Nutrition Recommendations for Those who Consume Alcohol
DL-phenylalanine can also be a useful supplement for alcohol withdrawal. These deficiencies can have serious health consequences and contribute to the overall decline in physical and mental health observed in alcohol-dependent individuals. Heavy drinking depletes these vitamins leading to symptoms such as fatigue, depression, abdominal discomfort, and in severe cases, can lead to brain damage (Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome). Including B-vitamin supplements in your diet can help alleviate these symptoms and support your overall health. Alcohol disrupts the nutrient absorption process, often leading to malnutrition.
Understanding Alcohol’s Impact on Vitamins
Researchers have administered folic acid to rats exposed to large amounts of alcohol. Folic acid has been found to be an efficient and affordable way to remedy some of the damage (fatigue, weakness) caused by alcohol. You’ll need to be especially careful not to replace alcohol with sugar or caffeine. They can also affect your mood when they wear off, which could make you want to drink. Some supplements can interact with other medications or treatments used for alcohol addiction. Call our helpline today to learn more about alcohol detox supplements or to find alcohol addiction treatment options near you for yourself or a loved one.
- However, they cannot entirely prevent the adverse effects of chronic alcohol abuse on the brain.
- If you’re interested in learning more, Social Life & Alcohol on Stop Drinking Expert provides insightful information.
- Supplements can help reduce alcohol cravings by addressing nutritional deficiencies, regulating neurotransmitters, and providing antioxidant support, among other mechanisms.
- It’s important to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to determine the appropriate length of time to take supplements.
How can recovering alcoholics determine which supplements are right for them?
Additionally, minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium can provide much-needed support for cognitive function and overall health. A vitamin B complex supplement is typically recommended to correct deficiencies and promote liver health in heavy drinkers. This comprehensive supplement contains a range of B vitamins, including thiamine (vitamin B1), which is especially important in preventing Sober living house the development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
Basic Supplements for Recovery
Consult your healthcare provider if your drinking can compromise the medication or supplements you’re currently taking and vice-versa. If you’re having issues with your drinking habits, don’t hesitate to seek out treatment options to help you stay sober. Research suggests certain B vitamins can help treat alcoholic liver disease by alleviating alcohol-induced oxidative stress8. B vitamins can inadvertently improve metabolism by restoring optimal liver function and correcting any thiamine deficiency. Supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals like thiamine, vitamin C, and magnesium can support your liver’s recovery and restore essential https://ecosoberhouse.com/ nutrients that AUD has depleted. When you’re managing type 2 diabetes with Rybelsus, it’s important to know how it might interact with other medications you’re taking.
Alcohol abuse and nutrient deficiencies can lead to reduced bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures6. This article covers the importance of vitamin supplementation for drinkers and how it affects their bodies. Research published in 2022 found that individuals who were alcohol dependent had significantly lower levels of both zinc and magnesium compared to the control group. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Some medical professionals have called the banana bag a one-size-fits-all approach. But, in most cases, tailoring treatment to the client’s individual needs is preferable. People with alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy — where the heart struggles to pump blood to the rest of the body — shouldn’t receive large infusions of IV fluids, period.
Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help manage stress and maintain mental clarity during the recovery process. A lack of vitamin B9 can trigger anemia and make you weak, tired, and moody. Folic acid is in foods like enriched bread, flour, cornmeal, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals. Veggies, fruits, fruit multivitamin for alcoholics juices, nuts, beans, and peas naturally have folate. Heavy drinking makes it harder for your organs to work the way they’re supposed to, especially your stomach lining, pancreas, intestines, and liver.
Wernicke’s encephalopathy, characterized by confusion, ataxia, and eye movement abnormalities, can occur due to thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Beriberi, caused by a lack of thiamine, can lead to cardiovascular and neurological symptoms. 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. Alcohol not only damages the liver but also weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to diseases. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and plays a vital role in strengthening the immune system.
This type of nutrient can be found in fish, or be consumed in the form of a fish oil supplement. Supplements with anti-oxidative properties may help to neutralise metabolites of alcohol which normally have damaging effects15. Boulder Medical Center is independently owned and operated, enabling our providers to place patients first.
