Besides providing educational information regarding a balanced diet, our program also offers guidance and addresses the nutritional deficiencies often accompanying alcohol addiction. The effect of deficiencies in thiamine and vitamin B for alcoholics can lead to peripheral neuropathy. This condition is when the peripheral nerves are either damaged or dysfunctioning. It can manifest as tingling, numbness, or painful https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ sensations in hands and feet.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant that has gained popularity as a supplement for nerve health. ALA has the ability to reduce oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, and it also plays a role in glucose metabolism, a critical factor in diabetic neuropathy. Studies suggest that ALA supplementation can alleviate symptoms of neuropathy, including pain and numbness, while enhancing the healing process of damaged nerves. A holistic approach is focused on helping someone maintain long-term recovery.
Zinc
Taking supplements can help alcoholics in experiencing withdrawal symptoms or undergoing detoxification. Some vitamins can provide significant benefits to counter some of the adverse effects of drinking. Studies have also found that magnesium deficiency is very common in people dealing with alcohol addiction and withdrawal.
Foods for Your Brain
It will help to minimize your hangover, and give your liver a little relief as well. And, because of that, alcoholics are usually very deficient in a variety of key vitamins and minerals. Whether through listening, playing an instrument, or singing, engaging with music can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote emotional expression. Music therapy can also enhance relaxation and provide a sense of control when emotions feel overwhelming. For people in recovery, it offers a creative and enjoyable way to process feelings like frustration or sadness.
Are There Risks Associated with Mixing Alcohol and Supplements?
- Some research has confirmed that patients who participate in Alcoholic Anonymous do better than those patients who use other approaches.
- Numbness or the “pins and needles” sensation is also common and typically starts in the extremities, such as the hands and feet.
- Besides providing educational information regarding a balanced diet, our program also offers guidance and addresses the nutritional deficiencies often accompanying alcohol addiction.
- One study demonstrated that alcohol increases vitamin C excretion in urine by 47%, 12 making it harder for alcoholics to retain it in the body.
- Instead of just stopping the drinking, it’s about teaching habits that support a healthier life.
- Vitamin C is also beneficial as it helps to protect the cells from damage caused by alcohol consumption.
Every tissue in your body has vitamin D receptors, including the brain, heart, muscles, and immune system. Oxidative stress can change neuronal pathways and cause addictive behaviour. But glutathione can reduce oxidative stress and therefore decrease the development of addiction (46). 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.
What are some common misconceptions or myths about supplements for recovering alcoholics?
As I’ve discussed before, theanine can protect your brain from alcohol, increase your brain’s growth hormone, and lower your stress hormones. 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. Unlike prescription anti-anxiety medication, it does not cause sedation and drowsiness (13, 14, 15). Historically, most drug treatment programs have included counseling and 12-step approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcohol and poor eating can stop your liver from releasing glucose into your blood.
It’s important to work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to determine the appropriate use of supplements as part of a larger recovery plan. For example, a vitamin B complex supplement can help address deficiencies in B vitamins, which are essential for many functions in the body, including energy production and nervous system function. We reached out to nutritionist and health advocate Meaghan Greenwood to ask some questions about supplements for recovering alcoholics.
It is critical to address thiamine deficiency as early as possible to prevent or alleviate the symptoms of WKS. 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. Successfully navigating sobriety involves addressing various facets of health, with nutritional considerations being just one vital component within a comprehensive rehabilitation approach. This will depend on their needs and the severity of their nutrient deficiencies.
Key Nutritional Components for an Effective Alcohol Recovery Diet
Incorporating these supplements and remedies into your recovery plan can provide essential support for your body as you heal. Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, and always prioritize a balanced and nutrient-dense diet to aid in your recovery journey. During the withdrawal process, alcohol cravings and irregular appetite may occur. To help manage these withdrawal symptoms, incorporate healthy food choices and regular eating patterns into your daily routine. 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 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. Results indicated reduced psychiatric symptoms and improved mental well-being and immune function. There are a lot of different options available on the market these days so it can feel overwhelming trying to make sense out of all these choices.
A potent multivitamin like Legion Triumph is often a good idea, and results are generally even better when combined with amino acids found in supplements like BR Restore. In this article, I’m going to discuss the best alcohol sober house detox supplements. We will review a number of highly effective supplements for alcoholics that include many basic vitamins and go well beyond them.
What are the Stats On Rehab and Recovery?
Studies suggest that lower levels of Vitamin B1 in blood serum are both created and reinforced by alcohol consumption, and craving alcohol6. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018. Anyone who is struggling with a serious drinking problem should seek professional care. People often ask me if I still take all of the supplements I’ve written about. I have a medicine cabinet filled with the aforementioned supplements, and it feels good to know that I have them just in case I need them. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol.
- D-phenylalanine also slows the breakdown of endorphins, which act as the body’s natural painkiller, prolonging their release into the body.
- NAC isn’t a well-known supplement, relatively speaking, but it’s incredibly well researched.
- DHM also appears to reduce inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver, helping to guard against alcohol-related liver disease.
- Overcoming alcohol use disorder can be a long and difficult process, and different people have different needs.
- In alcohol dependents, half of daily calories is from high alcohol intake.
Whole grains, such as oats, brown rice and quinoa, are essential to a recovery diet as they are rich in B vitamins and fiber. Alcohol depletes these vitamins, so replenishing them is key to recovery. Many holistic healers believe there is a link between sugar and alcoholism. That is, when alcohol is consumed there is an initial energy rush, followed by a severe drop in energy due to dropping sugar levels (blood glucose levels). It’s crucial to engage with your healthcare provider when considering vitamin supplementation as a means of support during your recovery. Doctors can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, medical history, and existing conditions.
This contributes to greater stability in recovery, making it easier to stick with sobriety. These 9 nutrients, vitamins and supplements have helped me minimize withdrawal symptoms, overcome my addictions, and get on with my life. 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. Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collards and turnip greens offer significant amounts of vitamin A and iron as well as other micronutrients needed for effective energy metabolism.