3 Foods That Heal and Rebalance the Gut After Alcohol
“Let Food Be Thy Medicine and Medicine Be Thy Food.” — Hippocrates
When I was drinking constantly, my diet was awful, mainly because I was dealing with a hangover every few days or at least once a week at the minimum.
As a result, I wanted to indulge in highly processed foods that contained sugar, fat, and salt, which left me in a vicious cycle of having negative emotions, including guilt and shame.
But honestly, I was eating these types of foods way before I started to drink.
During my childhood, I strongly desired to consume junk food such as fried snacks and sugary treats.
Eating such foods triggered chemical reactions in my brain that made me feel good, often leading to overeating, even when I wasn't hungry.
My food addiction transferred to alcohol in my teens and other substances in my twenties.
It wasn't until later in life that I became aware that I was using eating and drinking as a coping mechanism.
Finally, by my late thirties, I became fascinated with how foods can heal the gut after years of drinking and started incorporating them into my life.
1. Bone Broth
I make a batch of bone broth at least once a month because it’s incredibly nourishing to the gut lining. Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, bone broth helps maintain the integrity of the gut lining and reduces inflammation because it contains gelatin.
2. Healthy Fats
Adding healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds helps reduce inflammation while repairing the gut lining.
3. Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are known as natural probiotics and are an excellent addition because they feed beneficial bacteria. When the microbiome is well-diverse, it can help strengthen the walls of the intestine.
Kimichi, sauerkraut, olives, kombucha, yogurt, cheese, and sourdough.
. . .
These food suggestions are a wonderful way to add to your diet; not only will they help heal the gut from years of alcohol, but they will also support your overall health and well-being.
By nourishing your body with wholesome, gut-friendly foods, you can rebuild balance, improve digestion, and boost your energy levels.
Remember, healing takes time, but every small step you take toward a healthier diet and lifestyle brings you closer to feeling your best. Your gut—and your entire body—will thank you!