Eat Up: 7 Super Foods to Support Addiction Recovery

Some believe a person in early recovery shouldn’t worry about splurging on junk foods, fats, and sweets, as long as they are not using drugs or alcohol. But, why fight two dragons when slaying one is enough?

Taking care of yourself should involve addressing both your mental and physical health. It is important to take care of your overall health as you work on your recovery from the use of drugs or alcohol. If you are concerned about your recovery or if you think you might be running the risk of relapse, consider what you are (or aren’t) doing for your yourself on the whole, including what you are putting into your body.

Addiction and Nutrition

Drug and alcohol use directly affects basic nutrition and wellness…and not in a good way.

For example, alcohol can impede the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, opiates can affect digestive health, and stimulants can suppress your appetite, resulting in vitamin deficiencies and other issues. Instead of picturing a healthy diet as another dragon to slay, look at eating well like it’s an extra sword to fight the same dragon.

The Power of Food in Addiction Recovery

Nutrients from food play a key role in proper brain chemistry, which directly affects mood. An unhealthy diet that continues to negatively affect this mood can be counterproductive to your goals in recovery. True recovery involves a restoration of both mind and body, and these seven foods can be immensely beneficial in helping you achieve that goal:

1. Poultry and fish

Both poultry and fish contain an amino acid called tyrosine. Drugs and alcohol prevent your body from processing tyrosine correctly. This amino acid is essential in the creation of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which promotes mental clarity and a sense of well-being.

2. Tofu

Tofu is an easy-to-digest, protein-packed food that can help repair liver damage. Alcohol overloads your liver with toxins, but tofu assists your liver to slowly recuperate. Although any protein will engage liver function, the liver doesn’t produce bile to break down any fat with tofu, allowing it to slowly heal.

3. Bananas

Bananas contain tryptophan, another amino acid that’s not processed correctly when using drugs and alcohol. Tryptophan is essential in the formation of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which promotes relaxation and proper sleep.

4. Yogurt

Yogurt is full of probiotics. Alcohol and opiates disrupt your gastrointestinal system, which is why constipation and diarrhea are common. Probiotics found in yogurt can help normalize the digestive tract.

5. Blueberries

Blueberries are jam-packed with antioxidants. Although many fruits and vegetable contain antioxidants, blueberries are specifically beneficial. During active addiction, your body is overloaded with toxins and free radicals that can reek havoc on your system. Antioxidants can help boost your immune system to clear these toxins and keep you healthy going forward.

6. Vegetables

Vegetables, in general, contain a range of essential vitamins. When misusing drugs or alcohol, improper nutrition absorption (along with a poor diet) can cause malnutrition. A vegetable-rich diet helps to restore proper nutrition levels and can also help to improve skin and hair health, which commonly deteriorates during active addiction.

7. Whole grain pasta

Whole grain pasta and other fiber-rich foods can help restore your digestive system. Much like probiotics, a diet high in fiber can jump-start your body’s digestive health, which may have suffered while you were actively misusing drugs or alcohol.

Find Treatment Near You

If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction or know someone who is, know that you are not alone. At American Addiction Centers, our team of dedicated, compassionate admissions navigators are waiting to take your call. By connecting with us, you can begin your journey towards recovery.

Do not wait any longer to get the help you deserve. Call us right now at for a no-obligation conversation that can give you the jumpstart you need to take back control of your life.

Additional Reading: Understanding Nutrition in Addiction Recovery