Alcohol Use Disorder: Nutrition During Recovery

Carbohydrates are vital for recovery, as they provide fiber and energy, which the detoxer may be lacking. Although refined grains like white bread also offer carbohydrates for energy, they are not as healthy an option compared with whole-grain alternatives. Following alcohol detox, some may continue to experience psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and agitation.

• Periodic fasting, which consists of fasting for 24-hour periods a couple of times during each week, can mean autophagy occurs at around the 18-hour mark.
• We get amino acids from protein in foods like meat, dairy products, and nuts, along with some grains and beans.
• You already know that it’s impossible to succeed in quitting drinking if your only new thought process is “don’t drink.” The same basic truth holds for diet.
• One of the first things that need to be “fixed” when undergoing treatment is the digestive system.
• Cruciferous vegetables include leafy greens such as spinach, broccoli, and kale.

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Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, more if you’re active or it’s hot. Nutrient-packed broths are also hydrating and can be a good source of minerals and other nutrients, such as collagen. Opt for meals like stews or casseroles that are easy to cook and packed with nutrients. You can also best diet for recovering alcoholic cut up veggies or marinate meat beforehand to make cooking less of a chore. But it’s just one of a series of improvements toward rewiring your brain and improving your quality of life. Organ meats, known to contain more micronutrients than any vegetable, give me an energy rush and euphoria!

The Bottom Line on Nutrition for Recovering Alcoholics

Inclusion of complex carbohydrates like root vegetables and legumes can aid in balancing serotonin levels, promoting relaxation and well-being. This includes screening for nutritional deficiencies and providing tailored dietary recommendations to prevent adverse outcomes. Chronic and heavy drinking can disrupt the delicate balance of the gut microbiome, leading to an imbalance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing.

Other Effective Tips for Alcohol Recovery

• These deficiencies can contribute to a range of health issues that complicate recovery from alcohol dependency.
• Giving patients the opportunity to practice good eating habits is essential, especially since food addiction can often replace drug addiction.
• Heavy drinking makes it harder for your organs to work the way they’re supposed to, especially your stomach lining, pancreas, intestines, and liver.
• Nausea, headaches, and depression are just some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms that can be painful and difficult to deal with.

Significant scientific research goes into determining the effects of different foods on the human body, with general conclusions pointing to natural whole foods as the best option. For those hoping to maintain health in sobriety, particularly after months or years of abusive behavior, eating right is an essential part of the equation. At Acqua Recovery, our nutrition therapy plays a pivotal role in the path to recovery from alcohol abuse.

Eating plenty of whole foods is a sure-fire way to increase your micronutrient intake. This is why mass-produced breads and cereals are “enriched” with a few basic vitamins, which don’t even begin to make up for the opportunity costs of eating these foods. Avocados, olive oil, nuts, salmon, and grass-fed beef are my personal favorite sources of good fats. (Be sure to check out the Kitchenistic review of “avocado savers.”) People who eat a lot of these foods every day rarely have cravings for carbs and junk. You already know that it’s impossible to succeed in quitting drinking if your only new thought process is “don’t drink.” The same basic truth holds for diet.

Recovering from alcohol misuse requires not only psychological support but also a nutritional overhaul to address deficiencies caused by chronic consumption. Dairy products are good sources of both calcium and vitamin A, promoting strong, healthy bones and teeth as well as healthy digestion. Dairy products can be high in fat, but skim milk, yogurt, butter and some cheeses can be a good way to supplement your diet. A great source of amino acids and a necessary component to keep the body strong, protein is a must-have. Lean meats and poultry are great sources for those who choose to eat meat, but for those who don’t or would prefer to limit intake, nuts, seeds and tofu can be excellent substitutes. Hydration is important for everyone, regardless of history of substance abuse.

Best Foods to Eat in Recovery from Alcohol

• Because withdrawal can already induce depressed and sluggish feelings, it’s best to eat healthier foods that leave us feeling energized and nourished.
• The Reframe app can help you track your cravings and gain a better understanding of what to avoid.
• As your body essentially re-teaches itself to live without drugs and alcohol, you might notice some mood swings as it relates to hunger or even drastic drops in your blood sugar levels.
• Embarking on the journey of recovery from alcoholism involves not only behavioral changes but also a significant focus on nutritional rehabilitation.
• Before eating any of these best foods for alcohol detox, make sure to consult with your doctor to get professional medical advice if you think there might be any allergy issues.
• Omega-3 fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which protect the brain from harm and aging.

Diet for Recovering Alcoholics