Seven foods to eat when you’re ill to speed up your recovery

Cirrhosis is an advanced form of liver damage commonly caused by excessive alcohol consumption over a long period of time, leading to healthy liver cells being replaced by scar tissue. With years of constant damage and scarring, the liver becomes swollen, stiff, and incredibly weak, meaning it can no longer carry out its important functions. Cirrhosis is unfortunately irreversible, though you can slow its progress by ceasing alcohol consumption and eating an anti-inflammatory diet. Today, I’d like to discuss a few key foods that aid in alcohol recovery that you can begin eating to improve your recovery journey.

A deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine) can be especially harmful, leading to irreversible brain damage if not addressed. In a perfect world, a good diet could prevent relapse, but this unfortunately isn’t true. There’s no one way to prevent relapse and, sadly, around 40 to 60 percent of recovering substance users will relapse at least once before finally getting clean. Fruits and vegetables are important because they contain high amounts of fiber, as well as folate and Vitamin A, which are often deficient if you drink heavily. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. You may have a strong urge to eat sweets because they set off dopamine, the same chemical messenger triggered by some drugs.

Best Foods For Alcohol Recovery to Help Your Body Heal

Bananas are also a well known rich source of potassium, along with high levels of vitamins B6 and C. It is often the case that those who abuse drugs and alcohol are deficient in their magnesium and potassium levels. These minerals are known as electrolytes which help regulate your heartbeat and blood pressure, and keep your nerves and muscles healthy.

Foods like salmon, leafy greens, and nuts all support brain health and act as mood boosters. Many of the same foods that are high in vitamin B are also rich in magnesium alcohol recovery diet and calcium, which are also common deficiencies among heavy drinkers. Detox is a crucial but often difficult first step to recovery from alcohol addiction.

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Omega-3 fatty acids specifically are among the best nutrients for fighting inflammation caused by alcohol. Look for meaty, fatty fish like salmon, which contain high levels of omega-3s and are also packed with a fair amount of protein. Shellfish is known for including a fair amount of zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron, all minerals and nutrients that aren’t adequately absorbed by the body during heavy alcohol use. For example, without zinc, you can experience appetite loss, rough skin, and mental lethargy, and iron is responsible for helping red blood cells carry oxygen to and from your body’s organs. Shellfish can help you replenish these minerals, helping your body return to normal functioning. Also, because of the way alcohol affects our brain chemistry, it’s common to experience mood swings in early sobriety.