| The following is a very brief description of the major areas of the body
that alcohol and drugs impact, along with some general recommendations (Rx:) for recovery. |
| Skin
And Hair - Depletes body of nutrients for healthy looking hair and skin. |
Rx:
Nutrient dense foods; particularly Vitamins A, C, protein and zinc rich
foods. |
| Heart
And Circulation - Muscle wasting (loss) due to poor protein intake.
Inflammation often occurs, along with increase of fat deposits and high blood pressure. |
Rx:
Low fat diet, adequate protein, and regular exercise. |
| Liver
- Reduced vitamin and mineral storage; overworked liver swells preventing bile production
and filtering operation , poor appetite. |
Rx:
High calorie, nutrient dense foods, rich protein, moderate fat along with vitamin mineral
supplement. |
| Pancreas
- Irritation causes swelling which may block flow of enzymes into stomach resulting in
digestive difficulties and diabetes. |
Rx:
Nutrient rich foods, small frequent meals |
| Kidneys
- Inflammation, frequent infections, increased water output resulting in excess nutrient
loss. |
Rx:
Nutrient-rich foods high potassium foods and limited caffeine. |
| Central
Nervous System & Hypothalamus - Alcohol and drugs irritate, sedate and
aggravate nervous system. Effects memory, ability to think, coordination. Alcohol kills
brain cells that are not regenerated. The appetite control center sends confused messages
about hunger, thirst. |
Rx:
Rest, nutrient rich foods Including high tryptophan & tyrosine foods,
physical activity, multi-vitamin/mineral plus B complex. |
| Mucucous
Membranes - Irritates and sedates membranes, Including esophagus, stomach
& rectum. Balanced nutrition can help rebuild these tissues. |
Rx:
Nutrient dense foods high in Vitamin A (orange vegetables) and Vitamin C and
limit caffeine intake. |
| Stomach
- Irritates stomach – increasing risk of ulcers, gastric distress. |
Rx:
Small frequent meals, snacks. Limit caffeine during distress |
| Intestines
- Slows down or speeds up transit time; increasing risk of poor absorption and certain
types of cancer. |
Rx:
High fiber intake, plenty of water and exercise. Limit caffeine during
distress |
| Rectum
- Poor elimination or diarrhea may result in hemorrhoids. |
Rx:
Higher fiber foods, rutin (a mineral), water. exercise. |
| Blood
Measurements - Blood levels of many nutrients are affected by drugs and
alcohol. Cholesterol levels may appear normal while not accurately measuring cholesterol
intake. |
Rx:
Testing is not recommended until six to twelve weeks after sobriety to
ensure accurate readings. |
From the Eating Awareness Training and Recovery Program from St.
Elizabeth’s Hospital of Boston, MA.
|
