10 Foods That Help with Opiate Withdrawal

Detoxing from opiates requires an integrative approach. That’s why diet plays such a vital role. Here are 10 important foods that help with opiate withdrawal.

Let’s face it: detoxing from opiates is not an easy undertaking, and that’s no secret. If you’re ready to head into a detox and cut off your dependence on opiates, you might as well stack the deck in your favor as much as possible.

One way to ease your withdrawal symptoms is to eat healthy foods and drink a lot of water. We know you’d love to comfort yourself with the decadence of some cake or other sweets, but you’ll actually thank yourself if you steer clear.

Here’s the tricky part, though: eating right for withdrawal is more specific than eating healthy food. There are specific foods that help with opiate withdrawal by giving your body vitamins it’s lacking. Here’s your guide.

Foods That Help With Opiate Withdrawal

One of the key ways your diet affects your withdrawal is by impacting your liver. Your liver is a key player in withdrawal because it processes the last remnants of opiates and gets them out of your system.

Still, there are several other ways your diet can help your withdrawal symptoms. To give yourself a helping hand, try these foods.

1. Water

This isn’t exactly food, but it’s so important that it needed a spot on the list. Hydration is vital during your recovery. Sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea are common, and you can lose more water than you think.

The hydration helps your body function and it also helps you flush out the toxin from the drug. This should be a top priority during your detox.

2. Colorful Vegetables

Colorful, natural foods do more than brighten a dinner plate. In general, the richer a vegetable’s color is, the more nutrients it contains.

For the ultimate in superfoods, stock up on dark leafy greens like kale and spinach. As an added bonus, these leafy green contain plenty of fiber. People recovering from opiate addiction tend to have digestive issues like constipation, and the fiber is a great help.

3. Strategic Teas

As we’ve already mentioned, hydration is crucial for opiate withdrawal. On top of drinking plenty of water, certain types of tea can help your recovery in several ways.

In addition to hydration, white tea and green tea can enhance your liver function so it can handle the toxins with more ease. Ginger tea is another key tool for withdrawal because it stimulates sweating. The sweat helps your body get rid of the drug’s remnants at a faster pace.

4. Raspberries

We’re back to that all-important fiber again. There are plenty of great sources of fiber, but raspberries are toward the top of the list. Plus, if you have a sweet tooth, they can help you stay away from processed sweets.

5. Foods with Healthy Fats

It seems like every day we’re hearing about the importance of healthy fats. They’re vital for brain function and support your liver as well as other vital processes.

Some of the best sources of fat include avocado as well as many types of fish. Salmon is one of your best bets, and if you’re not a big fan of seafood, salmon is an easy way to break in.

6. Organic Foods

There’s constant debate over whether organic foods make a difference for your health. However, it’s clear that they’ll benefit you during a detox.

As we mentioned already, your liver has the hefty job of clearing out the toxins from the opiates. If there are toxins like pesticides in your food, it adds more work to the liver’s plate. Sticking with organic foods as much as possible will keep added toxins to a minimum.

7. Whole Grains

Whole grains are a great source of–you guessed it!–fiber. They’re also a great way to help you stay hydrated because your body needs carbs to retain the water it needs.

Another benefit to whole grains is that they’re satisfying. They help you feel full and keep feeling full, making you less likely to snack on junk food.

8. Eggs

People going through withdrawal from different substances tend to have different deficiencies. For people detoxing from opiates, B vitamins are often lacking.

Eggs are a great source for close to all types of B vitamins. They’re also a great source of protein, which brings us to our next item on the list.

9. Natural Proteins

Natural proteins contain amino acids that your body receives as it digests them. These amino acids are essential for repairing cells, which can be a big help during withdrawal.

Most people think of meat when they think of protein. While healthy meats are great sources of protein, you can get the same benefits from plant-based proteins in this case.

10. Beans

The list wouldn’t be complete without one more fiber shoutout. Of course, many types of beans have the added benefit of protein. By supporting digestive health while supplying those amino acids, beans can pack and one-two punch against your withdrawal.

Foods to Avoid During Opiate Withdrawal

What you keep out of your body is as important as what you put into it. If you’re going through withdrawal, steer clear of these problematic items.

1. Foods High in Saturated Fats

While we’ve already talked about the benefits of healthy fats, that word “healthy” is key. Try to avoid saturated fats as a rule, because they’re hard for your body to process. They can also contribute to heart disease, and the last thing you want to do is trade one health risk for another.

2. Processed Foods

If you were trying to help someone get through a marathon, you wouldn’t tie a slab of stone to their back. During withdrawal, your liver already has a tough job to do, and processed foods are an added strain. Stick with natural foods instead.

Helping Your Body Through Opiate Withdrawal

Nutrition is a key component of your health at all times, but it’s even truer when you’re detoxing. By stocking up on foods that help with opiate withdrawal, you can give your body the tools it needs for an easier start to your recovery.

Detox is the start, but recovery is a long journey that’s easier with experts by your side. For more hands-on help with your recovery, contact our addiction specialists.

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