Individuals who are in recovery from alcohol abuse can greatly benefit from a healthy diet coupled Alcoholics Anonymous with a robust vitamin regimen. Replenishing vitamins and nutrients in a body depleted by alcoholism can help boost energy levels and diminish unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, helping greatly with the recovery process. Aperson with alcohol use disorder may be deficient in vitamins A, C, E, K and the B vitamins, as well as the minerals calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a doctor may prescribe vitamin B1 supplements to prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, which is a serious illness induced by vitamin B1 or thiamine deficiency.
What Essential Vitamins Do Drinkers Need?
The vitamin B complex in general, and particularly vitamins B1 (thiamin), B3 (niacin) and B5 (Pantothenic Acid), play a role in turning sugars into energy. Niacin, or vitamin B3, can also be found in pork, as well as in fortified cereals, salmon, and swordfish. Whole grains, milk, eggs, and liver are perhaps the best food sources for B5, or Pantothenic Acid. Laura Morris is an experienced clinical practitioner and CQC Registered Manager with over twenty years experience, over ten of which have been as an Independent Nurse Prescriber. She has held a number of senior leadership roles in the substance use and mental health sector in the NHS, the prison service and in leading social enterprises in the field. Vitamin B protects the liver from alcohol damage and can help stabilise mood swings and cognitive function.
Essential Vitamins for Optimal Health
- It is the third most common cause of preventable diseases worldwide after smoking and hypertension 2.
- Researchers have concluded that chronic vitamin D deficiency is an environmental factor contributing to drug use.
- The lowest concentration of serum selenium among liver diseases is found in HCC 18.
- Regular drinking increases the risk for a number of chronic conditions which can have serious health implications.
- Chronic use of drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and alcohol, can lead to the formation of oxidative stress (47).
- 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).
That’s why it’s important to eat three meals a day plus snacks as your body heals. If you don’t feel hungry, think about taking nutritional supplements. Basic (high quality) supplements are much safer than prescription drugs that mask best vitamins for recovering alcoholics the symptoms of underlying nutrient deficiencies.
Vitamin B5 – pantothenic acid
These deficits can cause low energy, skin issues, and oxygen insufficiency, among other health consequences. 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. Poor sleep can escalate stress https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and anxiety, which, in turn, might worsen alcohol cravings. Supplementing with melatonin may improve sleep quality and duration. By helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, passionflower may indirectly help curb alcohol cravings triggered by emotional distress.
Should I Take Vitamins Before Or After Drinking Alcohol
- Foods naturally rich in zinc include meat, shellfish, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, and nuts.
- When alcohol dependence leads to deficiencies, they can have a compounding effect on the substance use problem.
- Whole grains, milk, eggs, and liver are perhaps the best food sources for B5, or Pantothenic Acid.
- Findings of a small open study that enrolled 13 healthy males suggest that taking vitamin C before drinking may increase the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the blood.
N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of the amino acid carnitine. They are found primarily in fish and are necessary for the normal functioning of your brain and nervous system (18). Theanine is available in this anti-anxiety supplement, along with a number of other natural compounds that have helped me manage my anxiety over the years. I find that theanine improves my mood, helps me focus and cancels out the jitters of my morning coffee. My mind has a tendency to jump around a lot, and theanine helps me “zero in” on what I’m doing.