Vitamin B3 or niacin, metabolizes alcohol out of your body and regulates part of the stress-related hormones of the adrenal glands. Using vitamins B3, B6 and B9 in higher doses reduces alcohol cravings and anxious tension, as well as insomnia and mood fluctuations. Daily intake of vitamin B3 is 14 to 16 mg with an upper limit of 35 mg. The vitamin B6 daily intake is 1.4 mg with an upper limit of 100 mg and vitamin B9 is 400 mg with a limit of 1,000 mg. Consult your physician before exceeding the daily dose of these B vitamins for managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Because excessive alcohol use can lead to protein deficiency, it’s great to add low-fat proteins into your recovery diet.
The road to recovery for alcoholics seeking to restore their liver health is paved with promising options. By incorporating the best liver supplements into their regimen, individuals can effectively combat alcohol-induced liver damage and embark on a journey towards rejuvenation and healing. Understanding the role of antioxidants in alcoholic liver recovery is crucial. best vitamins for recovering alcoholics These powerful substances help neutralize harmful free radicals that arise from excessive alcohol consumption. Look for supplements that contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium to support your liver’s detoxification process and protect against further damage. Avoiding processed foods high in sugars and unhealthy fats is crucial for liver health.
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Use these tips, along with a consultation with your personal healthcare provider or dietician for more personalized guidance on this matter. Proper nutrition is essential in recovering from alcohol addiction. Adopting a balanced diet can assist the body in healing and recovering from the damage inflicted by long-term alcohol abuse. Because those who struggle with alcohol often have nutritional deficiencies, a zinc deficiency is possible, and supplementation can be helpful. Zinc may also help reset some of the glutamate brain pathways that are overly active during alcohol withdrawal, thus possibly helping alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Using a multivitamin or B-complex vitamin during alcohol withdrawal is helpful for preventing malnourishment of nutrients.
They can also affect your mood when they wear off, which could make you want to drink. There hasn’t been a lot of research on the role of nutritional therapy in recovery from substance use yet. That said, some studies have found that it can boost your chances for a successful recovery.
Nutritional Deficiencies Caused By Alcohol
It also affects your body’s ability to absorb B vitamins and folic acid. It can trigger irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal illnesses, too. In a 2011 study, 20 participants recovering from AUD took a dietary supplement with D-phenylalanine, L-glutamine, and 5-HTP during detox.
Supplementing magnesium during alcohol detox can help improve some withdrawal symptoms. Magnesium helps your body absorb other vitamins, eases muscle aches and tension, and aids in sleep. Omega-3 fatty acids have gained attention for their potential benefits in promoting liver health among individuals struggling with alcohol-induced damage. Including sources rich in omega-3s such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts in your diet or considering omega-3 supplements may aid in reducing inflammation and promoting liver regeneration. Ultimately, the treatment of alcohol-induced liver damage requires a multidimensional approach.
Using Nutrition to Improve Neuroplasticity
Withdrawal is also a time when your body is hyperactive and sensitive to stimulation, so avoiding foods or beverages with caffeine is a good idea. As with any supplement regimen, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure these are appropriate and safe for your personal health circumstances. It is also important to remember that supplementation should support, not replace, a balanced diet. As a dietitian, I like to promote “food first.” However, when our bodies are low on essential nutrients, the best way to replete those nutrients is with supplementation. Alcohol intake can slow down metabolism and lead to decreased intake.
- If you are vitamin A deficient, it is important that you take a supplement under the care of a physician, as high doses can lead to liver disease.
- Alcohol affects each person differently, but over time, it always leads to nutritional deficiencies.
- Before starting any new supplement, you should first discuss doing so with your doctor.
- Many people self-medicate by abusing drugs or engaging in other unhealthy habits in an attempt to reduce stress, anxiety, or emotional suffering.
- This substance has been shown to cause deficiencies in essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that are needed to support detoxification and other biochemical processes.
Individuals who are in recovery from alcohol abuse can greatly benefit from a healthy diet coupled with a robust vitamin regimen. Replenishing vitamins and nutrients in a body depleted by alcoholism can help boost energy levels and diminish unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, helping greatly with the recovery process. Alcoholism is characterized by a physiological and psychological addiction to the substance, which gradually occurs from chronic use changing brain chemistry. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that alcohol abuse and alcoholism impact nearly 18 million Americans in a given year 1. Upon cessation of alcohol use, the body undergoes withdrawal symptoms such as depression and anxiety, sleeplessness, and fatigue.