Posted by 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. It has long been used as a traditional remedy for a variety of illnesses, including liver damage. Although research is ongoing, there’s some evidence that milk thistle can help reduce the symptoms of cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. If you’re working on reducing your drinking, milk thistle can be one way to protect your liver from the damaging effects of alcohol.
They are so important that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests 45% to 65% of daily calories should come from carbs. 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. The body requires good nutrition to increase energy levels and maintain bodily processes.
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Creating a Nutritional Plan For Alcohol Recovery
B vitamins such as thiamine (vitamin B1) and folate (vitamin B9) are critical for brain function and energy production, which can be negatively impacted by chronic alcohol consumption. Regular supplementation of these vitamins may assist in restoring cognitive function and general vitality. Vitamins for recovering alcoholics can help replenish certain deficiencies caused by substance abuse, best vitamins for recovering alcoholics 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. Milk thistle is an herb related to daisies and ragweed that is sometimes used to treat liver damage, including alcoholic liver disease.
Deficiency in vitamin B3, or niacin, is also common in heavy drinkers. Early in recovery, your body will need to readjust to the feeling of hunger. 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. Chronic alcohol use can deplete your body of vitamins and minerals by reducing your appetite, interfering with nutrient absorption, and impairing your body’s ability to use nutrients effectively.
The Best Vitamins for a Person With Alcohol Use Disorder
It’s important to note that it’s best to avoid excessively sweet drinks like soda, teas, or juices sweetened with added sugars. If you want something with a bit of flavor, unsweetened green tea is a great choice. It’s also helpful to minimize caffeine intake, as caffeine is a diuretic and can exacerbate dehydration in early recovery. Before incorporating any new supplements or making drastic changes to your diet, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. People may need more of the substance or action to feel the same level of pleasure over time as their brain adjusts to these abnormally high quantities of neurotransmitters. This neurological component increases a person’s susceptibility to addiction, together with genetic predispositions and environmental factors.
- They can also provide several important nutrients often deficient in those with alcohol addiction.
- This deficiency can lead to problems, such as slow wound healing, softening of the bones, skin problems, decreased blood clotting, and neurological damage.
- Although there is little data about the benefit of vitamin B1 on alcohol withdrawal cravings, supplementing with vitamin B1 is important to avoid complications from alcohol use.
- Studies show that glycine is useful in treating both alcoholic hepatitis and carcinoma caused by alcoholic cirrhosis.