Alcoholism Recovery: Foods That Harm and Foods That Heal (Video Included)
Updated: Aug 24
Foods That Can Harm and Heal in Alcoholism Recovery & Detox
Health & Wellness Disclosure: The information provided in this post is for educational purposes only. To the best of my knowledge, all information and advice are accurate and true. Please consult with a health specialist, medical practitioner, or doctor before making any decisions that may impact your health or well-being.
Foods That Harm in Alcoholism:
Any alcohol
Processed foods
White flour
Caffeine
Hydrogenated and refined fats
Foods That Heal in Alcoholism:
Kale
Quinoa
Spinach
Cabbage
Broccoli
Mushrooms
Nuts
Fish
Lean meat and poultry
Whole grain or fortified and enriched grain products: brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta, and buckwheat
Foods high in vitamin B: whole-wheat foods, legumes, dairy products, seeds, eggs, meat, fruits and vegetables
What is Alcoholism?
Alcoholism is chronic drinking and a disease that can damage relationships with your family, career, or personal life. It is when you are unable to control or stop your drinking despite the many negative consequences or the severe negative impact on your health.
With most people, an occasional drink is most likely not harmful, but with a person suffering from alcoholism, alcohol is abused in excessive amounts.
Who is Affected?
About 17.6 million Americans and 4 to 5 million Canadians.
Children of alcoholics are two to seven times more likely to become alcohol dependent.
Lifetime alcohol dependency is greater among whites and males.
Did you know?
Did you know that your gender and the amount of alcohol you drink can influence the likelihood of you becoming an alcoholic?
And if you are a male who drinks 15 or more drinks a week, a female who has 12 or more a week, or if you have five or more drinks in one sitting at least once a week, you are at risk for becoming alcohol dependent.
Factors
Many varying factors can foster alcoholism: Learned behavior, genetic predisposition, and childhood experiences, including abuse. The disease can progress and vary from one person to another. For most people, alcoholism is a slow progression that happens through periodic social drinking to more frequent indulgence until a person is alcohol addicted. However, sadly, for some people, it can occur after having only one drink.
Chronic alcohol drinking can cause much damage to a person, both physically and psychologically. Some alcoholics may not appear to be intoxicated, but their ability to work and function day-to-day becomes increasingly impaired.
Life Expectancy
Alcoholism can shorten life expectancy by increasing the risk of other life-threatening diseases, including cancer of the liver, esophagus, and pancreas.
Pregnant women who drink alcohol can give birth to a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome and other birth defects.
Nutrition for Recovery
People who suffer from alcoholism tend to have poor diets, which can lead to malnutrition. In addition, chronic drinking alters the digestion and metabolism of most nutrients that are vital to the body's needs. While there is no "one" diet for all recovering alcoholics, these guidelines can help one focus on their overall health and spiritual well-being.
Eat a Healthy and Well-balanced Diet
Try to include colorful fruits and vegetables on your plate at each meal, along with whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. In addition, enjoy lean protein such as fish and skinless chicken breast.
Proteins
Alcohol addiction can lead to a protein deficiency. This can cause poor functioning of one’s muscles, joints, and energy levels. To start rebuilding your protein supply, you should include these foods in your diet:
Chicken
Eggs
Fish (especially salmon)
Cottage cheese
Lentils
These foods are high in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E and zinc, which can help reverse deficiencies caused by alcoholism.
Liver Detoxers
The liver is hit the hardest during alcohol addiction, but there are several “superfoods” that can naturally detox the liver and restore it to a healthy state.
Green tea (high in antioxidants)
Dark leafy greens (kale and spinach). In addition to being high in vitamins and minerals, they contain chlorophyll, which works to absorb toxins in the blood.
Turmeric (used in mustard) repairs liver cells and flushes out toxins.
Coffee is high in antioxidants that help reduce liver inflammation.
Grapefruit is rich in antioxidants and reduces inflammation.
Antioxidants aid liver recovery by repairing damaged cells and reducing alcohol-related inflammation.
