during, and after your ketamine session. You can maintain or improve your social relationships by communicating regularly, expressing gratitude, and showing empathy. You can also seek professional help from a therapist or counselor coach if you need more guidance or support.
We can help you Choose the Right Ketamine Therapy
If you are interested in learning more about ketamine therapy or booking a session, please contact us at Avesta Ketamine Wellness Center. We are a wellness center that provides treatments for patients suffering from treatment-resistant mood disorders and chronic pain addictions.
Our experienced doctors, nurses, therapists, and coaches are dedicated to helping you heal and thrive.
