However, alcohol abusers will find that a holistic approach to recovery that integrates a nourishing diet and this type of vitamin supplementation helps them through the process. Concentrating on regaining good health can maximize the chances of success in recovery from addiction and set recovering alcoholics on the right path to a new life. During the journey to recovery from alcohol dependence, a balanced diet plays a crucial role in restoring physical health and supporting brain function. Carbohydrates and fats are two macronutrients that are especially important in this process. Drug and alcohol misuse and addiction can cause nutritional deficiencies and issues with digestion.
Alcohol use continues to skyrocket, prompting young people to need liver transplants — especially young women
Overall, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the goal of detoxification is to help make withdrawal safer, more humane and prepare the individual for ongoing treatment. People with vitamin C deficiency or scurvy may also have issues with wound healing, swollen and bleeding gums, tooth loss, and jaundice. 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. That’s what evens out your moods, helps you sleep better, and soothes the urge for alcohol. Experts suggest a diet with lots of complex carbs like whole grains, veggies, peas, and beans.
- Zinc may also help reset some of the glutamate brain pathways that are overly active during alcohol withdrawal, thus possibly helping alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- While the recovery period may be challenging, it’s also filled with milestones that can transform your life into one that’s better than you could have previously imagined.
- Additionally, you may consider visiting the American Addiction Centers (AAC) addiction helpline.
Detox Vitamins and Supplements Guide
- Alcohol interacts with neurotransmitters including gamma-aminobutyric acid.
- Take into account your unique situation and try to determine the factors that contributed to your drinking problem.
- But one often-overlooked aspect of beating addiction is nutrition in recovery.
- A diet tailored for alcohol recovery aims to replenish essential nutrients, support liver repair, enhance cognitive function, and promote overall well-being.
- Vitamins and nutrient-dense foods are imperative in treating alcohol addiction and its consequences.
Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that the body needs for many biological processes such as, enzyme reactions, hormone synthesis, and tissue structure. However, some doctors dispute the use of vitamin C supplements and no official guidelines exist for treatment during alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol can cause malnutrition, malabsorption, and increased urinary excretion of the vitamin, leading to vitamin C vitamins for recovering alcoholics deficiency. Severe deficiency, called scurvy, may result in anemia, bruising, and dental issues. Taking a vitamin C supplement can help you feel better, which is essential to maintaining your sobriety. Many individuals who drink large quantities of alcohol are deficient in vitamin B1, or thiamine.
Can I stop drinking by myself?
Through mechanisms not altogether well-understood, their presence in the brain can send signals that turn down our drive to eat. Engaging in regular physical activity can also help alleviate stress and strengthen your journey toward sobriety. Consider exploring different forms of exercise, like yoga, jogging, and swimming, to identify what resonates with you the most.
- However, some doctors dispute the use of vitamin C supplements and no official guidelines exist for treatment during alcohol withdrawal.
- Nutritional deficiencies can also cause withdrawal-like symptoms such as fatigue, depression, irritability, and other mental symptoms that block recovery and lead to a relapse.
It will help to minimize your hangover, and give your liver a little relief as well. Unfortunately, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/blood-thinners-and-alcohol-risks-and-side-effects/ most people don’t consume enough omega-3 fatty acids through their diet. That’s why I recommend people supplement with krill oil, a special kind of fish oil that contains the essential omega-3 fatty acids. I find that I have a brighter outlook on life when I take krill oil consistently. Overall, citicoline is one of my favourite supplements for optimal brain function and mental health.
Conditions
While the abstinence stage of withdrawal causes mostly physical symptoms, post-acute withdrawal is very psychological and emotional. So far, there’s no consensus on the medical definition of recovery in alcohol treatment literature. If you’re ready to make a positive change, here’s what you may want to know about the recovery process.