Dietary Recommendations for Alcoholic Recovery

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, "alcoholism is one of the major causes of nutritional deficiency in the U.S." Alcoholism is a direct threat to healthy eating. When mixed with large amounts of alcohol, food consumed may lead to an upset stomach or other digestive disorders. In most cases however, alcoholics simply are not hungry. A healthy diet plays a key role in alcoholism recovery. It is also one of the most frequently overlooked recovery areas. Get the help you need for recovery success by altering when and how you eat.

Alcoholism and Diet

• When you drink alcohol, the calories in the alcohol trick your body into thinking it is full. When you do eat, the alcohol will prevent your body from properly breaking down and absorbing the nutrients. Changing your eating habits is critical for your successful and long-term recovery.

Eating for Recovery

• Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins, carbohydrates, amino acids, and proteins. According to AlcoholicsVictorious.org, these foods can help subdue your cravings for alcohol. The amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine stimulate the production of the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. When your body lacks these key neurotransmitters, your mood suffers. Eating foods that are rich in amino acids will help you avoid feeling depressed and will improve concentration. Tyrosine is found in seafood, meat, poultry and tofu. Drink milk and eat plenty of bananas, turkey and sunflower seeds to get healthy doses of tryptophan. Tryptophan has a calming effect on your system and will also help you get a good night's sleep, according to AlcoholicsVictorious.org.

  Eat lean meats and complex carbohydrates to keep your energy levels high. Take a multivitamin as part of your daily health routine, as well as B-complex, zinc, and vitamins A and C. Eat fresh vegetables and fruits on a daily basis and substitute high-fat foods for lower calorie options that feed and fuel your body.

  Do not skip meals. Hunger cravings can be misinterpreted as alcohol cravings. Avoid the risk by eating meals at regular intervals and by eating healthy snacks between meals. Drink plenty of water each day to keep your body hydrated.

Foods to Avoid

• Increase your chances of success by skipping certain foods. According to EmaxHealth.com, patients at The Health Recovery Center who eliminated processed and sugary foods from their diets and added foods rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals enjoyed a 75 percent success rate during recovery.
  Reduce your intake of foods that contain large amounts of sugar or caffeine, especially in the early stages of recovery. AlcoholicsVictorious.org notes these foods contribute to negative mood swings. Cut back or eliminate processed and refined foods from your diet. Avoid jumping in to an overly restrictive diet. Trying to give up too much too soon is a sure path to failure. Make dietary changes slowly.