The Clean, Sober Diet: Tips for Eating Well in Recovery FHE Health

diet and recovery from alcohol and drugs

A healthy diet is important for everything from maintaining a normal weight to preventing elevated risks of things like stroke and heart disease. Significant scientific research goes into determining the effects of different foods on the human body, with general conclusions pointing to natural whole foods as the best option. For those hoping to maintain health in sobriety, particularly after months or years of abusive behavior, eating right is an best diet for recovering alcoholic essential part of the equation. Many treatment centers employ recreational therapists or personal trainers who work directly with the people in the program to improve fitness levels and promote wellbeing and positive body image. The effect of drug use on plasma parameters has also been studied with emphasis on lipid profile, glucose and hemoglobin levels, and hematocrit. In general, plasma total cholesterol has an inverse relation with drug use.

Healthy Fats

Veggies, fruits, fruit juices, nuts, beans, and peas naturally have folate. Your body is able to synthesize some of the amino acids on its own, but there are several you can only absorb from food. You may be used to eating sporadically, and changing that habit may take a little while.

The Role of Exercise in Recovery

Fiber is important for a healthy digestive tract, especially if you are recovering from an opioid addiction, which commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects during withdrawal. There are many reasons to select foods that are nutrient-dense to support your overall health and recovery journey. Someone in recovery from an alcohol use disorder will need a well-rounded diet to combat the often severe malnutrition. Women who have been heavy drinkers for a while will often benefit from calcium supplements because they may be at a higher risk for osteoporosis. On the other hand, some of the best foods for recovering substance users include whole grains, vegetables, eggs, beans, and fish.

diet and recovery from alcohol and drugs

159 Recovery check-ups following treatment for problem alcohol and drug use

  • Abusing drugs can reduce your daily nutrition intake, making detox and a proper diet even more vital to your full recovery.
  • For example, during alcohol withdrawal, anxiety or nervousness can be a problem.
  • A healthy, balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein like fish and poultry, whole grains, nuts, beans and low-fat dairy.

Making a meal plan that includes sufficient portion sizes will also help make sure you get enough nutritious food. It’s important to understand that to some degree, taking vitamins is a personal process. The medical professionals overseeing your treatment can help you identify which supplements are ideal for your drug or alcohol detox diet.

diet and recovery from alcohol and drugs

Women are especially at risk of osteoporosis after drinking heavily and should increase their calcium intake. However, always consult a doctor before starting any diet, supplement or nutritional program. Data on the associations between substance use and body weight were taken from a 2014 study on the body mass index (BMI) of several hundred heroin, morphine, or amphetamine users. Necessary nutrients and examples of dietary sources were provided by a published review of nutrients that are involved in cognitive function. A person in recovery is often more likely to overeat, particularly if they were taking stimulants. It is important to eat healthy meals and snacks and avoid high-calorie foods with low nutrition, such as sweets.

diet and recovery from alcohol and drugs

  • When detoxing from stimulants, it’s important to gradually increase food intake and drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
  • You can also get plant proteins from lentils, tofu (soy), black beans and quinoa.
  • We can answer your questions and build a care program that meets your needs.
  • During detox, your focus will be on reducing your caloric intake and finding balance with foods that nourish your body.
  • The studies regarding the effect of MMT on some metabolic parameters are limited.

Green, Leafy Vegetables

diet and recovery from alcohol and drugs