Zinc deficiency can make organs function worse, lead to depression and confusion, and affect smell and taste. In addition to taking the vitamins as supplements, foods such as leafy greens, fruits, fish and poultry, and eggs are good to eat during alcohol detox to get B vitamins naturally. These vitamins serve many functions, including supporting liver health, reducing cravings, and cleansing the body of toxins. And eating a healthy and balanced diet will naturally include many of these nutrients.
How can recovering alcoholics determine which supplements are right for them?
Heavy drinkers often lack vitamins B1, B6, B9, and A, eventually leading to nutrient deficiency. These deficits can cause low energy, skin issues, and oxygen insufficiency, among other health consequences. Sign up for Jordan’s newsletter and join the 50,000 readers who are using his practical solutions to improve their brain function and mental health. But once I started supplementing with citicoline, I noticed an improvement in my cognitive function because it increased my levels of acetylcholine and dopamine. I still take it to this day because it helps me focus, improves my mental energy, and clears brain fog.
What can help me stop drinking?
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. Taking supplements like vitamin C, NAC, and GABA may help replenish your nutrient what are the best supplements a recovering alcholic should take stores, potentially reducing your cravings and easing your withdrawal symptoms. However, people who misuse alcohol may eat less food and commonly have deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, selenium, protein, and certain vitamins. The causes of addiction cannot be traced to a single deficit; rather, it is the result of a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors.
Are there specific vitamins that can help with alcohol withdrawal syndrome?
A lack of vitamin C can deplete bone and muscle strength, leading to chronic fatigue and a lack of energy. In addition, folate deficiencies can cause anemia, wherein the body lacks red blood cells for carrying oxygen to the tissues3. Long-term nutrient deficiency resulting from high alcohol intake can have severe and wide-ranging impacts on a person’s health and bodily functions.
And high doses of vitamin C have been shown to increase endorphin levels, decrease opioid use, and reduce the withdrawal syndrome of heroin addicts (58). And researchers have concluded that magnesium supplementation can decrease nicotine addiction in heavy smokers. Every tissue in your body has vitamin D receptors, including the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system. Researchers have also studied the relapse rates of cocaine addicts discharged after a period of detoxification. And they found that the cocaine addicts who relapsed had significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to addicts who didn’t relapse (29).
- Even if you are not suffering from these conditions, taking glycine may help protect your liver if you have a history of heavy drinking.
- Vitamins are essential for aiding the liver after alcohol misuse by helping with detoxification, regeneration, and metabolism.
- And research in rats shows that ALCAR can significantly decrease alcohol consumption and reduce the onset of tremors during alcohol withdrawal.
- Because alcohol is an immunosuppressant, some people take vitamin C to combat some health risks of alcohol use.
- Other good sources of vitamin B6 include bananas, avocados, and peanuts.
Restoring collagen levels can improve the skin, blood vessels, and connective tissues. Various studies show that vitamin C reduces stress and anxiety and decreases the severity of depression (62-67). Zinc is an essential mineral for mental health, especially if you struggle with chronic anxiety.
How to Balance Alcohol and Supplements
- A lack of B vitamins can lead to fatigue, memory problems, and reduced alertness, so ensuring your body gets enough B vitamins is important during alcohol withdrawal and recovery.
- Another myth is that taking large doses of certain nutrients will speed up the recovery process.
- The commonly-prescribed antidepressant Wellbutrin is anticholinergic, meaning it inhibits the physiological action of acetylcholine.
- Magnesium is crucial for nerve and muscle function, as well as for maintaining a healthy immune system.
To ensure proper nutrition, you can consider including magnesium and zinc supplements in your daily regimen. If you or someone you care about is seeking support for the complex interplay between addiction and mental illness, Banyan Boca Mental Health remains a dedicated ally. Although Banyan Boca no longer offers addiction treatment, we understand the intricate relationship between mental health and substance use disorders. Furthermore, poor emotional control and coping skills can also be major contributors to addiction. Many people self-medicate by abusing drugs or engaging in other unhealthy habits in an attempt to reduce stress, anxiety, or emotional suffering. In this case, the insufficiency is either the existence of unresolved emotional difficulties or the absence of healthy coping mechanisms.
Lifestyle Changes and Holistic Approaches for Alcoholics
Alcohol use disorder can mean an individual experiences vitamin deficiencies, as alcohol can affect how the body absorbs and uses vitamins and nutrients. The timeline of detoxification varies between individuals and depends on the duration and extent of their drinking behavior. It may also depend on any other physical and mental health issues an individual has. Alcohol can cause malnutrition, malabsorption, and increased urinary excretion of the vitamin, leading to vitamin C deficiency. Severe deficiency, called scurvy, may result in anemia, bruising, and dental issues.
Long-Term Impacts of Nutrient Deficiency in Drinkers
People with alcohol use disorder are more likely to have a less nutritious diet, which exacerbates vitamin deficiencies. Alcohol tends to affect the absorption of all vitamins, but particularly vitamin B12, which depletes even with moderate alcohol use. Certain vitamins are vital to repairing and building cells required for bodily functions.
General Health
These vitamins also increase energy levels and stabilize mood, which can help reduce alcohol cravings. This deficiency can lead to problems, such as slow wound healing, softening of the bones, skin problems, decreased blood clotting, and neurological damage. Therefore, doctors may recommend nutrient supplementation as part of an individual’s detoxification and recovery process. Many people who struggle with their drinking don’t have enough L-glutamine in their systems. Adding this nutrient can help boost mood in recovery and reduce withdrawal symptoms, making it one of the best supplements for alcohol cravings. Remember to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on nutritional supplementation.