Recovering from alcohol addiction can be challenging, but maintaining total sobriety can be a more daunting responsibility. It would be ideal to visit Mile High Recovery Center, but you also have to play your part by consuming the right food to ensure your body stays healthy. However, choosing the right foods and understanding the reasons for consuming such foods can be challenging. That is why this article is here to give you clear guidance on nutrition and alcoholism.
What to Consume
Your body or that of a loved one recovering from alcohol abuse has higher nutrient requirements than usual. That is why you should focus on foods that will be helpful in such a situation. Such a diet may include:
- Carbohydrates – These nutrients help in balancing the levels of serotonin in your brain. Go for the complex carbohydrates from legumes, root veggies, and other starchy meals. This allows the body to balance blood sugar and minimize food cravings.
- Protein – Your body needs protein when recovering from alcoholism, considering that you need reliable body energy to beat the addiction. Protein helps your body repair itself. However, you are advised to go for lean protein, such as fish, chicken, and lean beef pieces, and avoid protein sources with high-fat contents.
- Vitamin B – Broccoli and salmon are among the best sources of Vitamin B. Eating such foods replenishes the supply of this essential nutrient you will have lost during your drinking years.
- Fruits and vegetables – These two are among the hearty foods that you should not lack in your alcohol addiction recovery diet. Fruits and vegetables are digested quickly. Additionally, fruits contain sugar, consequently reducing the craving for sweets and other sugary foods.
- Hydrating foods – Continuous alcohol consumption makes your body dehydrated. This is why you should think of including hydrating foods in your diet. While you are at home, drink plenty of water.
Benefits of a Healthy Diet in Alcohol Addiction Recovery
You cannot overlook the advantages linked with proper dieting during alcohol addiction recovery. Here are some of these benefits:
- Boosted moods due to increased serotonin
- Strengthened immunity system – your body fights diseases better when you stick to a healthy diet.
- Weight management – Alcohol has been associated with weight gain, but a healthy diet can help you achieve and retain a healthy body weight.
- Foods that contain protein give you physical strength by supporting muscles, consequently leading to boosted energy levels.
- A healthy diet will also help your body rebuild and repair any organs and tissues damaged by alcoholism.
- Different body systems, including the nerves and gastrointestinal systems, function better when you consume healthy meals.
Food-Related Behaviors Among Alcoholics
You should keep an eye on some dietary behaviors to know whether you or your loved one is neglecting their nutrient requirements. Such include:
- Binge eating – You continue to consume food even after you are full.
- Skipping Meals
- Poor eating results from a lack of money to buy food.
It is not easy to beat alcoholism, especially if you have been at it for a long time. However, with determination and discipline, there is light at the end of your recovery tunnel. One of the essential steps is to stick to a healthy diet so that you can realize the benefits discussed above and achieve and retain sobriety.