Alcohol Use Disorder: Nutrition During Recovery

Chronic alcohol intake can lead to diminished calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc levels. Similar to folic acid, deficiency can be caused by inadequate intake and alcohol inhibiting storage and absorption. While battling addiction, vitamins and nutrition are typically not prioritized. Not only that, drug and alcohol use can deplete necessary vitamin sources in our bodies.

AP AUDIO: Less alcohol, or none at all, is one path to better health.

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. Despite its presence in marijuana, CBD itself does not cause an individual to feel high. If you can find a pure or reliable source best vitamins for recovering alcoholics of CBD, it might be worth trying as a supplement for alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol interferes with the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Although small amounts of alcohol may not have a big impact on your nutritional health, many chronic, heavy drinkers struggle with significant nutrient deficiencies.

How Vitamins Can Help Recovery from Alcohol Abuse

Incorporating these supplements and remedies into your recovery plan can provide essential support for your body as you heal. Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, and always prioritize a balanced and nutrient-dense diet to aid in your recovery journey. Iron and calcium are two more critical minerals for anyone recovering from alcohol use disorder. Alcohol consumption can lead to iron deficiency, which may cause anemia, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.

Nutritional Support When Dealing with Withdrawal

To further regulate your appetite, consider consuming smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This will help maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing extreme highs and lows that can contribute to cravings. Staying hydrated is also essential, as dehydration can be mistaken for hunger and trigger alcohol cravings. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine, which can cause further dehydration. WKS often results due to inadequate absorption of thiamine from the digestive system, a common consequence of excessive alcohol consumption.

In other words, addiction can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. They aid in blood flow, organ, cell, and nerve function, and fight infections. Vitamins can contribute toward proper metabolism, blood sugar, skin/wound healing, hormone regulation, DNA/RNA, bone health, plus enzyme function. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ While all of it provided some relief and I learned a lot, I still struggled with insomnia, depression, and the underlying low-grade feeling I’m not ok. I thought maybe something was wrong with me and that it was something I would need to learn to live with for the rest of my life.

How Doctors and Nutritionists Can Help

But one often-overlooked aspect of beating addiction is nutrition in recovery. In a 2011 study, 20 participants recovering from AUD took a dietary supplement with D-phenylalanine, L-glutamine, and 5-HTP during detox. Results indicated reduced psychiatric symptoms and improved mental well-being and immune function. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for alcohol cravings, supplements can play an essential role in reducing them. Exploring the best supplements for alcohol cravings can help you overcome them and stay on the path to recovery.

• Additionally, treatment often involves the use of medications to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse.
• This comprehensive supplement contains a range of B vitamins, including thiamine (vitamin B1), which is especially important in preventing the development of Wernicke’s encephalopathy.
• It also supports immune function and helps repair damaged tissues, which can reduce alcohol cravings and improve overall health.
• You can load up on them through fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, refrigerated sauerkraut, kimchi, tempeh, and miso.
• Proper supplementation, under the guidance of healthcare professionals, can help replenish nutrient levels and support the recovery process.
• Of course, these are only 12 helpful options—there are many vitamins and supplements for alcoholics you can take to aid your system in recovery.

What Are the Most Important Vitamins to Take for Alcohol Use Disorder?

Some preliminary research also suggests citicoline could help people with alcohol, cannabis and food addiction (10). And there’s evidence that it helps reduce addiction to drugs (1). Research shows that vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause metabolic imbalances that create addictive cravings (97, 98). I personally have experience with tobacco, nicotine, alcohol, stimulant, benzodiazepines and antidepressant dependence, addiction and withdrawal. Learn more about the role of benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal. The neurotransmitters in your brain produce dopamine to help you “feel good”, however, drinking interrupts these neurotransmitters.

Vitamins for Alcoholics on the Road to Recovery

• Alcohol consumption can negatively impact your body’s ability to absorb and utilize essential vitamins and nutrients.
• 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.
• Other good sources of vitamin B6 include bananas, avocados, and peanuts.
• Plus, there is a correlation between less nutritious food intake and alcohol intake.
• B-complex vitamins are crucial in the recovery process as they help repair the damage alcohol has done to your body.
• Excessive urinary excretion of zinc and zinc deficiency have been found in drug addicts.