5 Supplements That Support Alcohol Recovery

Further, kudzu does not affect sleep cycles and may start working after a single dose. Some supplements can interact with prescription medications commonly used in recovery treatment, so dosages will have to be monitored and chosen properly to avoid any complications. That’s why working alongside a trained and compassionate care team is necessary to make sure you move from addiction to recovery properly. Your care team can help you choose the best supplements for your recovery and guide you through their proper use.

Extracted to improve bioavailability, the blend provides beta glucans and other compounds to support healthy aging, heart and brain health, and beauty. The formula includes Vitamin A, C, D3, a blend of B Vitamins, Iodine, Zinc, and more. Vitamin A supports tissue and bone repair as well as good vision, while Vitamin C helps to support the muscular system, connective tissue, skin, and immune function.

Taurine is an amino acid known to lower levels of acetaldehyde—a toxic metabolite produced when your body breaks down alcohol. Chronic, heavy drinking can reduce taurine levels in the body, and adding it back in appears to help with withdrawal symptoms and detox. In one study, patients who took taurine supplements experienced fewer severe withdrawal symptoms, such as delirium and hallucinations. L-glutamine is another great supplement for anyone trying to reduce their alcohol consumption. This amino acid occurs naturally in the body and many protein-rich foods, and is a building block for some of the brain chemicals that regulate anxiety and depression.

A good diet can help promote improved energy and enhance the body’s ability to respond to physical stress during recovery. Your diet can also impact neurotransmitter levels and function and gut bacteria. Vitamins for recovering alcoholics can help replenish certain deficiencies caused by substance abuse, but vitamins alone cannot help a person get healthy after getting sober. Addiction is connected to other diseases or health problems, so speaking with a doctor throughout the recovery journey is vital for ensuring that you’re taking care of any other issues. Vitamin D deficiency is widespread in people recovering from alcohol abuse and is linked to mood disorders and immune dysfunction. Vitamin K supports liver function and blood clotting, both compromised in alcohol-related liver disease.

How Alcohol Affects Your Nutrition

Staying hydrated supports essential body processes, including nutrient absorption and oxygen transportation. Without enough water, organs may struggle to function properly, ultimately impeding recovery (Jackson House Rehab). Additionally, hydration can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, making the recovery experience more manageable (Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare). These foods are rich in fiber, which further aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

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However, when the brain heals from the effects of alcohol, cognitive capacity and clarity of thought typically increase over time. Vitamin C helps to keep the skin healthy, and plays an equally important role in the health of bones, teeth and blood vessels. Deficiencies in vitamin C can cause symptoms that include irritability, weakness and muscle fatigue.

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• Naltrexone can help retrain your brain to be less interested in alcohol over time, while acamprosate, baclofen, gabapentin, and topiramate can all help reduce cravings for alcohol.
• By addressing nutritional imbalances and supporting your body’s repair processes, you can pave the way towards a healthier future.
• Nutritional supplements are becoming more and more popular in the United States.
• The best vitamins include B-complex (especially B1, B6, and B12), vitamin C, vitamin D, and magnesium.
• Long-term nutrient deficiency resulting from high alcohol intake can have severe and wide-ranging impacts on a person’s health and bodily functions.
• It’s important to always work with your healthcare provider and recovery team before starting any supplement regimen.

Prolonged alcohol use can also cause a severe deficiency in thiamine, a nutrient vital to brain health; this deficiency can lead to permanent brain damage. Alcohol negatively impacts your overall Alcoholics Anonymous nutritional health, impairing your body’s ability to heal quickly and effectively. These nutritional deficiencies can make it harder to recover from alcohol addiction and create other health problems. Making good dietary choices as you recover from alcohol addiction will help you be well-equipped to succeed in your recovery journey. When recovering from alcohol addiction, it is important to eat the right foods to help our body heal and stay healthy. Each of us has different dietary needs, so it’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor or nutrition expert for advice that’s right for you.

A common indicator of reduced vitamin A in alcoholics is impaired night vision (Nyctalopia). Long term drinkers with nutritional issues usually suffer from more deficiencies than vitamin B alone. Studies suggest that lower levels of Vitamin B1 in blood serum are both created and reinforced by alcohol consumption, and craving alcohol6. L-theanine can promote alpha brain wave activity, contributing to a relaxed but alert mental state. Reduced stress and improved calmness can help mitigate the desire to turn to alcohol.

DL-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which plays an important role in the functioning of your nervous system. 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. Each capsule serving contains 500mg of thiamine fortified with 25mg of benfotiamine, providing a total of 120 potent servings per bottle. This dual-acting formula promotes healthy energy levels, supports the nervous system, and aids in glucose metabolism.

Focusing on proper nutrition, including the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids, can significantly aid in the alcohol recovery process. By addressing nutritional imbalances and supporting your body’s repair processes, you can pave the way towards a healthier future. Consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources will help ensure you receive all the necessary amino acids for proper healing and a successful recovery. Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, are crucial for maintaining and repairing the body’s tissues, including muscles, bones, and organs. In alcoholics, consistent alcohol consumption can impair protein synthesis, negatively affecting the body’s ability to regenerate and repair damaged cells.

• You’ll likely need magnesium supplementation for at least 8 weeks after completing detox, as research shows this duration provides long-term benefits for recovering patients.
• Researchers have also studied the relapse rates of cocaine addicts discharged after a period of detoxification.
• Therefore, supplementing B vitamins can help alcoholics in their recovery process by reducing the risk of health complications and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
• Restoring normal magnesium levels with a supplement can help support physical recovery from alcohol dependence.

Poor sleep can escalate stress and anxiety, which, in turn, might worsen alcohol cravings. It’s important to always work with your healthcare provider and recovery team before starting any supplement regimen. It’s even more critical if you’re currently using medications or have underlying health conditions. Ever find that alcohol recovery leaves you with an upset stomach and inconsistent bowel movements? Consistent use of alcohol can damage the microbiome of bacteria that help process food and remove waste in your gut, which leads to a variety of health issues.

Zinc supports immune function, making this blend of vitamins and minerals a comprehensive way to support overall health. When dealing with alcohol use disorder, a comprehensive treatment plan is essential. Addiction medicine focuses on finding the most effective ways to help you overcome alcoholism. This includes medical detoxification, which helps minimize withdrawal symptoms and ensures safety during the process.

It eases inflammation and protects the thin layer that surrounds your brain cells, called the cell membrane. Canola, olive, safflower, sesame, and sunflower oils are good sources of healthy fats. Thiamine B1 is especially beneficial for alcoholics, as many experience deficiencies related to nerve problems. When alcoholics are admitted to the emergency room, it isn’t uncommon for them to receive an intravenous dose of thiamine to prevent alcohol-induced cognitive deficits. 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.