In addition to lots of water, try electrolyte-packed beverages such as Gatorade and coconut water as well, especially if you’ve been vomiting. If you’re able to make an investment, consider getting a juicer and plenty of fruits best diet for recovering alcoholic and vegetables to start getting vitamins back in your system while you hydrate. Individuals who use these drugs often encounter constipation and problems with their digestive system on top of their withdrawal symptoms.
Impact of Alcohol on Nutrient Absorption and Digestive Health
Eating clean, nutrient-dense foods helps replenish nutrient stores, prevent extra work for the liver and calm inflammation to promote faster healing. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol are different for everyone and can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week. During this period, when your body is adjusting and healing, it is important to have a healthy diet and nutrition to support you in your new alcohol-free lifestyle. Macronutrients are those your body needs in large amounts each day to function. Micronutrients are just as important, but you don’t need to consume as much of them to stay healthy. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, while the macronutrients you need are protein, fat, carbohydrates and water.
- Professional guidance from dietitians and support groups can be instrumental in creating a tailored nutrition plan that addresses both physical and mental health needs during alcohol recovery.
- Other recovery programs have gyms and fitness centers that you can use at designated times.
- If you don’t feel hungry, think about taking nutritional supplements.
We Accept Most Insurance!
Nutrition is a cornerstone in the journey of recovery from alcohol addiction, as it provides the body with essential tools to repair the damage caused by alcohol misuse. A balanced diet supports physical healing, improves mental health, and is an integral part of a successful recovery process. Alcohol abuse often leads to malnutrition and specific nutrient deficiencies, particularly of B vitamins and vitamin A, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bodily functions.
More on Substance Abuse and Addiction
Foods that are rich in sulfur can detoxify your liver while the foods that are rich in antioxidants can enable to heal it. Sprouts, cabbage, lemon, onion, garlic, cauliflower, beetroot, broccoli are the detoxifiers that help you to eliminate the buildup that addiction caused. The lungs allow us to breathe and this act needs a lot of energy, and so the damage an addict can cause on his or her lungs along with lack of healthy food can have harmful effects. Alcoholics are malnourished because they have poor eating style, resulting in a lot of excessive drinkers obtaining unhealthy amounts of calories from alcoholic drinks. Believe it, recovery is a lot of hard work and so is learning how to eat healthily.
Nutritional Supplements During Detox
Protein from both animal and plant sources are broken down into amino acids that the body uses to repair cells. Animal sources of protein like tuna, turkey and chicken are also great sources of vitamin B6. Red meat, pork and poultry provide iron, and fish like salmon are great sources of both omega-3 fatty acids and calcium. You can also get plant proteins from lentils, tofu (soy), black beans and quinoa. Individuals who have used alcohol heavily often show additional deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin c (ascorbic acid), calcium and iron.
Nutrition for Addiction Recovery
They are so important that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests 45% to 65% of daily calories should come from carbs. Although alcohol is more accessible than other drugs, it can certainly be just as damaging to the body (if not more so). Alcohol has lots of empty calories and the lack of nutrition that develops with prolonged alcohol use shows. Laboratory tests for protein, iron, and electrolytes may be needed to determine if there is liver disease in addition to the alcohol problem.
The Role of Nutrition and Exercise in Enhancing Recovery
Addiction Treatment Programs
- A poor diet can make you feel depressed, anxious, and low on energy.
- Nutrition and exercise are crucial components in rebuilding a healthy, balanced life in recovery.
- At Behavioral Health Centers, we know that what you put in your body is just as crucial to your overall recovery as all other aspects of treatment are.
- Furthermore, they can prevent, reduce, and slow cellular damage caused by toxins and free radicals created by alcohol and drug addiction.
- Integrating a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can ease withdrawal symptoms, rebuild strength, and encourage a sustained recovery.