Drug & Alcohol Detox Diet: What To Eat When Detoxing

A balanced diet is essential for any person who wants to live a healthy life, regardless of what drug they are using. Whole grains are high in fiber and B vitamins that help improve the symptoms of withdrawal. B vitamins, especially thiamin4, folate and B6, boost energy and are essential for the nervous system function.

Most of us know that eating a meal before bed is a recipe for a bad night’s sleep. But a few crackers, a rice cake or a small bowl of oatmeal thirty minutes before you snooze can combat insomnia and nightmares by helping tryptophan become melatonin. I’m a big fan of pureeing foods when you’re newly sober, and relying on hydrating foods like soups and stews.

Whole grains

Using trial and error to discover your ideal alcohol recovery diet is a huge step in the right direction. The first piece of good news here is that the human body has a remarkable ability to heal from prolonged alcohol consumption. Unless you’ve been diagnosed with severe brain damage (likely due to vitamin B1 deficiency) or alcoholic cirrhosis, the odds of healing your brain-body system are in your favor.

Plant-based proteins like edamame and lentils have the added benefit of fiber, B vitamins and minerals. One of the most important aspects of how we treat alcohol addiction and drug addiction is our detox program. We use medication-assisted detox to help our clients handle the symptoms of withdrawal from addictive substances and stay on track for recovery. During the detox process, we ensure that our clients eat nutrient-dense foods, get properly hydrated, and avoid any foods or substances that can hinder detox. Nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats and minerals that are depleted with heavy alcohol use.

Mental Health Treatment Programs

Sprinkling a small amount of cayenne onto your food or sipping on a Mexican hot chocolate is an easy way to help soothe withdrawal symptoms. At Gateway Foundation, we understand the importance of nutrition for recovering addicts, and we incorporate it into our many recovery programs and services. Every individual has different nutritional needs that can impact their experience in treatment, which is why we work hard to provide customized treatment plans that address nutrition. While the body can withstand malnutrition for weeks, if not longer, dehydration quickly becomes a matter of life or death.

For a healthy, balanced diet, experts advise 45% carbohydrates, 30% healthy fats and 25% protein. Sticking close to these numbers can promote recovery and help alleviate some of the stress detox puts on your body. Nutrient problems are common in people who struggle with drinking. Most people who drink too much get at least half of their calories from alcohol.

The Best Foods For Alcohol Detox: What To Eat While In Early Recovery

In addition to carbohydrates, fat, and protein, your body also needs micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to function properly. These nutrients are found in abundance in healthy, whole foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and meats. Nutrient-rich https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/best-alcohol-abuse-recovery-diet/ liquids like soups, stews, and smoothies make up a crucial part of the recovery process. Although often overlooked, nutrition can play a key role in the treatment and recovery process for individuals with SUD, and should be included as part of a holistic approach toward recovery.

• When you drink too much, you’re more likely to eat foods that are high in added sugar, salt, and saturated fat.
• Up to 50% of people with an eating disorder abuse drugs or alcohol, which is five times the rate of the general population.
• For this reason, without proper nutrition, a person might be tempted back into substance use.

Osteoporosis is more common in women who have been exposed to alcohol. Fruits have a high water content and can help keep a person hydrated during the withdrawal period. This also involves taking into account any issues the client has around food, including eating disorders. Another issue is opioid-induced constipation, which can become severe over time. As the condition worsens, appetite suppression increases and eating can become painful.

Get More Minerals

This can be helpful in early recovery when cravings are likely high. 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. But, alcoholism is also responsible for a lack of other essential vitamins such as vitamins A, D, and E. Lack of vitamin D can cause the body to have difficulty absorbing calcium. 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.

During detox, your nutritional requirements can change dramatically. It’s important to note that some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can become life-threatening if not treated. In cases where severe withdrawal symptoms are likely to occur, it’s best to have medical assistance during the detox process. The most important part of nutrition for recovering alcoholics and addicts is to find the foods that work for you and the ways you like to eat them.