Alcoholism leads to poor diet and eventually causes other serious health risks over time. Alcoholics tend to get more calories from alcohol and fewer nutrients from healthy foods. The situation becomes worse as people fall into advanced stages of alcoholism. Proper diet and nutrition play important roles for alcoholics who make the choice to quit drinking.
Consumption
An increase in alcoholic consumption can lead you to eat less nutritious foods and get more calories from alcohol and unhealthy fats or sugars, according to researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Cancer Institute and the USDA. Researchers analyzed diets and alcohol consumption in more than 15,000 American adults in a study reported in the April 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association." People who drank large quantities of alcohol practiced poorer dietary habits, which got worse with increased alcohol intake. Drinking high amounts of alcohol also led to a decreased intake of whole grains and milk among men, the researchers added.
Deficiency
Common dietary deficiencies from alcoholism include vitamin B6, or thiamine, and folic acid, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Lack of these nutrients over time can cause anemia, nervous disorders and brain disorders for alcoholics. The liver and pancreas also become impaired because of a poor diet from alcoholism. The liver helps cleanse the body of harmful substances and the pancreas regulates blood sugar and the absorption of fat.
Nutrient Depletion
Health problems for alcoholics often develop because of the depletion of necessary minerals and vitamins interrupts vital functions in the body, Natural News points out. Alcoholism robs the body of calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Aside from the depletion of B vitamins and vitamin C, increased alcohol consumption impairs the absorption of vitamins A, D, E and K, leading to damaged cells. Severe malnutrition from these losses in the body can lead to liver damage, diabetes, seizures and death.
Recovery Diet
Recovering alcoholics can reverse the nutritional deficiencies caused by alcoholism by taking vitamin and mineral supplements along with eating nutritious meals and snacks during recovery and rehabilitation. Dietary improvement plays an important role during the recovery process, which also includes therapy and support groups.
Moderate Drinking
Findings about alcoholism and diet also pose a warning for people who drink moderately. They need to include whole fruits and whole grains in their diet to receive substantial amounts of vitamins, minerals and fiber that add fewer calories. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines define moderate drinking as no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one drink a day for women.
