Alcohol detox can be challenging, especially when you’re so far in the booze that you find yourself craving every sip and shot all day long. But just because it’s difficult doesn’t mean it can’t be done. One of the most effective ways to complement your alcohol addiction recovery is with the aid of an alcohol cleanse diet.
What’s diet got to do with alcohol addiction recovery?
You may be wondering what diet has to do with alcohol withdrawal since you may only be thinking about the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and the grueling process altogether. However, what most people don’t know is that a healthy diet can have a significant impact on a patient’s alcohol abuse recovery.
Alcohol abuse causes malnutrition, which has a cumulative effect of weakening our bodies in the long run. And during alcohol detox, it will be highly beneficial to patients if they start healing their bodies through a balanced diet to help facilitate the recovery process and reduce the risk of relapse.
What are the effects of alcohol on the body?
One way that alcohol use disorder (AUD) can negatively affect a person’s body is through the neglect of having a healthy and balanced diet. Those who abuse alcohol tend to eat less and choose food that’s unhealthy. Apart from that, some of the effects of alcohol include:
— Increases the rate at which our body uses energy
— Exacerbates the loss of nutrients through vomiting and diarrhea
— Damages our intestines making it difficult to efficiently absorb the nutrients from our diet
Malnutrition During Alcohol Use Disorder
One reason why a proper alcohol detox diet is important is that alcohol abusers may suffer from malnutrition. Those who have AUD may experience the short-term and long-term side effects of malnutrition. And during the detox process, their malnourished bodies may be forced to endure more without an alcohol master cleanse diet.
Some of the short-term side effects of malnutrition are:
— Problems with the digestive system
— Weak immune system
— Dental problems
Some of the long-term effects of malnutrition:
— Liver disease
— Heart problems
— High blood pressure
— Nerve damage
— Risk of brain damage
Substance abuse, whether short-term or long-term, can have detrimental effects on our health and well-being. Learn more about living healthy when dealing with addiction by clicking on the link.
What are the ideal foods to eat during my alcohol detox?
Proper nutrition and alcohol detox come hand in hand. Alcohol is directly connected to your body’s ability to metabolize particular nutrients. That’s why it’s important to feed your body with the nutrients it needs to heal faster and efficiently.
Water
One of the best diets for alcohol detox will have an early stage that requires you to be constantly hydrated since alcohol dehydrates you. Being sufficiently hydrated will also help appease symptoms of alcohol withdrawal during the early stages. Some of the symptoms include:
— Fatigue
— Nausea
— Vomiting
— Loss of appetite
— Depression
Soups and Liquid Diet
Most alcohol abusers are prone to vomiting what they eat during detox, especially in the initial stages. So, instead of heavy, solid meals, it would be best to start your alcohol-cleanse diet with liquid food, like soups. Soups that contain vegetables and lean protein can help provide the nourishment that your body needs.
Supplements
Alcohol prevents the body from absorbing nutrients. And this is why a huge number of alcohol abusers are deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. So taking vitamin and mineral supplements will help fill the lacking vitamins and minerals that the body needs.
Whole Grains
An alcohol liver cleansing diet should have whole grains in it. Fiber-rich whole grains, which take a while for the body to digest, lessen hunger cravings and steadies your blood sugar levels.
Berries
Some patients may crave unhealthy foods that are high in sugar during detox. Berries have healthy natural sugars that can satisfy your sugar cravings during detox. They are a perfect companion to your alcohol detox diet since they also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Green Leafy Vegetables
AUD blocks the absorption of vitamins, including B vitamins. So this vitamin B deficiency can be filled by adding green vegetables to your alcohol cleanse diet that are high in B vitamins, such as broccoli and asparagus.
Healthy Fats
You should also add healthy fats like omega-3 to your alcohol master cleanse diet. Healthy fats can help in satiating your cravings for unhealthy food. Fish like mackerel and salmon are rich in omega-3 and vitamin D. Vitamin D is another vitamin that’s usually deficient in people with AUD. So eating fatty fish is like solving a few dietary problems at the same time.
Foods Rich in Zinc
One side effect of malnutrition for people with AUD is the weakening of their immune system. That’s why including foods rich in zinc in your alcohol cleanse diet will ensure that you’ll repair and strengthen your immune system.
Foods Rich in Iron
The iron in our blood is what moves the oxygen around our bodies. Since iron may be one of the minerals that get deficient for individuals with AUD, loading up on foods rich in iron will help tremendously. Some examples are chicken, tofu, and lentils.
Bananas
One of the long-term side effects of malnutrition for people with AUD is heart problems. And since bananas are rich in potassium, they can be beneficial for your cardiovascular health. Add bananas to your alcohol liver cleansing diet since they can also increase your dopamine levels and curb cravings.
Whole Wheat Bread
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. It helps protect the muscles and nervous system. In addition, including whole wheat bread in your alcohol cleanse diet can also give you an energy boost to help fight the fatigue that you may feel during detox.
The Bottom Line
The connection between nutrition and alcohol detox cannot be stressed enough. Your body needs to heal from the side effects of alcohol abuse. And one way to do that is through a comprehensive alcohol detox diet. Having a nutritious diet will also help in alleviating some of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms. However, the best diet for alcohol detox is one that’s tailor-fit according to your needs by a professional.
Do you need professional support for complete recovery from alcoholism? Turn to Buena Vista Recovery today! Here, you’ll have access to the professionally-trained and dedicated staff who will work with you on your journey towards recovery. Call us now at 800-922-0095 to get started.
