The process of detoxification also provides an opportunity to establish healthier eating habits. Following a structured and nutritious meal plan can improve overall physical health, promote better mental well-being, and help individuals in recovery establish healthier eating habits [1]. 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.
Maintain a healthy diet
Behavioral interventions, medications, and social support can all play a role in your alcohol recovery. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.2 million U.S. adults had both mental health disorders and a substance use disorder in 2018, yet nearly 60% did not get treatment. In general, anyone looking to maintain proper nutrition should focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and low-fat meats. This is especially important for someone looking to rebuild their immune system and overall health.
Learning Center
The right mix of these nutrients helps you feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally, making your recovery journey easier. Prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins including B6, thiamine, and folic acid. The United States Department of Agriculture states that fruits and vegetables are filled with vitamins, dietary fiber, folic acid and potassium.
Healthy Barbecue Ideas and Recipes
Multivitamin supplements can also help you get the required amount of vitamins and minerals you need. Look for a multivitamin (or several) that contains omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, zinc, and of course vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. While it is important to pay attention to what types of foods you can and cannot eat, some foods contain a lot of good things that help your body heal. As always, if you are unsure about whether or not you will have an allergy issue with a certain food, consult with your doctor. Feeling nauseous, anxious, and generally experiencing a loss of appetite during the first few days of detoxing from alcohol is normal.
- Beyond the plate, Kyria hosts engaging weekly groups focusing on nutrition education, food preparation, and cultivating healthy eating habits.
- And for those who are vegetarian or simply not fond of seafood, alternatives include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans.
- Discover which disorders benzos treat, from anxiety to seizures, and understand their risks and effects.
- In 2022, New Mexico’s death rate was the highest at 42.7 per 100,000 people, which was more than six times higher than Hawaii, the state with the lowest rate at 7.1 per 100,000 people (Figure 4).
Once you get through that part of the process, you’ll start to feel better physically and mentally. The best foods for alcohol detox are those that will help the body heal. In early recovery, it is important to eat a healthy diet so as to allow your liver and other organs time to rest and recover from any damage they may have incurred during chronic drinking. It’s important to remember that overcoming alcohol dependency can be facilitated by consuming a balanced diet that nourishes the body and provides energy.
Noel is clinical director at Sober College, a substance abuse rehabilitation facility for young adults with treatment centers in San Diego and Woodland Hills, California. “We believe that recovery means empowerment, and we support each other as partners walking the path together. We believe that recovery is rooted in finding our own inner wisdom and individual journeys,” it reads.
Role of Protein-Rich Foods
- There are no meal plans that major scientific or medical organizations specifically recommend.
- Intermittent fasting means you’ll only eat one or two meals a day, restricting these meals to certain time periods.
- Ultimately, protein is more than just a macronutrient; it’s a foundational element in the journey towards rebuilding a healthy body and mind in the aftermath of alcohol dependency.
- While you are in recovery, it is important to not substitute one addiction for another.
Capsaicin has also been shown to have pain-relieving and appetite-stimulating effects, both of which can be helpful in the early stages of withdrawal when many experience a lack of appetite. Aside from water, it can be beneficial to add hydrating foods into the mix. Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, and oranges are all incredibly hydrating.
Naltrexone is one type of medication that can help reduce alcohol cravings, making it easier for some people to stop drinking. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Health Center, we know that what you put in your body is just alcohol recovery diet as crucial to your overall recovery. That’s why our chefs and nutritionists are trained to provide a well-balanced diet for recovering drug or alcohol addicts such as yourself who need the right nutrients every day.