If you’re more of a moderate to occasional drinker, you may find the hardest part of stopping drinking to be the social pressures. In the short term, alcohol is processed through your liver in about an hour. Essentially, feeling Best alcohol abuse recovery diet “drunk” is when your liver becomes too overwhelmed to properly process alcohol, so it overflows temporarily into your bloodstream. This is what causes you to feel light-headed or tipsy after multiple alcoholic drinks.

Nutrition and Diet in Alcohol Recovery

Cayenne pepper is a natural spice that may help with alcohol detox because it contains capsaicin, which has been shown to have pain-relieving and appetite-stimulating effects. This can be helpful in early recovery when cravings are likely high. 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. Whole grains are also rich in fiber, but also provide a slow release of sugar into a person’s system to help prevent mood swings. They also help you feel fuller for longer and provide ongoing energy.

• Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and sweating can also contribute to dehydration, but drinking water can help replenish lost fluids.
• If this is you, don’t stress too much—what you’re experiencing is normal.
• This is something to be aware of when you pick out alcohol alternatives to drink.
• It wasn’t until she did Sober September a few times, which is when one abstains from all alcohol and substances for September, that she realized she wanted to have a different experience in her life.
• This is usually due to neurotransmitter imbalances, fluctuations in blood sugar content or just having an addictive personality.

Addiction Treatment Programs

Carbohydrates, or carbs, are another nutrient that has been targeted for heavy reduction or elimination by diet fads. However, carbohydrates are essential for the function of the central nervous system and brain. They are so important that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests 45% to 65% of daily calories should come from carbs.

Nourish With Vitamins and Minerals

It’s recommended to use tea that’s low in sugar and proceed with caution with any beer or wine stand-in. Eating salads filled with a variety of cruciferous and non cruciferous vegetables and topped with sunflower seeds, salmon, or more can improve your hydration and boost your nutrient intake. Eating at least one salad a day with a variety of ingredients can help you stay away from alcohol while replenishing your nutrient levels.

Specific Nutrients to Look Out For

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. A balanced diet with adequate protein is a key strategy in promoting long-term recovery and wellness. Dual diagnosis treatment programs for substance abuse and eating disorders focus on addressing both conditions and their common roots, rather than trying to treat one after the other. These programs are unique to the individual and the complex interplay between the conditions but typically involve individual and group therapy designed to heal the patient from both sides.

Protein is essential for the brain and heart and serves as the building blocks for all the body’s muscles. Having enough protein can help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, and fatigue. At Acqua Recovery, our nutrition therapy plays a pivotal role in the path to recovery from alcohol abuse. Our chef curates meals that not only satisfy the palate but also nourish the body, promoting overall well-being. Recognizing the impact of nutrition on mental and physical health, our approach is tailored to the unique needs of each person, fostering a compassionate and supportive environment.

• Because withdrawal can already induce depressed and sluggish feelings, it’s best to eat healthier foods that leave us feeling energized and nourished.
• It’s also recommended to include foods rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that supports the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter tied to well-being.
• He has been involved in the treatment of addiction for the last 17 years and completed his residency training at the University of Utah.
• These options have no filter content which can lead you to feel sluggish after meals.
• Using trial and error to discover your ideal alcohol recovery diet is a huge step in the right direction.

Integrating a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can ease withdrawal symptoms, rebuild strength, and encourage a sustained recovery. Professional guidance from dietitians and healthcare providers is recommended to tailor a nutritional plan that meets individual recovery needs. Furthermore, the synthesis and activation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, responsible for mood regulation, are influenced by dietary intake of tryptophan and vitamin D.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutrition Therapy at Acqua Recovery

• Cirrhosis is an advanced form of liver damage commonly caused by excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time, leading to healthy liver cells being replaced by scar tissue.
• Currently focused on advocating, educating and developing projects leveraging evidence based, real time technology to support individuals in recovery.
• Experienced Chief Executive Addiction Recovery and Mental Health Professional Business professional in the Addiction Recovery and Mental Health industry for the past 26 years.
• When a person then stops drinking alcohol, their central nervous system can become hyperactive and dysregulated, leading to various withdrawal symptoms.