Alcoholism is a disease characterized by long-term, excess consumption of alcoholic beverages. When you quit drinking, your body must learn how to function without a constant supply of alcohol. The body must heal muscle tissues, replace calcium in your bones and repair the organs in your body. Because your liver is responsible for neutralizing alcohol, it is severely impacted by alcoholism -- liver scarring, inflammation and cirrhosis are common complications of chronic alcohol use. Although diet cannot cure liver problems, certain dietary choices may help reverse alcoholic damage to your liver.
Beta-carotene-Rich Foods
About 57 percent of recovering alcoholics are deficient in vitamin A, according to Alice Feinstein, author of "Prescription's Healing with Vitamins." Vitamin A is an antioxidant that may prevent additional damage to liver cells and liver infection. However, doses sufficient to correct a vitamin A deficiency may be toxic. Beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, may correct a deficiency without the risk of toxicity. Carrots, apricots, spinach, mangoes and sweet peppers contain beta-carotene.
Vitamin K-Rich Foods
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and the prevention of excessive bleeding. Deficiency of vitamin K is common among people recovering from alcoholism, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Foods containing vitamin K may help correct this deficiency, and may reduce bleeding in your liver, particularly if you have cirrhosis. Boost your intake of vitamin K by consuming avocados, strawberries, broccoli, eggs, beef liver, alfalfa and safflower oil.
Zinc-Rich Foods
Zinc is a trace mineral that may help prevent additional damage to your liver caused by toxins and lipids in your bloodstream. Because chronic alcohol use can raise triglyceride levels, your liver may sustain lipid damage even after you stop drinking. Zinc may promote the regrowth of liver cells. Like vitamin A, zinc offers antioxidant benefits, according to Balch. Fish, kelp, eggs, pecans, pork, beef and mushrooms are rich dietary sources of zinc.
Legumes
Legumes include lima beans, chickpeas, green peas, lentils, black beans and soybeans. These foods contain an amino acid called arginine, which may inhibit the production of ammonia in your body when your digestive system breaks down foods, according to Balch. High ammonia levels in your bloodstream are toxic to your liver, and may inhibit healing.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "Prevention's Healing with Vitamins"; Alice Feinstein; 1996
