Alcoholics are often malnourished due to their limited intake of essential nutrients as well as coupled with the way alcohol impedes the body's ability to digest and utilize nutrients. Though nutritional therapy shouldn't be viewed as a replacement for conventional medical treatment or 12-step program, recent research suggests alcoholism (like other diseases) may benefit significantly from an improved diet. Read on for some suggestions on treat alcoholism through nutrition.
Instructions
1. Decrease the body's reliance on refined carbohydrates (pasta, rice, white breads) that, like alcohol, change rapidly to sugar once ingested. Dependence on simple carbs encourages the same roller coaster rise and fall in blood sugar levels, which can fuel the urge to drink.
2. Replace simple carbohydrates with protein. Eat eggs, chicken and fish at mealtimes, as well as beans and nuts throughout the day. Foods rich in amino acids are critical to restoring brain function and reducing blood sugar cravings. Alcohol suppresses the body's ability to regulate its own moods. A constant influx of alcohol and its synthetic "feel-good" chemicals causes the brain to halt production of its own mood-lifting hormones, resulting in anxiety, depression and the constant urge to "self-medicate" by drinking more.
3. Incorporate healthy fats like olive oil and avocados into the diet. Fats help stabilize blood sugar levels by taking longer to burn off. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish, are said to boost dopamine levels and other "feel-good" hormones in the brain.
4. Quit all addictive substances including caffeine and nicotine. Sugar is off limits as well. Nutritional experts agree that though these products may boost energy levels temporarily, the user will eventually crash and feel worse.
Tags: blood sugar, blood sugar levels, body ability, sugar levels