Detoxing from drugs and alcohol can be challenging on so many levels, particularly in terms of avoiding relapses and regaining a sense of purpose and routine in your life again.
When it comes to conquering withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making healthy food choices can do wonders for your detox and recovery.
During the detoxification stage, your body is getting used to no alcohol or drugs, and is responding to what you choose to put into it. It is therefore important that you provide your body with the necessary nutrients and feeding your body with food groups that offer a host of benefits and can even enhance the detoxification process.
We’ve created a guide to some of the foods you should aim to eat during an alcohol or drug detox.
Fruit and vegetables are jam packed with goodness, including lots of fibre. As a result, they digest in the body quickly. Thanks to their high sugar content, they can also help you to curb sweet cravings.
Vegetables such as spinach, kale and salad greens are important as they can provide the body with much needed vitamin B6, folic acid and beta-carotene. And, when it comes to fruit, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, pineapple and oranges are all high in vitamin C, making them great choices.
Carbohydrates are vital for recovery, providing much needed energy and fibre. After all, during any detox, it is natural to feel tired, run down, and deflated.
Complex carbohydrates such as rice, beans, white bread and potatoes are great options as they will leave you feeling fuller without causing any digestive issues.
Prolonged alcohol consumption can lead to a lack of vitamin B in the body. With this in mind, it’s important to replenish your body’s supply during any detox. Foods containing high levels of Vitamin B will help, including broccoli, salmon, asparagus, and romaine lettuce.
During the detoxification process, it is not uncommon to experience a decrease in your appetite or even notice a change in the foods that you choose to eat. However, proteins that are low in fat are ideal for keeping the body full and energy levels high. They can also positively affect your mood, meaning there is less chance of you relapsing, so load up on fish and lean beef.
When detoxing you should fill yourself up with as much dairy as possible. Dairy such as whole milk, cheese and butter are great sources of vitamin A, and of course, yogurts are renowned for optimising positive digestive health.
At ANA Treatment Centres, we offer detoxification and addiction treatment programmes that support long term recovery. Our aim is to help our clients rebuild their lives, gain confidence and self-worth, and believe they can live a healthy, responsible, and productive life, free from addictive substances.
If you are affected by addiction, or you have concerns about a friend or family member, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
