diet for alcohol recovery

Some of the best foods that have omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish, flax seeds, walnuts, avocados, and chia seeds . Good nutrition also helps improve your overall health, which may have suffered during your addiction. Moreover, a healthy diet helps your immune system, making you less likely to get sick and slow down your recovery. In essence, the right nutrition not only feeds your body but also cares for your mind and soul, playing a key role in your journey to lasting recovery.

The Weight of Drug Use

When you cut out alcohol, your gut works to regain its natural balance, which can improve digestion, absorption of nutrients, and serotonin production. Improving your gut health can also make your liver and kidneys more efficient at detoxing. Hemoglobin helps your red blood cells carry oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues, then transports carbon dioxide from those organs and tissues back to your lungs. And just like vitamin B and zinc, alcohol affects how the body absorbs iron from food, causing an imbalance when you first stop drinking.

  • B-complex vitamins, particularly B12, contribute to a healthy metabolism.
  • Proper nutrition is not only essential for maintaining liver health but also plays a pivotal role in the liver’s repair process.
  • You’ll need to be especially careful not to replace alcohol with sugar or caffeine.
  • The United States Department of Agriculture states that fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins, dietary fiber, folic acid and potassium.
  • These deficiencies can cause a range of health problems, including neurological impairments, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of infections.

Red flags to look out for when choosing a rehab or treatment program

diet for alcohol recovery

Fruits and vegetables are important because they contain high amounts of fiber, as well as folate and Vitamin A, which are often deficient if you drink heavily. Water is important for hydration, and you can easily lose too much water through vomiting and diarrhea. You may have a strong urge to eat sweets because they set off dopamine, the same chemical messenger triggered by some drugs. Too little could eventually cause serious learning and memory problems, a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome. Eat beans, peas, lentils, pork, brown rice, and fortified foods like breakfast cereal.

Hydrating Foods (Plus Plenty of Water)

A multivitamin containing potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients can also support physical recovery during and after detox. Certain foods may thwart the detox process by unnecessarily upsetting your stomach or dehydrating best foods for alcohol recovery individuals who are experiencing moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms. Protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, yogurt, and tofu can help support the healthy function of various organs, including the liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart.

diet for alcohol recovery

With a focus on proper supplementation and nutrition, we can support you on your journey to getting well. It’s important to understand that to some degree, taking vitamins is a personal process. The medical professionals overseeing your treatment can help you identify which supplements are ideal for your drug or alcohol detox diet. FHE is dedicated to making a difference for those seeking a healthier, happier way of life, regardless of circumstance.

diet for alcohol recovery

Support Group: Practicing self-compassion while changing your relationship with alcohol

  • Experts think this may in part be because sugary foods stimulate similar brain processes as drugs.
  • When planning your diet both in rehabilitation as well as when you are living independently, keep these tips for a sober diet in mind.
  • Most IOP programs incorporate a psychoeducational group therapy component; however, some also include individual therapy.

Types of Food to Eat When Detoxing From Alcohol

Cayenne Pepper For Alcohol Detox

  • Alcohol is unique in that it gets absorbed right through the stomach, which can hit people faster, Hultin says.
  • The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
  • Adequate nutrition for addiction recovery aids in repairing physical and psychological damage caused by alcohol abuse, reducing cravings, and supporting overall health and well-being.

Vitamins & Supplements for Alcohol Recovery

  • However, putting a focus on achieving proper nutritional intake as well as managing symptoms can provide a better foundation upon which to continue on to inpatient treatment.
  • Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges.
  • An addiction to drugs or alcohol often comes on slow, starting as a complement to normal activities.
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