Excessive sugar consumption can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to symptoms like fatigue, irritability, and more cravings. Instead of reaching for sugary snacks, opt for healthy alternatives like fresh fruits, which can satisfy the sweet craving while providing essential nutrients. Individuals who use these drugs often encounter constipation and problems with their digestive system on top of their withdrawal symptoms. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-art-therapy-can-help-in-addiction-recovery/ Focus on a high-fiber diet during detox, including leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans and peas. People who try quitting alcohol cold turkey, or who try at-home detox kits are often at greater risk for suffering a relapse, since these methods do nothing to address and relieve withdrawal symptoms. Those who are unable to physically and psychologically endure alcohol withdrawal often resume drinking shortly after quitting.
Nutritional Therapy for Alcohol Addiction
Alcoholics are commonly deficient in vitamin B6, thiamine, and folic acid; however, they still can gain weight because of the empty calories in alcohol. When detoxing from alcohol, you’ll likely be told that drinking water is a vital part of the process. During alcohol withdrawal, the body is adjusting to less fluid intake than usual, which is why hydration is so important during detox.
A Balanced Diet Promotes Healthy Alcohol Recovery
A well-balanced diet is important to build up your vitamin and nutrient stores and keep you healthy during the recovery process. A healthy, balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein like fish and poultry, whole grains, nuts, beans and low-fat dairy. Fish, nuts and vegetable oils can also support health by adding important fatty acids into the diet.
The Recovery Process of Substance Use Disorder
They provide a steady supply of glucose to the brain, which can help prevent mood swings and promote overall well-being. Complex carbohydrates can be found in foods such as sweet potatoes, beans, and lentils. These foods also provide a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you best foods for alcohol recovery feel full and satisfied. Green vegetables play a vital role in replenishing the nutritional stores that may have been depleted as a result of alcoholism. Vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, and romaine lettuce are particularly beneficial during detox due to their high vitamin B content.
- That said, everyone’s relationship with food is different, and your diet shouldn’t be a point of immense stress, especially in early sobriety.
- In some cases, the sugar content of these beverages actually exceeds the sugary foods listed above.
- It’s not usually a good idea to tackle addiction alone, but if you are detoxing on your own, have at least one close friend or family member present to help you prepare food and monitor your symptoms.
- These are all nutrients that are often found to be deficient in alcoholics.
- 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.
- Discover a comprehensive outline of treatments for drug abuse, from therapy to holistic approaches.
What is Mental Illness?
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. Meal planning plays a crucial role in supporting recovery from alcohol addiction. Nutrient-rich liquids like soups, stews, and smoothies make up a crucial part of the recovery process.
Three Common Symptoms of Withdrawal
- In turn, these symptoms may cause an opioid user to not eat enough or absorb certain nutrients, or to suffer an imbalance of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride.
- A key aspect of meal planning for recovery is focusing on balanced and regular meals.
- When you drink, the alcohol suppresses your brain’s production of a chemical called antidiuretic hormone, or ADH.
- A well-balanced diet can help manage these symptoms and support the recovery process [1].
- You can also get plant proteins from lentils, tofu (soy), black beans and quinoa.