Shellfish is known for including a fair amount of zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron, all minerals and nutrients that aren’t adequately absorbed by the body during heavy alcohol use. For example, without zinc, you can experience appetite loss, rough skin, and mental lethargy, and iron is responsible for helping red blood cells carry oxygen to and from your body’s organs. Shellfish can help you replenish these minerals, helping your body return to normal functioning. Alcohol can not only alter your brain chemistry, but it can negatively affect your nutrition as well. In fact, alcohol is known to prevent the body from absorbing and using the nutrients gained from foods.

Foods for Your Brain
Not only does fibre take longer to digest, therefore reducing hunger cravings, but it also gives a slow release of sugars, keeping your blood sugar best foods for recovering alcoholics at a steady level and helping to prevent mood swings. In this sense, going through an alcohol and junk food detox is arguably the quickest way to overcome your withdrawal symptoms. It’s common to begin craving sweets and other unhealthy foods when you give up alcohol. A bonus is that many of these foods are an excellent source of thiamine and zinc, two nutrients that recovering alcoholics often need the most. Meat of any kind is an excellent source of zinc, but it’s important to avoid excessive amounts of red or processed meats as they have been linked to increased risk for heart disease and cancer.
Healthy Fats are Essential

People withdrawing or detoxing from substances including alcoholmay often crave https://wadajirsa.ie/2023/09/15/best-eco-friendly-heating-systems-for-your-home-2/ sweets. Experts think this may in part be because sugary foodsstimulatesimilar brain processes as drugs. While you are in recovery, it is important to not substitute one addiction for another. For this reason, many expertsrecommend againstsugary foods while you are in detox.
- Many people consume fried and greasy foods while drinking alcohol, which is why these foods tend to be craved when people stop drinking.
- Whole milk, cheese and butter aregreat sources of vitamin A, and yogurt provides both vitamin B2 and live cultures that can promote digestive health.
- A bonus is that many of these foods are an excellent source of thiamine and zinc, two nutrients that recovering alcoholics often need the most.
- This section covers the importance of vitamins and minerals and how nutritional supplements can play a role in supporting recovery.
Do You Have Multiple Addictions?
A healthy, balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein like fish and poultry, whole grains, nuts, beans and low-fat dairy. Fish, nuts and vegetable oils can also support health by adding important fatty acids into the diet. The most common dietary deficiencies in alcoholics are vitamin B6, thiamine and folic acid. These vital nutrients aid in red blood-cell production and nutrient absorption. During detoxification, or the immediate period following alcohol withdrawal, a doctor should monitor these levels and decide if supplementation is Sober living house necessary to preserve healthy bodily function.

- One of the most effective ways to curb any cravings that you may experience when in recovery is by eating fruits.
- These are the vitamins and minerals that are needed in small amounts but play important roles in the regulation of brain metabolism, energy production, gene expression, and enzyme activity.
- That said, everyone’s relationship with food is different, and your diet shouldn’t be a point of immense stress, especially in early sobriety.
Whether you’re battling drug or alcohol addiction, we are here to provide care that meets your specific needs while we accompany you on your path to success and sobriety in Los Angeles. Healthy fats, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are fundamental for brain health. Avocados, olives, and coconut are excellent sources of these fats, which can help combat the depression and anxiety that often accompany recovery. B-complex vitamins, especially B3 (niacin), are fundamental in regulating metabolism and maintaining neurotransmitter balance, which can aid in sobriety.






















