According to studies, alcohol poisoning or alcoholism proves fatal for almost six people every day. Alcohol continues to be one of the nation’s most preventable causes of death, second to tobacco and a poor diet/sedentary lifestyle.
Alcoholism has a weighty effect on the entire body, especially the brain, heart, pancreas, mouth, liver and immune system. And for people battling with alcoholism, relapsing to this addiction also known as withdrawal syndrome is very much too often.
Withdrawal from alcohol can be different for everyone. However, keeping the body hydrated is important, especially, when withdrawing from alcohol as the body adjusts to less fluid intake.
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These certain foods can help benefit those battling with the discomfort of withdrawals and detoxification:
- Fruits and Vegetables: People battling withdrawal syndrome often have a yearning for sweets. Fruits contain sugar which can fulfil the craving, at the same time, not outweighing on the person’s stomach since appetite tends to decrease during the detox stage. Fruits such as guava, raspberries, pears, oranges, strawberries, bananas and figs are highly recommended.
- Whole grains: Since people battling alcoholism witness a decrease in their appetites, carbohydrate level in their body also sinks down. Intake of carbohydrates is crucial for recovery as they provide fiber and energy. Food such as refined grains offer carbohydrates for energy while also making the individual feel fuller without causing the body any digestive issues.
- Vitamin B is a must: The body lacks vitamin B or the essential water-soluble nutrient with prolonged alcohol consumption. When detoxing the body, it is important to replenish your body’s supply. Include food that are high in vitamin B such as salmon, broccoli, asparagus and lettuce.
- Proteins low in fat: Protein is rich in amino acids and provides fuel for the body and the brain. It also helps maintain brain chemistry for boosting the levels of mood by regulating the task of neurotransmitters. Regular alcohol intake decreases appetite and leads to the lack of protein content in the body. High protein foods such as lean meat and fish with low fat is ideal for the relapsing period. The protein affects the mood and energy leading to a lesser chance of hitting the bottle.
- Get enough dose of vitamin D: Vitamin D is very important not just for alcoholics but for everyone. Getting a sunshine dose of about 10 minutes every day will help fight weak bones, lack of calcium and various other skin and hair issues. While receiving a natural nutrient from the sun, one should distance themselves from devices that emit blue-light such as smartphones, tablets as they can raise the blood sugar, disturb hormones, cause insulin resistance and increase risk of depression, anxiety and even cancer.