In addition to conventional treatments and complete abstinence, Dr. Weil recommends the following two supplements to people coping with alcohol dependence. If you’re struggling to stick with new habits during the recovery process, there are new ways to get the help you need. Ria Health’s online recovery coaching supports you in improving self-care, and sticking with sobriety long-term. You’ll also get access to anti-craving medications, expert medical advice, handy digital tools, and more—all through an app on your phone.
VITAL ROLE OF SUPPLEMENTS IN ADDICTION RECOVERY
If you’re working on reducing your drinking, milk thistle can be one way to protect your liver from the damaging effects of alcohol. As an individual dealing with alcoholism, it’s important to understand that self-medicating with vitamins and supplements can pose several risks. This post is the sixth in a series on non-pharmacologic approaches for managing symptoms related to alcohol and drug abuse and withdrawal and decreasing the risk of relapse. Previous posts commented on evidence for natural supplements, weak electrical current, and mindfulness for reducing drug and alcohol use and treating symptoms of withdrawal.
Vitamin C and Immune System Support
Eat beans, peas, lentils, pork, brown rice, and fortified foods like breakfast cereal. Not getting enough of this vitamin can lead to anemia, depression, confusion, and a weak immune system. Poultry, fish, non-citrus fruit, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes are good sources.
Role of Fatty Acids, Amino Acids, and Other Nutrients in Alcohol Recovery
The physiological and metabolic consequences of chronic alcohol consumption can significantly impact one’s overall health, making a well-structured and balanced diet essential during the recovery journey. The addiction experts at our drug rehab in Sebring share expert tips on nutrition for recovering alcoholics, outlining the dietary considerations that can aid in recovery from alcoholism. By understanding the intricate relationship between alcoholism and nutrition, we aim to provide evidence-based insights to support individuals in their path to sobriety. In the journey towards recovery from alcoholism, replenishing your body’s nutrients is crucial. Vitamin B complex, which includes essential vitamins such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and others, plays a vital role in supporting liver function, brain health, and energy production.
- Remember that nutritional therapy should be just one piece of your whole treatment program.
- The best source of vitamin C in the United States is orange juice from frozen concentrate (more of the vitamin is preserved when the oranges are frozen).
- In this case, the insufficiency is either the existence of unresolved emotional difficulties or the absence of healthy coping mechanisms.
- Lack of vitamin B1 can cause a life-threatening condition called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.
- One option is high doses of oral vitamin B supplementation, which can help correct deficiencies without causing adverse effects.
Signs and symptoms of AWS
Protein is the building block your body needs to repair itself, whether that’s after a workout or after malnourishment from chronic alcohol use. It’s an essential part of https://ecosoberhouse.com/ a healthy diet for alcoholics who are in recovery. Valerian root is a plant extract that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and stress, and improves sleep quality.
Zinc supplements can help reduce cravings by improving mood, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy brain function. 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.
What are some common nutritional deficiencies that can result from alcoholism?
- Because those who struggle with alcohol often have nutritional deficiencies, a zinc deficiency is possible, and supplementation can be helpful.
- These nutrients are key to fighting conditions like cancer, chronic pain, premature aging, diabetes, immunity issues, and more.
- One of them is chronic alcohol consumption, which often leads people to poor nourishment.
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. Heavy drinking makes it harder for your organs to work the way they’re supposed to, especially your stomach lining, pancreas, vitamins for recovering alcoholics intestines, and liver. Loss of appetite is one of the signs of liver diseases like cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. One 2019 study found that a significant portion of individuals with AUD admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) had vitamin C deficiency, with 42% being severely deficient.
- In alcoholics, consistent alcohol consumption can impair protein synthesis, negatively affecting the body’s ability to regenerate and repair damaged cells.
- Long-term nutrient deficiency resulting from high alcohol intake can have severe and wide-ranging impacts on a person’s health and bodily functions.
- Alcoholics may have weakened immune systems, so increasing your intake of vitamin C can give your body the support it needs to fight off potential threats.
- Successfully navigating sobriety involves addressing various facets of health, with nutritional considerations being just one vital component within a comprehensive rehabilitation approach.
Diet for Alcoholics: Dealing with Different Cravings After Quitting Alcohol
