Dietary changes help alcoholics return to normal living by reintroducing regular eating patterns to their daily habits. Alcoholics suffer from nutritional deficiencies, especially after long-term drinking or in the advanced stages of the disease. Heavy drinking has negative effects in the early phase as well. Counseling and support from self-help groups play important roles in an alcoholic's recovery. A physical exam by a doctor can determine the nutrients an alcoholic may lack and provide a proper nutritional treatment during rehabilitation.
Poor Diet
Alcoholics tend to neglect diet during frequent intoxication, turning to unhealthy fats and sugars. They often get more calories from alcoholic beverages than from nutritional foods. A study of 15,000 American adults linked increased alcoholic intake with a decline in diet quality, according to the study's author, Dr. Rosalind A. Breslow. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Cancer Institute and the USDA conducted the study, reported in the April 2010 issue of the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association." Dr. Breslow and colleagues found in a previous study that the heaviest drinkers had the poorest nutrition.
Scheduled Meals
Alcoholics often find their appetite returns as recovery begins, tempting them to overeat, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Scheduling regular mealtimes that include nutritious foods and avoiding high-calorie, high-fat foods and sweets keeps them on a balanced diet. Consistent and healthy dietary habits help improve moods and overall health, the UMMC points out. Dehydration may also occur from alcohol abuse during the recovery process, so drinking plenty of fluids at mealtime and throughout the day helps the body in the restoration process.
Fiber and Grains
Fiber-rich foods and complex carbohydrates must be part of a healthy diet to help in recovering from alcohol abuse, the UMMC explains. Fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of fiber as well as vitamins and minerals. Complex carbohydrates include whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and cereal, brown rice, oatmeal and whole-grain pasta. Eating more whole grains and fruit while avoiding sugary foods reduces alcoholic cravings, the University of Michigan Health System notes.
Protein
Getting more protein in the diet also plays an important part in recovery, the UMMC says. Because recovering alcoholics should stay away from fatty foods, they can choose lean meats, chicken or turkey without skin and fish for their protein. Low-fat or fat-free dairy products make healthy substitutes for whole milk and whole-milk foods.
Vitamins and Minerals
Doctors may recommend vitamin and mineral supplements during recovery because alcoholism robs the body of these nutrients, the UMMC points out. To return cells and the liver to normal functioning, a regimen of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K may help restore health. Long-term drinkers and alcoholics in the late stages may need thiamine supplements. Thiamine deficiencies can lead to brain damage for alcoholics. Mineral supplements for recovery include magnesium, calcium, zinc and potassium.
