Detoxing From Alcohol - What You Need to Know
The detox process begins within a few hours of the last drink you took. It is necessary for your body to reset its chemistry and start healing.
It is risky and difficult, even life-threatening to try to detox on your own. It is best to undergo detoxification under medical supervision.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is necessary for the body to survive. The aim is to replenish nutrient deficiencies to alleviate symptoms and support your body's natural detoxification process.
Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are the best food items to cleanse the body of alcohol. These provide carbohydrates for energy and B vitamins that are depleted from long-term alcohol use. They also contain fiber, which helps maintain healthy gut bacteria. Other important foods to eat include poultry, salmon leafy greens, nuts, beans and eggs, lentils and dairy. All of these are excellent sources of protein, which is crucial for balancing blood sugar levels and supplying amino acids that help prevent cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Fruits and vegetables also contain vitamins A and C. They are high in antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They also contain essential minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc. They are great as snacks or additions to meals, as they can be consumed at any time.
Vegetables are a nutritious addition to any diet and are particularly crucial when someone is detoxing from alcohol. They are a rich source of minerals and vitamins that are essential to a happy, healthy body, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and many other vitamins.
Foods that contain fatty acids may also be beneficial during the process of detoxing from alcohol. These foods can reduce anxiety, depression and mood swings. They also aid in the kidneys and liver, which are crucial organs for detoxification. A few fatty acid-rich food items to consume include avocados, chia seeds, seeds and nuts hemp seed, flax seeds, walnuts and flax.
It is essential to drink plenty of water when a person is trying to cleanse themselves of alcohol. Dehydration can cause withdrawal symptoms to become more severe and harder to manage. This is especially true if sufferers are suffering from vomiting, diarrhea or sweating. It is essential to drink fluids like water and herbal teas throughout the day.
2. Move Your Body
It is important to exercise when getting rid of alcohol. This will increase your energy and mood, and you will feel more confident about yourself. Joining a gym and taking group classes is a great way to start. You can also join a recreational sport team to meet people who share your interests. Exercise has been proven to be an effective method to treat a wide array of physical and mental ailments, including addiction.
If you suddenly stop drinking, your body may suffer severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include insomnia, tremors along with hallucinations, seizures, and even death. If you're a frequent drinker, the likelihood of experiencing these deadly withdrawal symptoms is significantly increased. This is why it is essential to select a detox facility that offers medically assisted detox.
In an inpatient treatment program, you will be offered 24/7 support from a team of medical professionals who will be monitoring your condition and prescribe medication to help ease withdrawal symptoms. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat withdrawal symptoms during alcohol detox due to their very effective at calming the central nervous system. They are available in long-acting medication like chlordiazepoxide, (Librium) or in short-acting drugs like alprazolam (Xanax).
Detoxification is a crucial step to recovery however it's a crucial one. To stay sober, you will need to continue treatment with behavioral therapy and other forms addiction treatment.
If you're having difficulty getting over your addiction, call us at Ria Health to learn more about our alcohol detox program. We can connect you to an experienced addiction professional who can help you find the best detox program and start your recovery journey. The earlier you begin your recovery, the better chance you have of a lifetime of happiness and sobriety.
3. Stay hydrated
Although it may appear obvious, drinking plenty of water is essential to cleanse yourself from alcohol. Many suffer from dehydration during withdrawal because they are unable to eat or drink due to their symptoms but it's important to make an effort to drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated. Juice, water, broth, ice pops, and gelatin are all great options to hydrate. Avoid coffee, sugary drinks and salty foods that could cause dehydration.
Many people who drink regularly and in large quantities suffer from a low level of minerals, vitamins and nutrients in their bodies. Alcohol is known to deplete several essential nutrients in the body which includes vitamin C A, B and C. A diet full of fruits and vegetables can help replenish these vitamins during detoxification.
During detox, it's also vital to consume adequate quantities of fat and protein from healthy sources. Lean meats, fish, eggs and nuts are excellent choices for getting these proteins. Avocados and hummus are also good choices for fats. These are best found in unprocessed whole foods.
The detox process can be uncomfortable and difficult, especially if you have been drinking heavily for an extended period of time. It is recommended to undergo detox at a medically supervised facility. This way, a trained professional can keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure and other vital indicators to ensure that you are secure and comfortable throughout the process.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 6 to 12 hours of the last drink and are the most severe for 24-48 hours. These symptoms include anxiety, insomnia and tremors. They could also trigger delirium-tremens, a life-threatening medical condition. These tremors can be caused by hallucinations, and can be fatal if not treated with medication.
Sobriety comes with many benefits, even if it is not easy to stop drinking. Understanding these benefits can keep you engaged throughout the detox process. Some of the top benefits include an improvement in physical health, greater mental clarity, better relationships, and much more.
4. Beware of Alcohol
It is important that anyone who is who is in the process of detoxing from alcohol avoids alcohol at all costs. Many people have difficulty to stop drinking, especially when they've been drinking a lot for some time or are experiencing extreme symptoms of withdrawal such as seizures or delirium. The best way to quit drinking is to work with an experienced medical professional or treatment center that can guide you through the process.
It's important to have family and friends check on your progress throughout the detox process so that they can call for emergency services if necessary. Many people struggle with getting rid of their addiction on their own but having supportive people around can make the experience much simpler.
A healthy diet can be beneficial during withdrawal from alcohol since it can supply the body with the nutrients it requires. It's important to avoid junk food during this time, since it's usually loaded with fat and sugar, which can add stress to the body during the detox phase. Instead, try eating whole foods, such as lean fish, meats, eggs fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Water is an excellent way to stay hydrated and ease withdrawal symptoms from alcohol. Drink three litres a day of water and switch to coffee, tea, or squash, instead of caffeinated drinks.
A healthy diet can aid in detoxification by providing the essential minerals and vitamins. Alcohol can deplete your body of vitamin B. To counter this, eat foods high in this nutrient, such as salmon and poultry dairy products as well as dark leafy vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products.
Inpatient treatment is an ideal option for those looking to detox from alcohol, as it can provide them with the 24/7 care that they need to control withdrawal symptoms and avoid complications. For those who don't wish to undergo inpatient treatment, there are several outpatient options that provide similar services.
Alcohol abuse can lead to numerous negative health consequences, including liver disease as well as brain damage, heart damage, decreased immune function and depression. Alcohol can also harm a pregnant woman or a mother who is breastfeeding.