subject: The Reason Why Recovering Alcohol Addicts Need To Keep A Balanced Diet [print this page] Drinking too much amount of alcohol disturbs the ability of the body to absorb vitamins and minerals which leads to malnutrition. An individual who is coping with alcoholism should not only stop drinking the substance but also consume healthy foods and nutritional supplements to restore the normal performance of the body.
When a person consumes alcohol, his body is tricked into thinking that it is already provided with some calories. As the habit continues, the calorie needs of the body will be replaced with sugary and fatty foods. According to alcohol treatment specialists, an increased intake of alcohol will decline the total quality of an alcoholic's diet.
Alcohol Addiction and Nutritional Deficiencies
Folic acid, vitamin B6 and thiamine are the most typical nutritional deficiencies that most alcoholics go through. These nutrients are helpful in the absorption of nutrients and production of red blood cells. When an alcoholic experiences a detox, these levels should be monitored by alcohol treatment medical specialists who will also determine if there is a need to give supplements to maintain a normal body functioning. The professionals will also screen for iron, protein and electrolytes to know the possible liver damage that the person's alcohol addiction may have caused.
Nutritional Supplements
A person has a healthy metabolism when he has enough vitamin B-complex especially B12. During an alcoholic's recovery, he may be administered with B12 or other B-complex supplements, vitamin E, C and A as well as minerals such as selenium, magnesium and zinc in higher doses than the standard daily allowance.
Well Balanced Diet
While pancreatitis and cirrhosis, which are both alcoholism-related severe disorders, cannot be cured, there are other alcohol-related damages in the body that can be fixed by maintaining a balanced diet. Damage like ineffective absorption of nutrients or low counts for red blood cells can be reversed. This process can be accelerated by consuming more proteins and low saturated fats or simple sugars. It is essential to come up with a diet plan that includes consuming 20 to 35 percent of recommended calories from fat every day.
Cravings for Sugar
It is likely for an alcoholic who has undergone a detoxification to crave for starchy foods and sweets. This is because of the response of the body to the perceived insufficient blood sugar, as alcohol is not present. While this cravings may pass when withdrawal symptoms fade, the alcoholic may still want to eat sugary foods as a psychological substitute to alcohol.
An individual who is recovering from alcohol addiction should maintain a healthy diet in order to get back the normal functioning of his body, which experienced nutritional deficiencies during the habit. It is ideal to consume lean proteins, vegetables and fruits.
