When you quit drinking, you will likely experience instant health benefits. However, you will also likely notice that your body feels more depleted and you feel more tired. Just as you need the help of a DUI alcohol lawyer to win your DUI case, you will also need the right foods to heal and recover from alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Nutrition for alcoholics experiencing withdrawal symptoms has a lot in common with nutrition in general. Below are some of the foods recovering alcoholics need to include in their sobriety diet:

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are considered among the best foods you need to include in your diet when recovering from alcohol addiction. It is recommended that you eat fruits and vegetables in the morning to help clean your system. 

Fruits and vegetables are also considered a rich source of fiber that can help with your digestion. Ensuring good digestion is important as it can help with common alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting and nausea.

The best vegetables and fruits for alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

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

Bonus tip: One of the best ways to curb your cravings for sweets is to eat fruits. Fruits are a great way to get your sweet fix without getting too hungry in between your meals.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are rich in fiber and help prevent mood swings. They can also help provide energy and can help you feel fuller. Ideally, you should consume at least one serving of whole grains daily. Whole grains to include in your list include:

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

Bonus tip: Grains you should avoid during alcohol detox include processed cereal, white rice, and anything made with cornmeal or flour as they can make you feel sluggish.

Vitamins and Minerals

Prolonged alcohol consumption can result in vitamin deficiency. One vitamin you can become deficient in when you are an alcoholic is vitamin B. The importance of vitamin B cannot be overstated as it can help develop a healthy brain and nervous system.

Alcoholism has also been linked to vitamin A, D, and E deficiencies. Also, the body might have difficulty absorbing calcium due to vitamin D deficiency. Eventually, this can lead to loss of bone density and mass.

Vitamin and mineral deficiency can also make alcoholics more vulnerable to conditions like tuberculosis and pneumonia since the immune system can become too weak.

Foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals include:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Spinach
• Milk
• Orange juice
• Broccoli
• Lean Fish
• Raisins and other dried fruits

Bonus tip: Multivitamin supplements can help you get the vitamins and minerals your body requires. It is recommended that you look for multivitamins containing magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, B, C, D, and E.

Nutrient-Packed Liquids

Nutrient-rich liquids like smoothies, stews, and soups can also be key in your recovery process. Nutrient-packed liquids are also crucial when you transition into healthy eating habits that will last long after rehab has ended.

Eating nutrient-dense foods like stew, foods, and juice has also offered some much-needed relief during detoxification. This is especially helpful if you are still trying to get back on solid dietary ground.

Bonus tip: nutrient-packed liquids are not only easy for the body to digest, they are also less taxing to the system. This can be beneficial during recovery and help ease some common detox symptoms like lightheadedness.

Healthy Snack Items

If you have cravings, nuts can be a good option rather than cookies and candy bars. Nuts are also ideal because they are high in protein but low in calories. Certain nuts can also help boost energy levels, so they are great if you want to avoid mood swings caused by blood sugar drops or hunger.

Nuts are not only great fillers, they can also help with recovery by providing important nutrients like iron, zinc, protein, and fiber. Below are some healthy snack items you can include in your list:

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

Bonus tip: Many people struggle to resist their sweet cravings during recovery. That said, make sure you have healthy alternatives handy, so you can consume them rather than resort to something unhealthy.

Electrolytes and Water

Another great food option for those in alcohol detox is anything with electrolytes. Electrolytes work by helping keep the right balance of fluids in your body. They have also been known to help regulate the heart rate, blood pressure, and acid-base balance.

Foods that have lots of electrolytes include:

• Avocados
• Beans
• Watermelons
• Peaches
• Yogurt
• Potatoes
• Green tea

Bonus tip: To help your body heal properly, start each morning with a glass of water and make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Final Thoughts

It is important to remember that the foods you consume during your recovery can help you heal fully and quickly. Also, don’t hesitate to invest the help of an expert to help you with the recovery process.

About the Author

Michelle White is currently the Content Marketing Strategist for Arizona DUI Team. Aside from spreading awareness on DUI and vehicular-related offenses, she enjoys reading and hiking with her family and friends.