There’s an old saying that we’ve all heard, and it goes “You are what you eat”. Alcoholic knows all too well that what we put into our body can have an intense impact on our lives. Food, like alcohol, can shape our mood, our health, and even the way we look.
Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look at nutrition and how it can relate to alcohol recovery. Here are some ways that what we eat can factor into alcoholism, and overcoming it.
Healing Foods for Alcohol Recovery
Foods are the primary way that we nourish our bodies. There are other vitamins we need, for example vitamin D that can come from the sun, but first and foremost – most of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals enter our bodies is through the foods we eat.
In the case of alcohol, an alcoholic might be depleting their body of important nutrients they need which can lead to feeling weak, and even putting a negative impact on mental health.
During recovery from alcohol addiction, it is so important to nourish the body with healing foods that aid in repairing the damage caused by alcohol.
Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins (particularly B vitamins), and minerals can support cellular repair and contribute to overall well-being. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should form the foundation of a balanced diet during recovery.
Gut Health
There’s all sorts of new (and older) research that reveals incredibly fascinating connections between the brain and the gut. Gut health is proving to play a larger and larger role in our lives than previously understood, so don’t discount it when it comes to alcoholism and how getting many of your calories from alcohol can impact more than you may realize.
The gut-brain connection plays a pivotal role in mental well-being, and maintaining a healthy gut is crucial for those in recovery.
Chronic alcohol use can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, potentially leading to mood disorders and increased susceptibility to stress and anxiety. Introducing probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, as well as prebiotic foods like garlic and onions, can promote gut health and contribute to a more stable emotional state.
Yes, you read that right. The foods you eat can impact your emotions and mood.
Someone who is eating the foods listed above might feel like they’re in a better mood, and that better mood can be enough to give them the extra strength to avoid drinking for a day or day, and this can snowball into recovery. It’s truly amazing, inspiring, and not something to ignore.
Using Food To Manage Alcohol Cravings
Cravings for alcohol can be intense during the early stages of recovery, making it essential to adopt a diet that helps manage these urges. The cravings might never fully go away, but they’ll get fewer and further between, and you’ll get better and better at controlling your triggers and cravings.
Foods that stabilize blood sugar levels and maintain a steady release of energy can reduce the likelihood of experiencing strong cravings. Complex carbohydrates, protein-rich foods, and healthy fats can be effective in keeping blood sugar levels balanced, thereby curbing cravings and promoting a more steady emotional state.
Foods That Can Help You Sleep
Some people use alcohol to help them fall asleep, they simply can’t fall asleep without drinking. It becomes a habit, and if they don’t drink, they’ll be up and restless all night. Certain foods can help with sleep, especially during the withdrawal stages of quitting alcohol, and even if it’s not the same as having your nightcap, it can still be enough to make sleep possible, and that’s the first step.
Certain nutrients can aid in promoting better sleep patterns. Foods rich in tryptophan, such as turkey, nuts, and seeds, can help produce serotonin, a precursor to melatonin, the sleep-regulating hormone. Additionally, avoiding caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime can contribute to more restorative sleep.
