Alcohol Use Disorder: Nutrition During Recovery

It may also depend on any other physical and mental health issues an individual has. However, people who misuse alcohol may eat less food and commonly have deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, selenium, protein, and certain vitamins. 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. That is always tricky because I mean people can have great effects and can start to see benefits right away. And I don’t want to say that you shouldn’t hope for that or you can’t have that, but when I hear that week one, your sleep will be better, week two, your skin will look fresher, all that stuff.

Are there specific vitamins that can help with alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

• In turn, that can increase your risk of low blood sugar as a side effect of saxagliptin.
• In addition, Shiling designed training in recognizing Wernicke encephalopathy for all CeDAR nurses and physicians and a tool for assessing the condition that is now in the Epic electronic health record.
• They can also affect your mood when they wear off, which could make you want to drink.
• The doctor may tell you to take supplements to raise your nutrient levels.
• Zumpano offers some tips on how to put together a balanced, heart-friendly diet.

Combine vitamin C with plant-based sources of iron to increase absorption. “Calcium also plays a role in muscle function and is necessary for nerves to carry messages from your brain to your body,” Patton adds. “Vitamin E has the antioxidant benefits of keeping your immune system strong, but also can help with dilating blood vessels and preventing blood clots,” Patton explains. “If you’re trying to maximize your iron absorption, having more vitamin C is beneficial,” Patton notes. This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence.

Why Do We Need Supplements For Alcohol Detox?

It seems like the recommendation is moving towards no amount is actually considered safe. And so it’s not like that one best vitamins for recovering alcoholics glass of wine at dinner is going to give you cancer per se. It’s just that there is no amount that is without any risk.

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Alongside herbal remedies, it’s essential to consume antioxidants to help neutralize free radicals—harmful molecules that can damage cells in your body. Free radicals are especially problematic for those recovering from alcoholism, as they can contribute to liver damage and other health issues. Alcohol use disorder can mean an individual experiences vitamin deficiencies, as alcohol can affect how the body absorbs and uses vitamins and nutrients. As a result, they may have low levels of vitamin A, B, or C. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) encompasses the symptoms an individual with alcohol use disorder experiences if they stop drinking suddenly, or reduce their alcohol intake significantly. 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.

Nutrition Recommendations for Those who Consume Alcohol

Shiling and Bebo pointed to the case of a patient who arrived at CeDAR severely intoxicated and exhibited “the classic triad of symptoms” of Wernicke encephalopathy, as Bebo put it. The patient received IV thiamine treatment within one hour, helping to lead to a positive outcome. After implementing the protocol, Shiling analyzed three months of data and found that of 57 patients admitted to CeDAR for alcohol use disorder, 22 received IV thiamine. Another five met the screening standard but did not receive the therapy for a variety of reasons, he said.

• In this article, I’m going to discuss the best alcohol detox supplements.
• Multaq (dronedarone) is prescribed for certain adults to help prevent a hospital stay for atrial fibrillation (AFib).
• But that also is the reason why people who drink regularly can get things like high blood pressure and can get mood changes and other psychiatric and psychologic features from this as well.
• Alcohol affects nutrient absorption by damaging the stomach lining and intestines’ cells, disrupting nutrient transport2.
• Other research shows that thorough nutrition education can improve the odds that you’ll still be sober after 3 months.

Related to Vitamins & Supplements

While people naturally produce some vitamins or receive them from healthy food, taking dietary supplements is a great way to deal with nutrient deficiency. Vitamins B6 and B12 play important roles in producing blood cells and supporting the health of the nervous system. Other good sources of vitamin B6 include bananas, avocados, and peanuts. Vitamin B12 is only found in animal byproducts, which includes dairy and eggs.

• Studies show that supplementation of over 1 mg of folic acid per day can be unsafe for the nervous system and can also mask the B12 deficiency, so it is not recommended [30].
• If individuals believe they have a problem with alcohol or if they drink more than the recommended amounts, they should speak with their doctor for support and advice.
• And especially as soon as you stop drinking, the fatty liver and that kind of stuff can start to resolve.
• Combined with poor nutrition, this may increase your risk of alcohol-induced injury to your liver, intestines, lungs, and brain.
• Before you start treatment with Multaq, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis.
• This herb helps ease symptoms of depression and other conditions.

Libido can return and can improve for people who have been drinking for a long time, but again, in the short term may actually be even worse. So it is hard to kind of coach people through that when they’re expecting great results and not seeing them. But there’s a great chance that people could see those results right away. Patton shares thoughts on some of the most vital vitamins you should have every day. And she offers advice on what vitamin supplements to talk with your provider about if you worry you’re not getting enough from the foods you eat.

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

Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that is activated by ultraviolet (UV) light. So, people who spend considerable time indoors are at higher risk for deficiency. People who smoke require an additional 35 mg per day of vitamin C to counteract some of the oxidative stress that smoking causes in your body. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health. 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.

• Severe deficiency can lead to conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, characterized by confusion, coordination problems, and memory loss.
• News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
• For example, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD, notes you should limit fish that’s high in mercury, like albacore tuna, swordfish and king mackerel, to 6 ounces a week.
• I discuss the benefits of these 7 fatty acids and amino acids for alcohol detox in much more detail in a related article.
• For this reason, your doctor may advise you to protect against sun exposure during Multaq treatment.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid excessive caffeine, which can cause further dehydration.

Signs & Symptoms Of Vitamin B Deficiency

Milk thistle is a natural supplement that contains silymarin, a powerful antioxidant known for its liver-protecting properties. By helping to detoxify the liver, milk thistle can support your recovery by enhancing liver function and promoting regeneration. If individuals believe they have a problem with alcohol or if they drink more than the recommended amounts, they should speak with their doctor for support and advice. Many treatment protocols for AWS involve supportive care as the person withdraws to ease the discomfort of the symptoms. Therefore, long-term alcohol use leads to lower nutrient consumption and can affect how the body uses this limited supply of nutrients.