Staying hydrated is essential throughout alcohol detox. Certain food categories, however, can be more helpful in alleviating the pain associated with alcohol detoxification and withdrawal.
Best Foods to Consume During Alcohol Detox
Everyone experiences alcohol withdrawal differently, and the effects may last anywhere between a few days to a week or more. Alcohol detox may take much longer than withdrawal itself, sometimes up to a week or more. Eating a nutritious, nutrient-rich diet can help alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and detox.
Here are foods that can help during the detox process.
- Fruits and Vegetables.
Fresh vegetables and fruits are a great way to stay hydrated during alcohol detox because of their high-water content. They also comprise vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, potassium, and fiber, all of which are essential for those in alcohol recovery. Smoothies made from a fresh or a frozen fruit may be more tolerable for those who are nauseous or vomiting. Fruits, including berries, citrus, melons, and peaches, are recommended during detox for their high water and nutritional content.
Green, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale are also recommended. Their fiber content aids in maintaining regular blood sugar levels, and decreasing irritation, anxiety, and hunger.
- High Vitamin Foods.
Natural, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains are the best places to acquire your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. In addition to being a good source of protein, nuts, seeds, and beans are also rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. A daily multivitamin pill may help also make up for deficits, especially in the initial stages of recovery when a person may not be capable of eating a wide range of foods.
Aside from these items, healthy fats and protein are also beneficial during alcohol withdrawal.
- Healthy Fats. In addition to aiding in nutritional absorption, unsaturated fats also have anti-inflammatory effects. Omega-3 fats, which are abundant in foods like salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds, are also associated with improved mental health and equilibrium.
- If you’ve been drinking heavily for a while, you may have lost or damaged some tissue or muscle. Protein helps restore such damaged tissues. As an added bonus, protein helps keep blood sugar levels steady, which may cut down on cravings.
Whole Grain Foods
The B vitamins and fiber included in whole grains are known to ease withdrawal symptoms. Besides, the whole grains’ complex carbohydrates aid with blood sugar regulation, which in turn lessens irritation and anxiety. Serotonin, which is a hormone that may heighten your mood and curb your appetite, is also produced in part by the breakdown of carbohydrates and the B vitamins. Whole-grain foods like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat are all great choices for a detox diet.
Seek Help from The Best Addiction Specialists.
Consuming these foods during alcohol detox won’t make the process completely painless, but it should help reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Medical detox may be required when withdrawal symptoms are too unpleasant or hazardous to ignore. Professional alcohol treatment centers, like Skyward Treatment Center, offer these services to assist in making the withdrawal process safer and more manageable for its patients. Get in touch with our Houston facility’s admissions staff right now to learn more about detox and treatment programs that may assist you in getting through withdrawal and into a happier, healthier life without alcohol.
