If possible, try to avoid foods that are highly processed or low on nutrients. Whole grains, protein, and generally nutrient-rich foods are the best foods for alcohol detox. Complex carbohydrates stabilize blood sugar levels and provide vitamins, minerals and fibers. These foods take longer to digest, which means they provide energy for a long period of time. That is why alcohol detox and alcohol withdrawal treatment is administered by medical professionals. While I am not a nutritionist myself, there are certain foods research has demonstrated to effectively support the alcohol recovery process through all stages of recovery.
- Ideally, your rehab will connect you to nutritional aftercare, such as a nutritional counselor, that can check on your diet plan outside of residential treatment.
- Nutritional deficiencies are common in people with alcohol use disorder.
- The American Society of Clinical Oncology adds that limiting or quitting alcohol while you’re having cancer treatment may help you avoid complications.
Nourish With Vitamins and Minerals
Nutritionists, however, can provide detailed, personalized meal plans for those recovering from alcoholism to help them meet their nutritional goals and optimize their recovery. Eating a healthy diet in rehab is easy because patients do not have the ability to shop for treats, overindulge in unhealthy foods, or stop at the nearest fast food restaurant. The rehab staff controls all aspects of diet and food options to establish a successful recovery. Fish, for instance, is healthy in moderation because it’s often low in saturated fat and high in protein; some fish also contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.
Fruits and Vegetables
I’ve gotten away with them easily, despite weighing over 250 pounds before I quit drinking. My goal is to live life fully, not to feel deprived and have a 6-pack at all times. Chocolate cake tastes a lot better when you only eat it once per week.
Addiction Programs
For example, without zinc, you can experience appetite loss, rough skin, and mental lethargy, and iron is responsible for helping red blood cells carry oxygen to and from your body’s organs. Shellfish can help you replenish these https://ecosoberhouse.com/ minerals, helping your body return to normal functioning. Aside from being rich in fiber, whole wheat bread is also rich in magnesium. Magnesium is another essential mineral that may be deficient in patients with AUD.
Eat beans, peas, lentils, pork, brown rice, and fortified foods like breakfast cereal. Not getting enough of this vitamin can lead to anemia, depression, confusion, and a weak immune system. Poultry, fish, non-citrus fruit, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes are good sources.
- For some people, AUD has hurt their relationships, careers, health, finances, self-esteem, and other aspects of their lives.
- Over time, the body will work through its nutrient stores but will not have enough new nutrients from food to work properly.
- 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.
Getting In Protein During Alcohol Detox
Find a supportive friend or family member to be with you while you withdraw and support your new non-drinking lifestyle. A rare but very serious syndrome called delirium tremens alcohol recovery diet can occur during alcohol withdrawal. Also known as DTs, an estimated 2% of people with alcohol use disorder and less than 1% of the general population experience them.
- Fruits and vegetables play a critical role in an alcohol detox meal plan.
- Recovery from AUD is marked by stages of abstinence, withdrawal, repair, and growth.
- Inflammation primarily occurs when your body attempts to defend itself from diseases, but alcohol use can also be a source of inflammation.
- Using alcohol and marijuana in combination increases your risk of experiencing uncomfortable side effects due to increased absorption of THC.
A high intake of fruits and vegetables and avoiding processed or sugary foods is also important to getting the nutrients that your body needs. Opiate and heroin use can be linked to nausea and vomiting, serious organ damage over time, and general neglect of one’s health, potentially leading to nutritional deficiencies. Eating may be the last thing you’ll want to think about when it comes to alcohol detox, but it’s an important part of the process.
If you’re looking for alcohol detox and substance abuse treatment options, we may be able to help. Eating a balanced diet with healthy foods during detox can help promote physical wellness and reduce alcohol cravings in the early stages of detox and addiction recovery. Detox can be an uncomfortable process for individuals experiencing alcohol addiction. However, protein is important as it is a major nutrient and is the building block of your muscles. Proteins like meats, poultry, fish, beans, peas, eggs, nuts and seeds are rich in B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, zinc and magnesium, all of which are common alcohol-related deficiencies. Making sure to eat protein during your detox and recovery can help to replete your stores of these important nutrients.
