Long-term alcohol consumption is harmful to the body and mind. The euphoric, addictive effects and short-term relaxation felt from ingesting these toxic compounds are temporary, leading to a recurring cycle of chronic alcohol intake to self-medicate. 

Finding an accredited detoxification center is crucial to breaking the cycle before causing irreversible damage to the body. 

Here are some side effects of chronic alcohol consumption:

#1. Increased chances of various heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, etc.

#2. A weakened immune system, leaving you even more vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic

#3. A long list of mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and panic disorder

#4. Liver damage, most notably fatty liver disease, and altered metabolism

#5. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, which is painful and can impact glucose levels

#6. Increased chances of cancer

Less serious side effects of alcoholism include:

• Low body temperature
• Cognitive impairment
• Muscle degeneration
• Suppressed immune system
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Depressive disorders
• Electrolyte imbalances

It is not uncommon for those in recovery to pledge to take on a healthy, balanced lifestyle that supports healing and well-being to combat these side effects. Such practices include consuming essential minerals and vitamins and a balanced intake of proteins and healthy carbohydrates. However, knowing what a healthy diet looks like can be challenging for some. 

A Balanced Diet

To put it simply, a balanced diet consists of a diverse range of foods that provide adequate amounts of essential nutrients that promote health. A balanced diet can take up several forms, depending on your specific health issues or areas for improvement. For instance, adding colorful foods such as fruits and vegetables to your daily diet is key to feeling your best. 

You can get most of your essential vitamins and antioxidants from “eating the rainbow” or eating colorful, unprocessed foods. Plant-based nutrients like leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries, and grapefruit are prime examples of vibrant foods. 

Adding a portion of protein—whether it be tofu, eggs, chickpeas, or grilled chicken—is critical in building and maintaining healthy muscles. Consider adding healthy carbohydrates like brown rice and whole-wheat pasta and bread to your meals, too. This will fuel your body with energy while it repairs itself from the damage caused by alcohol. 

Whichever foods you reach for to heal, be sure to incorporate the whole food pyramid. 

What Could Go Wrong When You Struggle With Addiction? 

Chronic alcohol use and binge drinking often encourage poor eating habits like overeating, not eating enough, or binge-eating. As your alcohol intake fluctuates, so does your appetite and, consequently, your physical health. 

Inconsistent eating patterns and eating processed or fried foods out of convenience only make your health deteriorate more. 

To be specific, this is what happens in active alcohol addiction:

• You may eat less food due to heavy alcohol consumption.
• You eat foods that are not nutrient-rich, skip meals, and have irregular eating schedules and habits.
• You may run on a calorie deficit if losing energy to vomiting and diarrhea.
• Your gut health deteriorates because it cannot absorb the nutrients in food.

Why Do You Need a Balanced Diet?

#1. A healthy lifestyle supports the recovery process by improving bodily functions, cognition, and overall well-being.

#2. Positive food habits improve mood while reducing episodes of emotional outbursts and mood swings. 

#3. The lack of toxins and the boost of nutrients create the energy needed to complete tasks.

#4. The deficiencies in B-complex vitamins, including thiamine, folate, and B-12 improve drastically once the body recovers.

#5. Minerals like zinc, magnesium, and calcium—common deficiencies from chronic alcohol use—can also be restored. 

#6. The immune system can benefit from a healthy diet.

#7. When you ingest proper nutrients, you reduce your risk of disease.

Over time, your body will adjust to all the benefits listed above and only improve. You will not notice a significant change overnight, so it is essential to stick to a routine. 

Following dietary advice from a healthcare professional that knows your specific dietary needs is always a good idea. However, abstaining from alcohol does not mean you can overindulge in other addictive properties to mask cravings. Relying on sugar, caffeine, and other carbohydrates to curb desires for alcohol will limit your capacity for a healthy lifestyle. 

A well-balanced, immunity-driven diet will provide your body with enough energy to tackle the day and fight disease. Incorporating healthy foods will also have profound impacts on mental health, especially when paired with activities that promote wellness, like yoga. While you may not notice these changes immediately, your body will thank you in the long run. 

Long-term alcohol use damages all aspects of a person’s life, but the most devastation occurs to the body and mind. That’s why timing is critical in preventing permanent damage to the organs and bodily systems. Then once sobriety is achieved, a healthy diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals will help reverse the damage over time. The Kimberly Center is a safe haven for those suffering from addiction to alcohol and other substances. Here, a speedy recovery is possible. We provide a variety of individualized outpatient programs that promote health, wellness, and lasting recovery. We also teach relapse prevention techniques and alternative coping skills for your time outside of treatment. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol addiction, Kimberly Center is here to help you through the most difficult and intimidating parts of treatment. We will provide the highest quality care to keep you comfortable and safe through the detoxification process. Call us today at (855) 452-3683.