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Alcohol reduces appetite and makes it harder for the body to absorb and process vital nutrients. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can cause severe deficiencies in several vitamins and minerals. Supplementing with specific vitamins and minerals can support liver recovery, restore essential nutrients, and reduce alcohol cravings. Vitamins that may be beneficial for chronic alcoholics include thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Nutrition is a cornerstone in the journey of recovery from alcohol addiction, as it provides the body with essential tools to repair the damage caused by alcohol misuse. A balanced diet supports physical healing, improves mental health, and is an integral part of a successful recovery process.
To maintain healthy thiamine levels and support brain function, you should consume a balanced diet rich in thiamine sources. Moreover, medical professionals often recommend supplementing with oral or intravenous thiamine, especially for individuals with alcohol use disorder. Chronic alcohol use can suppress appetite and negatively impact the body’s ability to process and absorb nutrients. Supplementation with specific vitamins and minerals can support liver recovery, restore essential nutrients, and address nutrient deficiencies.
The Role of Vitamins in the Body
- This is because some supplements need to be closely monitored, including minerals like magnesium, which can build up in your body if you take too much.
- This can occur when an alcohol addiction becomes so preoccupying that the person with the addiction fails to eat like they should, getting most of their calories from alcohol.
- Your physician will also be able to provide specific guidance on which dosages you should take and how frequently they should be taken throughout the day.
- When dealing with alcohol use disorder, a comprehensive treatment plan is essential.
Recovery is all about regaining your strength and finding balance, both physically and mentally. Creating a strong nutritional foundation with the right supplements helps achieve this, and prepare you for a lifetime of better health. There are no meal plans that major scientific or medical organizations specifically recommend.
- Supplementation with thiamine can be beneficial for chronic alcoholics to address this deficiency and support their overall health.
- And in my experience and research, high-quality bioavailable nutrients are an important aspect of combating and correcting this.
- We’re a neuroscience-backed app that has helped millions of people reduce their alcohol consumption and develop healthier lifestyle habits.
- Drinking alcohol can inhibit fat absorption, this affects the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.
Vitamins to Take for Alcohol Withdrawal
Sarah Rights is a dynamic and inspirational certified personal trainer, known for her unique blend of gymnastics and strength training. Her journey into fitness began in her childhood, with a deep passion for gymnastics that later evolved into a career in personal training. Sarah’s gymnastic background gives her an exceptional understanding of body mechanics, flexibility, and balance. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
Nutritional Support When Dealing with Withdrawal
Valerian root is a plant extract that promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and stress, and improves sleep quality. It can help reduce alcohol cravings by calming the nervous system and reducing stress-related triggers. Recovering alcoholics should speak with their healthcare provider or a qualified nutritionist to help determine which supplements are right for them. 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. Additionally, people recovering from alcoholism may experience decreased appetite or gastrointestinal issues. These can make it difficult to get all the nutrients they need from food alone.
In addition, mixing these substances can cause liver strain and gastrointestinal distress. Consult your doctor about drinking and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. While glutamine supplements won’t cure alcohol-related liver disease, they can detoxify the liver to remove excess ammonia11. Glutamine can also modulate cognitive processes affected by alcohol use. In addition, ensuring adequate magnesium intake through diet or supplements may help reduce the risk of muscle-related issues. Vitamin C also plays a significant role in collagen production, which is depleted after heavy alcohol consumption.
Effects on digestion
Valerian root is known for its ability to promote relaxation and sleep, which can alleviate stress-related cravings for alcohol. Some people report vivid dreams or grogginess, so start with a low dose to gauge tolerance. Stick to low dosages initially (often 1-3 mg) to see how your body responds. Prolonged use or high doses of melatonin can lead to grogginess or changes in sleep patterns. NAC appears to help regulate the neurotransmitter glutamate, which plays a role in reward-seeking behaviors, including cravings.
Copper vs Zinc : The Trace Mineral Balance Your Body Is Craving
If your body is deficient in this amino acid, it’s common to experience fatigue, confusion, memory problems, a decrease in alertness, and to have a reduced appetite. D-phenylalanine also slows the breakdown of endorphins, which act as the body’s natural painkiller, prolonging their release into the body. Alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption, damages the gastrointestinal tract, and impairs the liver’s ability to metabolize nutrients. Alcohol affects nutrient absorption by damaging the stomach lining and intestines’ cells, disrupting nutrient transport2. Excessive drinking can cause malabsorption, causing further vitamin deficiencies. Early in recovery, your body will need to readjust to the feeling of hunger.
Choosing a nutritious diet helps you get healthier and is a step towards a better future.These small steps can lead to a healthier and happier life. Let’s look at the best foods to eat during recovery and why they’re good for you. We’ll also offer practical tips to help you maintain a healthy diet during recovery. If you’re working through alcohol dependency or supporting someone who is, it’s important to understand how a healthy diet Halfway house plays a role. The suite of B vitamins is essential for everyday brain functions, and that’s especially true for the heavy drinker. Below, you’ll find a list of vitamins, minerals & supplements that might just help you to heal your body from the years of abuse and neglect.
Sara Banta is a certified supplement expert, Top 10 Health Podcast Host and founder of Accelerated Health Products. Follow Sara Banta Health for the latest in natural health tips, news and updates. You would have heard about the Keto diet- it was the “only” way to lose weight, reverse chronic… Let’s break down some of the less obvious, yet significant ways alcohol affects your health. By balancing neurotransmitters like GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, L-theanine may support overall mood stability.