Fruits and Vegetables
Alcohol addiction can strip the body of crucial nutrients, but this can be remedied with the consumption of many vitamins and minerals that are often found in your daily fruits and vegetables.
In addition, many people who detox from alcohol find themselves with sugar cravings. This is because the same part of the brain responsible for alcohol cravings might redirect and instead start craving sugar.
To avoid replacing one addiction with another, it is important to consume fruit, which is a natural source of sugar.
Some fruits to add to your detox diet can include:
Blueberries
Grapes
Cucumbers
Prickly pear
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Spinach
Try to incorporate fruits and veggies into your diet with a soup, salad, or just as a snack. Your body will thank you for it.
Food Good for Your Gut
Your GI tract can take a serious hit during an addiction. Thankfully, several foods can help restore your gut and reintroduce the healthy bacteria it is lacking.
Good Gut Foods to Include:
Yogurt
Bananas
Sourdough
Ginger
Garlic
Whole grains
Avocados
By incorporating these foods into your daily diet, you will find yourself feeling better throughout your detox and recovery process in no time!
What Does the Word of God Say?
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me, and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise." - Jeremiah 17:14.
Although the Word of God does not forbid us to drink wine or alcohol, it does warn against drunkenness and of its negative effects (Ephesians 5:18). The Holy Bible also states: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, given God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your true and proper worship (Romans 12:1).
We cannot possibly worship the Lord our God in Christ Jesus as living sacrifices if we are abusing our bodies with the overconsumption of alcohol and drunkenness.
If you are struggling with alcoholism or know someone who is, I strongly suggest that you pray to God about the matter, and He will deliver you and heal you, for the Bible says: "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord...(Jeremiah 30:17).
But remember, you have to do your part, and God will meet you where you are. Something I like to say: "Do your best and God will do the rest!"
So, seek God earnestly with a heart of repentance in Christ Jesus, and He will not only hear your prayers, but He will answer them: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins." (Mark 11:24-25).
In addition, God has given us everything we need to eat right here on this good earth for us to heal our bodies. Remember, God's natural food is the best medicine for the bodies that He created for us.
Benefiting Your Detox with Your Diet
In conclusion, what you choose to eat during your alcohol addiction recovery will greatly impact the speed and success with which you will recover. While some aspects of recovery need to be completed under the care of a medical professional, implementing a healthy diet is something you can start doing today on your own.
I pray that whoever is reading this, our Father in Heaven heals, protects, and guides you in all things and all circumstances during your recovery. In the name of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, I say "Amen."
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
References
Berkoff, F. G., & Schwarcz, J. (2018a). Foods that harm, foods that heal: What to eat to beat disease and live longer. Reader’s Digest.
Access your bible from anywhere. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/
Freedom Detox. (2025, March 28). Superfoods' role in recovering from alcohol addiction. https://www.legacyfreedom.com/eating-your-way-to-alcohol-addiction-recovery/
Martins, T., Barros, A. N., Rosa, E., & Antunes, L. (2023, July 11). Enhancing health benefits through chlorophylls and chlorophyll-rich agro-food: A comprehensive review. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10384064/#:~:text=The%20liver%20plays%20a%20crucial,impact%20on%20the%20endocrine%20system.
Ranch. (2024, September 26). Foods to Avoid in Addiction Recovery. Ranch at Dove Tree. https://ranchatdovetree.com/blog/foods-avoid-addict-recovery/
The Alcohol Detox Diet: What to Eat During Your Alcohol Detox: Daniel Smeester, MD: Addiction Treatment Center. (2026). Diablovalleytreatment.Com. https://www.diablovalleytreatment.com/blog/the-alcohol-detox-diet-what-to-eat-during-your-alcohol-detox
Author’s Bio
Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio: a multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.
She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist and a published author.
When Isabella is not writing, she enjoys reading, vintage-style fashion, learning a new language, and spreading God’s Holy Word.
"Together, we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."
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