What Are the Fastest Methods to Detox from Alcohol?

Alcoholism is a very challenging condition, especially with how casually it is used in all party settings. The first step in doing so is undergoing alcohol detoxification. Detox means letting your body by eliminating toxins from the system. Alcohol withdrawal is hazardous, especially for those who have been using alcohol for a long time. This is why detoxing under the supervision of a healthcare provider is the best option. The article discusses a few tips and tricks to assist the alcohol detox process.

What Does Alcohol Detox Entail

Alcohol detox is the process in which a person abstains from alcohol under the supervision of a doctor. This abstinence period results in withdrawal while the body tries to function living without alcohol. These symptoms can range from moderate to severe, depending on different factors. 

While quitting turkey may sound like a tempting idea, it is important to prioritize your safety by letting your body process the toxins. That’s why medical supervision during detox is often recommended. It is especially important for individuals with a history of heavy drinking.

Learn more about “3 ways to flush alcohol out of your system”.

Timeline of Alcohol Detox

The timeline of alcohol detox may vary from person to person. Generally, alcohol withdrawal will start within 6 to 12 hours from the last drink. They are likely to peak within a day or two. After 5 to 7 days, the symptoms start soothing. However, the lingering effects of alcohol withdrawal syndrome may still be felt. This can differ on the following basis:

• The length of drinking alcohol
• The frequency of alcohol use
• The overall health of a person
• Weight and metabolism

Now let’s look into a few of the most effective ways to detox from alcohol.

Fastest Method to Detox

While you cannot accelerate the normal processing of toxins from the body, below are a few of the ways that are commonly employed. 

1. Medically Assisted Detox

Medically assisted detox is considered safe and effective as it uses medications to ease off the symptoms and let the body deal with them effectively. This type of detox is supervised by healthcare professionals who will administer medications and monitor withdrawal effects:

• Benzodiazepines
• Beta-blockers
• Vitamin B and Thiamine supplements

Your body can detox from alcohol more quickly and with fewer risks with medical supervision, as doctors can intervene if any issue arises during this condition.

2. Hydration and Electrolyte Balance

Alcohol dehydrates the body. Water loss is not good for a healthy individual. When there is fluid loss in the body, it not only becomes dehydrated but loses essential nutrients and minerals. Therefore, taking electrolytes can replenish the body. Drinking plenty of water flushes alcohol from your system and restores your body’s natural balance.

Electrolytes, like sports drinks or coconut water, can help restore the balance of essential minerals like sodium and potassium. These minerals are often lost during alcohol use and are crucial for your body to function properly during detox. These things can help recover a body suffering from alcohol. 

3. Having a Healthy Balanced Food

Eating a healthy balanced diet is a good way for your body to heal and process alcohol out of the body. Let’s not forget that alcohol also compromises the immune system. Therefore, for the body to be strong, eating healthy food is a necessity. 

Some foods that contain essential nutrients include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Fruits and antioxidant-rich foods
• Grains
• Lean protein
• Fish, eggs
• Fiber-rich foods

By eating a nutritious diet, you’ll be giving your body the tools it needs to heal faster from the effects of alcohol.

4. Engaging in Physical Activity

Light physical activity like yoga, and even walking can ease withdrawal and the body’s detox process. Exercise stimulates the body’s metabolism. This would allow alcohol to be processed relatively quickly. Moreover, physical activity also releases endorphins, which are a natural mood lifter and anti-anxiety.

However, it is important to understand that overdoing it can be dangerous. Heavy exercise may worsen certain withdrawal symptoms like dehydration, dizziness, or fatigue. Gentle activities are a better way to fight off withdrawal. 

5. Detox Drinks and Supplements

Some people turn to detox drinks or herbal supplements as a fast way to cleanse the body of alcohol. However, these are not considered highly safe. Therefore, they should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional even though they are reportedly effective in supporting detox.

Common detox drinks include:

• Green tea
• Milk thistle
• Lemon water

These natural drinks do not pose any hazard. However, they are still better than the synthetic powders and tablets. It is to be remembered that these drinks are not a substitute for medically assisted safe detox.

6. Sleep and Rest

Sleep is just as important as other essential life activities. It not only allows the body to feel at peace but also lets it recover and repair itself. During alcohol detox, it is recommended to get proper rest and make it a priority as it can speed up the healing process. During alcohol withdrawal syndrome, taking rest is the best. 

Why Is Medically Supervised Detox Most Effective?

While some of these methods may help the detox process, it is highly unlikely that they will accelerate the body’s metabolism to a large extent. There is also no evidence that alcohol will leave the body dramatically fast after you take detox drinks. Therefore, relying on anything but a medically supervised detox is not the best idea. Symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs) can be life-threatening. That’s why medical supervision is always the safest approach, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time.

Takeaway

Detoxing from alcohol may feel like an uncomfortable life experience. However, it is a very essential part of the recovery process. While there are ways to speed up the detox process, such as hydration, proper nutrition, light exercise, and medical assistance your health and safety should always come first. Fast does not mean effective when it comes to alcohol detox. You should certainly consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best detox plan for your specific needs.