There are a lot of important aspects involved with overcoming alcohol addiction and unbeknownst to many, eating healthily is one of them.
Research has in fact shown that a person’s diet can go a long way towards helping addiction recovery because proper nutrition has the potential to make those in treatment feel better both mentally and physically.
The first reason for this is because a balanced diet provides the body with the right nutrients and energy. It also helps to build and repair organ tissue as well as strengthen the immune system. Because recovering addicts will have usually damaged vital organs during the course of their alcohol abuse, good nutrition provides them with the building blocks they need in order to begin restoring their body.
It’s also a well-known fact that nutrition plays an important role on our moods. Research suggests that changes in our diet can alter brain structure both chemically and physiologically as well as influence our behavior. Furthermore, the consumption of certain foods has been linked to an increase in the production of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin. These are the things which enhance our mood and make us feel happier and more positive. In many cases, feeling better can help to reduce the risk of relapse.
Another reason why healthy nutrition plays such an important role in alcohol addiction recovery is because in many cases, addicts are so unfamiliar with the feeling of hunger that they misinterpret it as a craving and end up relapsing as a result. Believe it or not, this potentially disastrous mistake can easily be remedied by eating frequent and healthy meals.
A person who is consumed by addiction is less likely to eat healthily. The need for alcohol is prioritized over the need for high-quality, nutrient-dense food. At the height of their drinking, alcoholics often derive as much as 50% of their daily calorie allowance from alcohol itself.
Alcohol abuse often leads to gastrointestinal disorders because sufferers more than likely will have neglected their diet. As a result, they have a special need for foods that are high in nutrients to rebuild damaged tissues, organs and regain appropriate functioning of various systems including nervous and gastrointestinal systems.
How to eat a nutritional diet while in recovery
There is plenty of help for alcoholics available but as well as emotional support, addicts also need nutritional support. A balanced diet needs to include all different nutrients and this is especially important during recovery. Whether it’s for you or a loved one, ensure that the following food groups are covered:
Carbohydrates are needed for energy. Try to stick to wholegrain versions such as wholemeal pasta and bread. Sweet potato, chick peas, vegetables, oats and fruit are also all great sources of healthy carbohydrates.
Protein is needed so that the body can build are repair. Great sources of this include meat, nuts, yoghurt, beans, cheese, tofu, lentils and seeds.
Fats are another source of energy and they’re also required for some chemical reactions. Make sure you stick to good fats however. Donuts, pizza and burgers and not good sources of fat. Instead, try to stick to things like nuts, avocados, cheese, dark chocolate, eggs, fatty fish and extra virgin olive oil.
Vitamins and minerals are needed by the body in order to perform essential metabolic activities. They are also necessary for the metabolism and to keep the body functioning. Fruits and vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
If you think that you or someone you know could benefit from being in alcohol addiction recovery, please feel free to contact us in the strictest of confidence and we will be more than happy to help. Our Alcohol Use Questionnaire can also help you to determine whether or not your drinking could be a problem.
