Alcohol intake can also affect vital organs which can lead to imbalances in the body. Additionally, chronic alcohol use may cause issues with metabolism, utilization, and absorption of vitamins. Alcohol intake can slow down metabolism and lead to decreased intake. Minimal food intake can lead to malnutrition and vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help manage stress and maintain mental clarity during the recovery process. Medical detox may include IV thiamine and magnesium under monitoring.
Fatty Acids and Amino Acids
NAC is also the precursor to glutathione, your body’s master antioxidant, which can help fight addiction. In one study, alcoholic patients treated with ALCAR stayed sober for longer because it reduced their cravings (48). It has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects, and as I’ve discussed before, it can support your mitochondria, protect your brain from alcohol, and help you overcome brain fog. Theanine is available in this anti-anxiety supplement, along with a number of other natural compounds that have helped me manage my anxiety over the years. It’s known to produce a calming effect on the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier and increasing the production of both GABA and dopamine in the brain.
Magnesium: Natural Calmer And Muscle Healer
Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in the body while water soluble vitamins cannot. If you’re looking for the most necessary vitamins to include moving forward, this article is for you. Download the free book from StopDrinkingExpert.com tonight, stock your supplement kit tomorrow, and watch your body thank you—one clear sunrise at a time. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder.
Struggling With Addiction or Mental health Issues?
We’ll dive into each type in related what vitamins are good for alcoholics articles to help you determine whether or not you think these alcohol detox supplements are right for you. Years ago, I had cravings that were so bad that I wondered if they would be a permanent part of my life. The body requires good nutrition to increase energy levels and maintain bodily processes. If someone regularly drinks more than the recommended amounts of alcohol — one drink daily for women and no more than two drinks daily for men — they may experience negative health consequences.
What role does protein play in recovery from alcohol addiction?
However, not all anti-alcohol supplements are created equal, and it’s essential to choose a high-quality product to ensure maximum effectiveness. 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.
During alcohol withdrawal, your immune system health is compromised due to added stress, which hinders normal nervous system functions. The University of Michigan Health System suggests supplementing vitamin C to rid the body of excess alcohol during the initial withdrawal. The upper limit for daily vitamin C is 2,000 mg, however, medically supervised dose increase is advised before taking vitamin C exceeding the daily recommendation of 90 mg.
In addition, folate deficiencies can cause anemia, wherein the body lacks red blood cells for carrying oxygen to the tissues3. While taking vitamins can’t “cure” the consequences of increased alcohol intake, they play a critical role in the recovery of chronic alcoholics. Taking supplements like vitamin C, NAC, and GABA may help replenish your nutrient stores, potentially reducing your cravings and easing your withdrawal symptoms.
People who live with alcohol use disorder may develop a range of symptoms if they stop drinking suddenly. They may also experience vitamin deficiencies, as alcohol impairs the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients. 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.
- Long-term alcohol use can cause vitamin A levels to fall in the liver, the primary organ that breaks down alcohol and stores vitamin A.
- Supplements with anti-oxidative properties may help to neutralise metabolites of alcohol which normally have damaging effects15.
- This not only keeps meals exciting but also ensures you are getting a range of nutrients.
- It’s important to test and monitor your Vitamin D levels before and after supplementing with it.
- It’s also important for a recovering alcoholic to recognize the importance of dietary habits when it comes to their well-being too.
Whole Foods: Stabilize Blood Sugar & Energy
- Although there is little data about the benefit of vitamin B1 on alcohol withdrawal cravings, supplementing with vitamin B1 is important to avoid complications from alcohol use.
- So if you’re struggling with alcoholism or social drinking, then you should definitely consider taking liver supplements and modifying your lifestyle to keep your liver healthy.
- Symptoms can cause fatigue, weakness or fainting and heart rate irregularities.
- While battling addiction, vitamins and nutrition are typically not prioritized.
While some can manage their intake, others grapple with habits of addiction and dependency stemming from alcohol consumption. For individuals considering lowering or drug addiction even eradicating their alcohol intake, an anti-alcohol supplement might serve as a valuable aid. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplement for alcohol withdrawal.
Alcohol-induced liver disease is reversible, which means that if you stop alcohol consumption and take the necessary liver supplements, your liver should return to normal. However, the fat deposition will continue if left unchecked, ultimately leading to alcoholic liver disease. Liver supplements are a type of dietary supplement that helps cleanse the body and protect against damage done by toxins.