Nutrition During Alcohol Detox: What To Eat

However, this average varies significantly between patients — some see a large effect, and some see no benefit. 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 recovery diet alcohol-cleanse diet with liquid food, like soups. Soups that contain vegetables and lean protein can help provide the nourishment that your body needs. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Health Center, we know that what you put in your body is just as crucial to your overall recovery.

• However, the realities of drug addiction don’t necessarily mean that a good diet won’t help.
• Modifying your diet to include healthier, nutritious foods is essential to achieving improved overall health and lasting sobriety when recovering from alcohol use disorder.
• These effects can help the body heal faster and promote better health in recovery.
• Worse, the immune system will eventually struggle to fight off the resulting infections.

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This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. Dairy products are good sources of both calcium and vitamin A, promoting strong, healthy bones and teeth as well as healthy digestion. Dairy products can be high in fat, but skim milk, yogurt, butter and some cheeses can be a good way to supplement your diet. Recovery from AUD is marked by stages of abstinence, withdrawal, repair, and growth. While the process may take several years, the outcome is a happier, healthier life where you have the freedom to fulfill your full potential. Since withdrawal symptoms tend to ebb and flow, you may be tempted to feel like you’re not making progress ― even though in reality, you’ve come a long way.

Recovery Needs: Necessary Nutrients

Whole grains are also a source of complex carbs, which keep blood sugar steady and provide sustained energy. Carbohydrates and B vitamins are also involved in the production of serotonin6, which improves mood and reduces cravings. This blend of essential nutrients is the core of an alcohol recovery diet, giving you the needed ingredients for physical and mental healing.

Foods Low in Sodium

Vegetables don’t have to be boring — with sauces, dressings and creative preparation methods like roasting, you can turn what seems like something bland and boring into a delicious meal. Capsaicin also releases endorphins, the hormone that creates feelings of happiness. Adding a little bit of cayenne pepper to food can help boost mood and also aid with nausea. Some of the most common recipes that include cayenne pepper are vegetable soup, spicy marinades, chili sauce, and Indian curry. High-iron foods include shellfish, spinach, organ meat (like liver), legumes, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, turkey, broccoli, tofu, and red meat.

• After 20 min of adaptation, mice from the AH, FeSA@AH, and PBS groups were orally administered an alcohol liquid diet (10 g per kg (body weight)), while the same volume of PBS was administered for the blank group.
• In some cases, scurvy can develop in those who truly ignore fruit and vegetable requirements, leading to serious health concerns outside of standard risks, like liver disease.
• If you’ve ever found yourself licking the salt off your fingers after you finish a bag of potato chips, you know how satisfying salt can be.
• A healthy diet, complete with supplements recommended by your doctor, can go a long way toward restoring normal body function.

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Leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, turnip greens, or romaine lettuce are also great choices (please note that cooking any leafy green diminishes the vitamin B content). Dr. Pickrell is a board-certified psychiatrist with interests in addiction and psychiatry. His understanding of addiction as the overlapping symptoms of biopsychosocial development is the foundation to his care model. He is committed to helping both patients and families understand that addiction is a treatable medical illness. He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.

Diet for Alcoholics: Dealing with Different Cravings After Quitting Alcohol

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. Diet and nutrition therapies are widely available at many alcohol detox centers to teach patients about foods that can keep them healthy and sober for the rest of their lives. 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.

“Everyone has different goals, and many people do sports and work out purely for enjoyment. It’s not about performing at the highest level.” For some, moderate drinking comes with social benefits, so it may be worth the modest decrease in fitness. As of May 2024, three medications have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of alcohol use disorder. The oldest and best known of these medications is disulfiram — sold under the brand name Antabuse — a compound that was first used in the American rubber industry. Unfortunately, the most important foods to avoid when overcoming withdrawal symptoms are greasy, fatty food and too much sugar. Some best grains to avoid during alcohol detox are white rice, processed cereal, and anything made with flour, or cornmeal.

• Too little could eventually cause serious learning and memory problems, a condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff’s syndrome.
• When you cut out alcohol, your gut works to regain its natural balance, which can improve digestion, absorption of nutrients, and serotonin production.
• Both food and addictive substances become ways of avoiding or numbing unwanted feelings.
• Our chef curates meals that not only satisfy the palate but also nourish the body, promoting overall well-being.