It’s worth knowing that beyond professional support and encouragement from friends and family, a balanced diet can have a huge impact on a person’s recovery journey. If you or someone you love attempts recovery from alcohol addiction, a great way towards recovery and overcoming these cravings would be to implement small life changes. When it comes to our health and emotional stability, the old saying you are what you eat may be annoyingly true in such circumstances.
During alcohol withdrawal patients often struggle with common symptoms such as nausea, anxiety and rarely potential health risks. To avoid that, doctors recommend their patients to consider a change in their diet and encourage the consumption of healthy foods. There are numerous food and food groups that are famous for their miraculous effects on people struggling during alcohol withdrawal. These are the superfoods considered necessary for most arduous parts of alcohol recovery.
Start with a Balanced Diet
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, a balanced diet in foods and drinks should provide us with the right amount of energy in order to maintain our health and energy balance. Even if you used to eat well and while drinking, alcohol is known to impede fat abortion and protein digestion which normally affects your nutritional status. If you’re aiming at recovery and you’re willing to make some important changes in your life, a balanced diet with a rich variety of foods in the right amounts will help you get there in no time. A balanced diet should help your body overcome those nasty withdrawal symptoms, make you feel stronger and help you maintain a normal weight.
It’s a diet that includes everything from plenty of vegetables and fruits, rich sources of protein, whole grains, fish or beans. Including a large variety of foods from every group will prepare and ensure your body with essential nutrients to fight withdrawal.
Vitamins and Minerals
Drinking alcohol isn’t only ruining your social and emotional life, but also your health. In case you’ve accused deficiency in iron, magnesium, zinc and other minerals it’s for consuming alcohol for a long period of time. Alcohol addiction has always been an impediment when it comes to nutrition. They’re in so much stress, and pain that a daily meal matters very less compared with a bottle of wine. While struggling with the symptoms of withdrawal, it’s important to replenish your body with foods rich in vitamins and minerals, or by taking supplements. Consuming plenty of A, D, E K and B vitamins, magnesium, iron and acid folic is essential as the body recovers from being malnourished.
Fruit and Vegetables
People tend to overlook the amazing effect that vegetables and fruits have on our body, for the simple fact that they don’t have enough carbohydrates. Even so, these should be an integral part of your diet since they offer the exact amount of fibre to fuel our bodies and reduce the alcohol cravings. Moroder, those recovering from alcohol addiction or any other substance abuse often crave sugar. Luckily there are a huge variety of fruits to satisfy every need and craving. In case you’ve wondered which vegetables and fruits are known to be efficient during alcohol withdrawal here are some examples:
Yellow and Orange Fruits and Veggies
Fruits and vegetables that are orange in colour are known to contain vitamin C and carotenoids, complexes that convert into vitamin A as soon they get into your body. Vitamin A is essential for night vision and immunity, which is vital if those struggling with alcohol withdrawal encounter night blindness.
Cayenne Pepper
Rich in A, B9, C, E and K vitamins, cayenne pepper is known to ease the alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and headache. Cayenne pepper also improves blood circulation which boosts your body’s strengths and recovery during alcohol detox.
Nuts
Everything from cashews, walnuts and almonds is known to be rich sources of vitamins B1, B6, E and healthy fats necessary for improving your heart health. Nuts are rich in proteins and are great to keep your energy level high if you feel lethargic during the withdrawal.
Leafy Greens
Leafy Greens such as collards, kale, spinach and chard are rich in almost every mineral and vitamins your body requires to recover from alcohol withdrawal. They contain rich amounts of antioxidants that may also help you reduce the risk of cancer and chronic inflammation.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are essential during and after the withdrawal process since they ensure your body with necessary energy. Best sources of carbohydrates are known to be lentil, wild rice, oats and beans. Including these foods in your diet is more than necessary if you wish to overcome alcohol cravings. Complex carbohydrates move slowly through your body, which makes them a stable source of energy.
Healthy Fats
Salmon, trout, sardines, tuna and mackerel are some of the most famous types of healthy fats. These foods contain great amounts of vitamin K, fat-soluble vitamin D, vitamin B1 and omega-3 fatty acid. While omega 3 works on improving your heart health, vitamin D contributes to stronger bones and prevents bones softening and loss, which is often a complication related to alcohol abuse. To make sure you implement the right amounts of fat in your diet, consult with your nutritionist.
Don’t Underestimate Hydration
Alcohol withdrawal may cause a series of nasty feelings, from loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, fatigue and nausea. These symptoms are known to impair the ability to eat, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids to help your body get rid of alcohol toxins and rehydrate.
Alcohol addiction interferes with the way your body digests, stores, uses and extracts certain nutrients. Thus, in order to recover and help your body fight alcohol toxins small changes in the way you live, eat and think might be necessary. No matter how small are these changes you’ll be able to recover from any type of addiction if you’re willing to try and accept help.