Diet in alcoholics

Nutrients which helpful in addressing alcoholism

• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is effective in reducing both alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Vitamins like A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid and vitamin C and E.
• Minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium and selenium.
• Amino acids from protein.
• Essential fatty acids.
  

Nutrition should contain multivitamins and mineral supplements. Alcohol is ethanol a simple carbohydrate that is filling.

A high intake of vitamin C, an antitoxin neutralizes the toxic build-up of alcohol consumption. Vitamin C reverses the fatty deposition, which commonly occurs in the liver of alcoholics. Antioxidants like beta-carotene should also be given.

Common nutritional deficiencies in alcoholics

Excessive alcohol consumption overloads the liver adversely affecting its ability to store fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E and metabolize protein. Alcoholics have low levels of following essential nutrients like calcium, folate, magnesium, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.

Diet tips for alcoholics 

• Increase intake of antioxidants: Include regular intake of bright colored fruit and vegetables like apricots, peaches, carrots. Include green leafy vegetables like spinach, vitamin C foods like oranges, grapes, tomatoes, vitamin E foods. Five servings of these antioxidant rich fruits and veggies is minimum requirement.
• Increase protein intake: Eat minimum of 4-5 ounces of quality protein per day. Choose fish (baked/grilled), skinless chicken, soya beans, egg whites.
• Increase intake of essential fatty acids: Include 2-3 oz of oily fish in weekly diet.
• Eat more of whole grains rather than refined or white flour carbohydrates like oats, whole wheat bread, and whole wheat pasta.
• Increase intake of magnesium and zinc like wheat germ, beans, dried figs, lemons and almonds.