How to Ease Alcohol Detox Symptoms
If you are beginning a home alcohol detox program, be sure it is doctor-recommended. Many alcohol cessation programs have been developed for outpatients that can help you quit drinking and minimize some of your withdrawal symptoms. Many simple nutritional aids can also be used while you undergo detoxification that will help ease your discomfort. Be sure to seek the help and encouragement of organizations such as AA once you have finished the detox process.
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Things You'll Need
- Alkaline foods
- Foods rich in chromium
- Dairy foods
- Herbal teas
- Fruit juice
- Water
- Vitamin/mineral regiment
Instructions
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Consume foods that are alkaline to the system, such as warm soups, vegetables and broths. You may also consume light proteins such as fish or chicken, but avoid heavier proteins such a beef, which can overtax your system during the detoxification process.
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Drink soothing teas that help with stomach upsets, such as peppermint. Chamomile has a calming effect to help you sleep and valerian root tea is a natural relaxant akin to valium that can help ease anxiety symptoms.
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Drink plenty of water and fruit juices diluted with water to help keep properly hydrated and help remove toxins from the system. Many alcoholics suffer from blood-sugar problems, so diluting the juice 50/50 with water will help to not overload the system with sugar.
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Eat small, regular meals every few hours involving complex calories such as whole grains and light protein to help regulate your glucose levels. Avoid candies, cakes and other sugary items. Chromium (a mineral found naturally in brewer's yeast, broccoli, corn and poultry) and glutamine (naturally found in dairy products) will help curb sugar cravings.
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Supplement with a good vitamin program, as many alcoholics are malnourished. Take up to 10g per day of a buffered vitamin C powder, a B-complex supplement and a broad-range multivitamin--folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium. These vitamins and minerals are often lacking in the systems of those who have consumed alcohol over long periods of time.
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Tips & Warnings
Employ the aid of a friend to help you go through your detoxification program.
Some alcohol detox symptoms to expect may include headaches, stomach ache, shaking, panic attacks, trouble sleeping or nightmares, and depression.
Your doctor may prescribe light medications to help ease your symptoms during withdrawal.
Some detox symptoms can be quite severe, such as hallucinations, seizures or delirium tremens (DTs). Keep the phone number of your doctor handy and enlist someone to drive you to a health facility if needed.
