Nutrition and Diet in Alcohol Recovery
Still, if people choose to drink alcohol in moderation, there are some preferred go-to options, experts say. No level of alcohol consumption is safe for health, the World Health Organization warns, noting alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer. Researchers keep finding some positives — an association with a lower risk of heart disease because of the way alcohol impacts the brain’s response to stress, for example. The purported health benefits of drinking alcohol in moderation continue to be the subject of study and debate. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers.
The Clean, Sober Diet: Tips for Eating Well in Recovery
When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water per day for adults.
Support Group: Practicing self-compassion while changing your relationship with alcohol
Nausea, headaches, and depression are just some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms that can be painful and difficult to deal with. Although evidence is still limited, omega-3 fatty acids show promise as an excellent alcohol recovery supplement. Many people who struggle with their drinking don’t have enough L-glutamine in their systems. Adding this nutrient can help boost mood in recovery and reduce withdrawal symptoms, making it one of the best supplements for alcohol cravings. An addiction to drugs or alcohol often comes on slow, starting as a complement to normal activities.
- These can be found in a variety of foods, such as whole grains, leafy greens, mushrooms, eggs, cheese, seafood, and meat.
- Even if water hasn’t been a big part of your life before, make sure it is now.
- In a perfect world, a good diet could prevent relapse, but this unfortunately isn’t true.
- Bright, colorful fruits and vegetables like red and yellow peppers, blueberries, and oranges are high in carotenoids — pigments that give these foods their vibrant hues.
Opioids and Nutrition
Whole grains, sunflower seeds, legumes, yogurt, and poultry are known to contain cysteine, or you can look for a supplement (more on this below). With careful planning and attention to your diet and lifestyle, you can address your physical needs, stay in recovery, and go on to live a meaningful life. best foods for alcohol recovery If you have concerns over costs, look into programs that offer sliding scale or reduced payment options. In the United States, check to ensure the program is in-network with your health insurance as well. You might also find programs that offer out-of-network billing options for insurance.
The Critical Role of Nutrition in Alcohol Recovery
Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. However, these foods often lack vitamins to replenish the body with nutrients. Malnourished individuals in detox should receive moderate amounts of protein. Eating an excessive amount of high-protein foods can strain the liver, which may already be damaged by alcohol abuse. Vitamins are perfectly acceptable to help get your body back on track after giving up alcohol. You can opt for a multivitamin or seek out individual supplements that contain omega-3, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.
Fatigue and low energy are common alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but complex carbs help fight and reverse these symptoms. Alcohol detox is the first stage of any alcohol addiction treatment, and must be completed before patients can move on to overcoming the root causes of their addiction with counseling and therapy. Alcohol detox treatments not only cleanse your body of alcohol and help you overcome dependency, but allow you get back on track with a healthier lifestyle.
If you’re working on reducing your drinking, milk thistle can be one way to protect your liver from the damaging effects of alcohol. Nowadays, labeling requirements vary for alcohol contents, its calories and nutrients, and the ingredients. Despite many attempts to add labeling to alcoholic beverages, the regulations concerning nutritional labeling remain convoluted. This continues to make it difficult for individuals to understand what’s truly in their drinks.
- Moreover, nutrition can boost the effects of other things that promote neuroplasticity, such as physical exercise, cognitive training, and meditation.
- This makes you less hungry for food, so there’s a higher chance you’ll skip meals or choose foods that are low in nutrients.
- That said, some studies have found that it can boost your chances for a successful recovery.
- In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about using nutrition to your benefit as you heal from addiction.
- This cycle can be reinforced by how the brain, especially the midbrain, responds to drinking.
Intensive inpatient services and residential rehab programs involve overnight stays in specialized facilities. They allow you to focus on recovery without having to balance everyday life stressors, such as work or family commitments. Calls to our general hotline may be answered by private treatment providers.
