When detoxing, or cleansing your body of alcohol or drugs, the foods you eat can help ease the discomfort and strengthen your system to deal with withdrawal.
Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, and will digest quickly without weighing you down if your appetite is suffering. Whole grains also contain fiber, as well as carbohydrates for energy. Anything high in vitamin B, like salmon, broccoli, and asparagus, can be beneficial to alcohol users in particular, as alcoholism can lead to a vitamin B deficiency. Low-fat proteins such as fish or lean beef are high-fiber and low fat, which can increase energy. Protein can also help repair the body’s cells and organs.
Your needs may be different based on your drug of choice. Meth users might go days without eating, while those who use marijuana are notorious for binge eating. Some people might need to gain weight, while others need to watch that they don’t gain too much, as they try to substitute food for drugs or alcohol. No matter your situation, try to cut out caffeine. Caffeine can cause irritability and anxiety, which are already symptoms of withdrawal.
During alcohol detox, hydration is especially important. Alcohol can cause you to become dehydrated, and drinking water will actually help flush the toxins from your system. It also inhibits the absorption of vital nutrients such as thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc, so you may need to take vitamin supplements if you aren’t getting enough from your food. A deficiency of these vitamins can cause anemia and even neurological problems. Try to avoid sugar, because diabetes can be a complication of alcoholism. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks can be high in sugar, and alcohol also damages the organ responsible for regulating blood sugar, the pancreas. In the early stages of detox, nausea and vomiting are common, so you might want to stick to soups and other liquid foods that are easier to keep down. Fruit and vegetable juices can also provide you with needed fiber and vitamins.
Opiates (including codeine, oxycodone, heroin, and morphine) affect the gastrointestinal system. During withdrawal,diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are common. A diet high in complex carbohydrates (such as whole grains, vegetables, and beans) can help ease these symptoms. Carbohydrates also play an important role in blood sugar, and can effect concentration and cause feelings of anxiety or depression when deficient.
Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine can reduce appetite, which often leads to weight loss and malnutrition. People who abuse stimulants are also more likely to develop eating disorders, such as anorexia. Crystal meth users are another group likely to have poor nutrition, because they often have problems with oral hygiene, like a sore mouth or missing teeth, that can make it difficult to chew food.
At Asana Recovery, we offer a detox program and resident treatment, where your meals will be prepared by a chef, assisted by a certified dietitian, to ensure that you are receiving the proper nutrition. Call (949) 329-5479 to learn how we can help you.
