Last but certainly not least is increasing water intake; when transitioning away from alcohol many people forget how important it is to stay hydrated in order to keep your body functioning optimally. Making sure you start your day off right by having eight 8oz glasses per day sets up a foundation for proper nutrition throughout the rest of your meals. 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). Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. More research is needed, but early studies suggest that CBD may help with pain management, anxiety, alcohol cravings, and even liver and brain damage linked to excessive drinking.
Long-Term Impacts of Nutrient Deficiency in Drinkers
Overall, citicoline is one of my favourite supplements for optimal brain function and mental health. The brain changes during the first several weeks of recovery after alcohol withdrawal. Recovery from neurotransmitter imbalance can cause anxiety, tremors, and insomnia. People should learn from these things since, as mentioned before, requesting help, attending a support group, or contacting a friend is critical to recovery. It is also important to remember that recovering from alcoholism might be challenging but, at the same time, very beneficial for you and your loved ones, which would probably result in a happier life. Over time, better social connections can form, but at first, a person may need to make changes to their social life, such as staying away from places or people that are linked to drinking.
How can you detox alcohol from your body quickly?
Protein is essential for the brain and heart and serves as the building blocks for all the body’s muscles. Having enough protein can help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, and fatigue. In general, healthy and nutritious foods are the best to eat when you first stop drinking alcohol. If you’re experiencing withdrawal symptoms, maintaining a healthy diet can help your body rehydrate, build back its strength, and restore the nutrients that may have become depleted best vitamins for recovering alcoholics due to alcohol use. Hydration plays a significant role in the recovery process for alcoholics.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Brain Fuel For Clarity & Mood
Research published in 2022 found that individuals who were alcohol dependent had significantly lower levels of both zinc and magnesium compared to the control group. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can lead to severe deficiency in several vitamins and minerals. Research suggests that NAC may help curb cravings by modulating glutamate levels in the brain, which play a role in addiction pathways. What if the Wernicke encephalopathy diagnosis is wrong but providers initiate treatment?
- Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and trout are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits.
- If, by any chance, you relapse, you are going to have support and the education to understand that rehabilitation is an ongoing process that requires constant work and commitment.
- Thiamine deficiency, in particular, can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious brain disorder.
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. Alcohol abuse often leads to malnutrition and specific nutrient deficiencies, particularly of B vitamins and vitamin A, which are crucial for maintaining healthy bodily functions.
- Taking B vitamins in recovery helps ensure that the body is replenished with these critical nutrients, which are often depleted during addiction.
- Eating a healthy diet and supplementing with vitamins as needed can help correct some of the damage from drinking.
- Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, more if you’re active or it’s hot.
- It can be an especially good alcohol recovery supplement for people with liver damage.
- Thirty subjects with methadone dependence were given 2 grams of ALCAR daily during a 3-week detoxification period, and it reduced their pain and the length of their withdrawal (49).
Individuals with alcohol use disorder may experience deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B. A doctor may recommend taking supplements to help them through the detoxification process. This nutrient plays a major role in mood regulation, immune function, and bone health.
Mental Health, Cognitive Aspects, and Behavioral Therapies
To monitor their progress and adjust their supplement regimen accordingly, people should work with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to track changes in their nutrient levels and overall health. Recovering alcoholics should speak with their healthcare provider or a qualified nutritionist to help determine which supplements are right for them. Most people use a combination of vitamins to help stabilize the brain and body while quitting drinking. While there is no single compound that is as effective as multi-nutrient blends, a good place to start is BR Restore, which covers many bases of nutrient repair.
Water and Hydrating Foods
Most of the symptoms are easily curable when you correct the deficiency. Thiamine in the treatment of Wernicke encephalopathy in patients with alcohol use disorders. Call The Dawn today to learn more about how we can help you overcome addiction Halfway house and live a healthier life. Choline is found in foods like brussels sprouts, salmon, eggs, almonds, and shitake mushrooms, but generally people don’t consume enough of these types of foods to boost choline to its optimal level. Empower change with effective strategies to address alcohol and underage drinking. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, more if you’re active or it’s hot.
Foods That Cause Fatigue
It also increases the number of acetylcholine and dopamine receptors in your brain (2-7). Supplements are products that are taken orally to supplement or add to the nutrients that someone gets from their diet. Took three times but now I am alcohol free for 26 weeks 3 days, AND I have alcohol in the house. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant drugs that must be prescribed by doctors. They are often a necessary part of detox for people who have been drinking very heavily for months or years.
Understanding Vitamin Deficiencies in Alcohol Recovery
- Joining support groups focused on recovery and staying informed about nutrition and recovery through reliable sources are also effective ways to maintain a healthy diet during recovery.
- Natural foods such as fruits and vegetables contain high water content and are beneficial for individuals in recovery.
- By restoring healthy magnesium levels, individuals may experience improved sleep, reduced anxiety and more balanced muscle function.
- We are licensed by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health & Department Services to provide SA IOP (Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program) and OP (Outpatient Program) levels of care.
- We are not a 12-step or religious-based program, but we’ll be happy to help with transport if these resources are available in the Sedona area and you wish to participate in them.
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. Benzodiazepines activate a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid), preventing seizures that can arise as fatal complications of withdrawals. It’s recommended to consult with your doctor before beginning a new vitamin regimen to assure appropriate, personalized dosage and vitamins. Increased alcohol can lead to heart issues, sleep disturbances, cancer, cirrhosis, dementia, diabetes, organ failure, and many other conditions. Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe. Learn which signs to look out for, and how to care for your well-being.