Taking a B3 supplement in recovery can help regulate your metabolism, maintain neurotransmitter balance, and even improve your ability to stay sober. All in all, a regular B-complex is one of the most important vitamins for recovering alcoholics to take. Supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals like thiamine, vitamin C, and magnesium can support your liver’s recovery and restore essential nutrients that AUD has depleted. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that the body needs for many biological processes such as, enzyme reactions, hormone synthesis, and tissue structure. However, some doctors dispute the use of vitamin C supplements and no official guidelines exist for treatment during alcohol withdrawal.
Role of Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, and Other Nutrients in Alcohol Recovery
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Below, you’ll find a list of vitamins, minerals & supplements that might just help you to heal your body from the years of abuse and neglect. We understand the struggle and challenge that quitting alcohol can present, which is why we offer a free quit drinking webinar daily. A remarkable resource, it’s designed to provide you with the right tools and insights to navigate your journey to sobriety. Passionate about inspiring change, the Stop Drinking Expert is your go-to hub for living an alcohol-free life.
The Best Vitamins for a Person With Alcohol Use Disorder
Unfortunately, if you have an alcohol use disorder, you’re at an increased risk of thiamine deficiency. This deficiency can lead to severe health issues like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (WKS), which affects the brain and nervous system. Unfortunately, if you have an alcohol use disorder, you’re at an increased risk of thiamine deficiency. However, it is always best to consult a medical professional before starting any supplementation regimen to address the unique needs and circumstances of your situation. Balance your diet with essential vitamins, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and consult a healthcare professional in your journey with alcohol use disorder.
- But, there’s hope, and it comes in the form of reinvigorating your system with essential vitamins.
- People with vitamin C deficiency or scurvy may also have issues with wound healing, swollen and bleeding gums, tooth loss, and jaundice.
- Folic acid is in foods like enriched bread, flour, cornmeal, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals.
- While taking vitamins can’t “cure” the consequences of increased alcohol intake, they play a critical role in the recovery of chronic alcoholics.
What Are the Most Important Vitamins to Take for Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol consumption can negatively impact your body’s ability to absorb and utilize essential vitamins and nutrients. Vitamin E is essential for antioxidant protection, which helps the body neutralize harmful free radicals produced during alcohol metabolism. This vitamin also supports liver function and the repair of damaged cells and tissues. Including vitamin E-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils in your diet can give your body the antioxidant protection it needs during alcohol recovery.
How to Balance Alcohol and Supplements
- It strengthens the skin barrier while fighting signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.
- It’s important to note that while these vitamins can support liver recovery, they should not replace professional medical advice.
- As you embrace sobriety, prioritizing nutrition becomes essential for your overall well-being.
- Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
- Alcohol consumption can lead to iron deficiency, which may cause anemia, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
Alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption, damages the gastrointestinal tract, and impairs the liver’s ability to metabolize nutrients. Signs of vitamin B deficiency in drinkers may include fatigue, weakness, neurological issues like tingling or numbness, memory problems, and mood disturbances. Severe deficiency can lead to conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by confusion, coordination problems, and memory loss. Long-term nutrient deficiency resulting from high alcohol intake can have severe and wide-ranging impacts on a person’s alcoholism treatment health and bodily functions. DL-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which plays an important role in the functioning of your nervous system. If your body is deficient in this amino acid, it’s common to experience fatigue, confusion, memory problems, a decrease in alertness, and to have a reduced appetite.
- If you’re currently drinking, trying to cut back, or in recovery, taking calcium supplements is another great way to protect your overall health.
- Ensuring you receive enough iron is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and maintaining your overall energy levels.
- It’s good to consider integrating herbal remedies like milk thistle into your recovery plan.
- If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol, consider visiting Stop Drinking Expert for guidance and support.
Zinc is a mineral vital to immune function, mood regulation, and brain health. Zinc supplements can help reduce cravings by improving mood, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy brain function. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. These supplements can help reduce alcohol cravings by calming the nervous system and reducing stress-related triggers.
Q: How does alcohol consumption affect the body’s ability to absorb vitamins?
In fact, it is estimated that an alcohol abuser typically gets 50 percent or more of total daily calories from alcohol. Unfortunately, the calories gained from alcohol and junk food are “empty calories.” That is, they are calories lacking nutrients and are of little value to the body. Remember, vitamins are not a cure for alcoholism, but a tool to help the body recover once the decision to stop drinking has been made. To help you or a loved one quit drinking, consider seeking professional help. Often overlooked, Vitamin D plays a significant role in bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.
Omeprazole and Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Studies suggest that lower levels of Vitamin B1 in blood serum are both created and reinforced by alcohol consumption, and craving alcohol6. In addition, mixing these substances can cause liver strain and gastrointestinal best vitamins for recovering alcoholics distress. Consult your doctor about drinking and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. Mixing alcohol and supplements does not cause direct interactions but can lead to significant vitamin deficiencies. Balancing social drinking and dietary supplements requires careful consideration of your overall health and nutritional needs.
Magnesium plays a vital role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It is responsible for regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and making protein, bone, and DNA. Unfortunately, alcohol promotes the excretion of magnesium through the kidneys, leading to a deficiency.
What are the Stats On Rehab and Recovery?
Nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, can help provide the necessary nourishment for your body during this challenging time. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regime, especially for individuals who have been heavy drinkers. A healthcare professional can provide a comprehensive plan that addresses your specific needs. For more about the effects of alcohol, check out Effects of Alcohol on Stop Drinking Expert. L-glutamine is another great supplement for anyone trying to reduce their alcohol consumption. This amino acid occurs naturally in the body and many protein-rich foods, and is a building block for some of the brain chemicals that regulate anxiety and depression.