Nutrition for Detoxing from Alcohol

If you are going to be detoxing from alcohol, you should plan ahead to make sure you have the proper foods to give you the nutrition you need. You also want foods that will not increase symptoms of withdrawal. If you will be detoxing at an alcohol treatment center, they should have the appropriate foods for you there, but you might want to check ahead just to make sure. Just call and ask to speak to the registered dietician. If you plan to detox on your own at home, on the other hand, you'll need to prepare by stocking your kitchen in advance.

Fluids

You need plenty of fluids while detoxing to prevent dehydration and to help flush toxins from alcohol from your body. Drink at least eight to ten glasses of liquid a day. Even minor dehydration can cause feelings of nausea, plus it really does take a lot of fluids to flush all the toxins from the alcohol out of your body, and they will cause nausea and shakiness. Limit or avoid caffeinated beverages, though, and drinks containing lots of sugar. Those may increase feelings of nausea or shakiness. Of course, also avoid all alcoholic beverages.

Protein

Your body must have adequate amounts of protein to recover and heal. Aim for anywhere from 30 to 50 grams of lean protein each day, including foods like lean meats, low fat dairy products, beans and tofu. Try eating small meals four to six times each day, since large meals can cause feelings of nausea while you're detoxing. However, getting inadequate amounts of protein can also cause feelings of nausea, as well as weakness and fatigue.

Fruits and Vegetables

Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, especially fresh fruits and veggies. They will give you plenty of vitamins you need for recovery, including vitamin A, vitamin C and a number of different B vitamins. Try to stick to veggies more than fruits, though, because veggies contain less sugar. Try things like green veggies, carrots and squash, tomatoes and peppers, and an occasional apple, orange and banana. If you eat salads, avoid dressings high in fat and sugar. If you eat cooked veggies, avoid topping them with a whole lot of melted butter. Think low-fat, low-sugar meals.

Foods to Limit or Avoid

Avoid all alcohol, of course. Limit or avoid foods high in fat and sugar, like fried foods, candy, cookies and other sweets. Foods high in fat and sugar can increase feelings of shakiness, nausea and general malaise.

Sources:

Global Healing Center. http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/nutritional-programs-for-alcohol-detoxification.html . Nutritional Program for Alcohol Detoxification.

World's Healthiest Foods. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=fightdz&dbid=13 . What to Eat to Help Prevent Alcohol Cravings and Withdrawal