Shoreline Sober Living, San Diego, CA
Best foods for recovering alcoholic

Ultimately, the best foods for a recovering alcoholic to consume will be what helps heal and nourish the body. In the early recovery stages, it is essential to eat a healthy, balanced diet to ensure your vital organs, such as your liver and kidneys, have time to rest and recover from the damage that may have occurred during your substance abuse.

Each of us needs a certain amount of minerals and vitamins to make us feel good; however, they are what will constantly replenish the body, repair our organs, and strengthen our immune system.

So which foods provide the best nutrition?

Individuals who are recovering from substance abuse should look to consume foods such as:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Beans
  • Grains
  • Low-fat meats
  • Nuts

This is vital for anyone looking to build their immune system further.

An individual who has struggled with substance abuse but is now on the road to recovery will need to eat to replenish their body and feed their mind. The correct nutrition will give the individuals the much-needed energy that their body is after, which will, in turn, make them feel more ready for any challenge both mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our mood is further affected by the type of food we consume. Poor nutrition will negatively affect an individual’s outlook on life, which could be the reason for their relapse.

Fruits and vegetables

The best foods for an individual in recovery are fruits and vegetables, with the morning being the most effective time to consume as it will help cleanse your system through the day and night. Furthermore, fruits and vegetables contain a vast amount of fibre which aids digestion. This will ease specific symptoms within recovery, such as nausea and vomiting. The best fruits and vegetables to eat within recovery is:

  • Grapefruit
  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Pears
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Raspberries
  • Apples
  • Lettuce

One of the most effective ways to curb any cravings that you may experience when in recovery is by eating fruits. Fruits are a fantastic way for you to get that sweet fix without becoming hungry between your meals.

Whole grains

Wholes grains are to rich in fibre and provide a slow release of sugar into an individual bloody stream. This will help prevent mood swings while keeping you feeling full and proving your ongoing energy throughout the day. We would recommend having at least one serving of whole grains a day at the very least. The most effective entire grains for an individual when in recovery is:

  • Oatmeal
  • Barley
  • Quinoa
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Whole wheat pasta
  • Brown rice

Furthermore, the best grains to avoid when in recovery are:

  • White rice
  • Processed cereal
  • Cornmeal
  • Anything made with flour

Food’s high in vitamins and minerals

Substance abuse can leave your body lacking vital vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin B. This vitamin is especially crucial for ensuring the brain and nervous system continue functioning effectively.

Substance abuse is also responsible for further lack of vital vitamins such as E, D, and A.

  • Lack of vitamin A can cause substantial damage to an individual’s liver
  • Lack of vitamin D can result in the body having difficulty absorbing the necessary about of calcium
  • Deficiency of vitamin E can cause muscle and nerve damage all over the body

Additionally, when individuals suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiency, they will succumb to illnesses and diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, further weakening their immune system, allowing them to become vulnerable to other diseases.

Food that is high in vitamins and minerals can include but are not limited to:

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Spinach
  • Milk
  • Lean fish
  • Raisins
  • Dried fruits
  • Orange juice
  • Broccoli

Taking multivitamins supplements can further help you meet the required vitamins and minerals that your body needs to repair itself.

Nutrient pack liquids

If you are not up for eating solid foods, there is always an alternative. Nutrient-rich liquids such as smoothies, stews, and soups can be vital in an individual’s recovery process. These foods will provide a certain amount of comfort to an individual digestive system while in recovery, unlike solid foods that can otherwise place a significant amount of strain on your gut.

Health snacks

We all experience cravings; however, when individuals are in recovery, their cravings can become almost impossible to ignore. Nuts have shown to be a great healthy and fulfilling snack to satisfy those pesky cravings.

Further evidence has shown that specific nuts can boost individual energy levels throughout the day, which will curb a sudden mood swing. There is a range of healthy snacks that can help an individual when in recovery from substance abuse; this can include:

  • Pecans
  • Cashews
  • Pistachios
  • Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Hazelnuts
  • Peanuts
  • Brazil nuts

Electrolytes

One of the most effective foods when in recovery, especially from alcohol abuse, is anything that encompasses electrolytes. These help control the level of fluids within your body. Furthermore, they help regulate the

  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Acid-base

Foods that contain a high level of electrolytes can include but are not limited to:

  • Avocados
  • Beans
  • Yogurt
  • Watermelon
  • Potato’s
  • Broccoli
  • Beans
  • Green tea
  • Peaches

Our bodies are desperately trying to reconfigure and reconnect the operating systems during the early recovery stage. More often than not, our bodies function at a shallow energy frequency.

We would always recommend that you start every morning with a glass of water to help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Implement a balanced diet

A balanced diet is vital to ensure you build up essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins to keep you on the right road while in recovery. Ensuring you are eating a variety of:

  • Fruit
  • Vegetables
  • Protein
  • Buts
  • Beans
  • Low-fat dairy
  • Vegetable oils
  • Fatty acids

If you are ready to begin a life without alcohol, Shoreline Sober Living is here to help you. Contact us today to learn more about the treatment programs we offer that can be designed specifically for you.

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