Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress within the liver caused by alcohol abuse. It also helps stimulate collagen production necessary for repairing damaged tissues. Omega-3 fatty acids have gained attention for their positive impact on overall health, including liver function among alcoholics. Key vitamins for alcoholics to consider include thiamine, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin D.
Conversely, Gibson et al. [54] has shown that two weeks of moderate consumption of alcohol (i.e., red wine, or vodka) increased tHcy and reduced the statuses of both vitamin B9 and B12. In addition, other studies have studied vitamin B status as well [55,56,57]. For example, Van der Gaag et al. [55] showed that type-dependent alcohol had no effect on vitamin B12, but a fall in folate with spirits consumption and an increase in vitamin B6 with all alcohol types were observed. In contrast, Laufer et al. [56] only showed an effect of ethanol on vitamin B12, with no effect on vitamin B9. However, in another study, Beulens et al. [57] showed that beer drinking raised vitamin B6 and appeared to reduce vitamin B12 levels while having no effect on vitamin B9 levels.
Vitamins for Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
Drinking too much can lead to severe nutrient depletion, creating symptoms that can make alcohol detox and recovery more difficult and permanently affect your health. Eating a healthy diet and supplementing with vitamins as needed can help correct some of the damage from drinking. A healthy alcohol detox diet can help to set the person’s body up for recovery.
Adding more vitamin C-rich foods to your diet, such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers, can provide a natural boost of this essential vitamin. By raising ROS and lowering endogenous antioxidant levels, alcohol promotes oxidative stress [101]. In addition, Kaur et al. [103] studied examined vitamin E supplementation in ethanol-treated mice and found that it restored redox state, decreased apoptosis, and lowered oxidative stress markers.
Stay Away from Processed Foods
Even short-term addiction can take a huge toll on the body as it is forced to work overtime to eliminate toxic substances and defend itself against the damage they do. Achieving nutritional 50 Sobriety Gifts Ideas, Effective Substance Abuse Treatment balance is essential in repairing the harm addiction does to the body. When you’re in recovery from alcohol addiction, nutrition can play a major role in helping your system bounce back.
Recommended dietary allowances (RDA) are population statistics, and they represent rough estimates of the average requirement of individuals within a population. However, for most micronutrients, part of the information that is required to accurately calculate the daily intake is either unknown or incomplete. Thus, the recommendations are made based on several assumptions and considerations that could lead to large variations in the eventual RDA [39,40].
Treatment for Vitamin Deficiency and Vitamin B Supplementation: Ensuring Safety Measures
Additionally, incorporating antioxidants like vitamin E and vitamin C can help protect the liver from further damage caused by oxidative stress. In addition to vitamins, there are specific herbal supplements that have been found to be beneficial for individuals recovering from alcoholic https://en.forexdata.info/the-missing-piece-the-spiritual-malady/ liver disease. When it comes to combatting alcohol-induced liver damage, incorporating the best liver supplements into your recovery journey can be a game-changer. These supplements provide essential nutrients and support that help restore liver health and promote regeneration.
In addition, notwithstanding emerging evidence of the remarkable individual differences in the absorption and excretion of vitamins, these values have changed little over the years. It is known that eating requirement values can vary substantially because of several factors, which include genetic polymorphisms, obesity, total energy intake, exercise, and age [41,42,43,44,45,46,47]. In addition to supplements for alcohol cravings, there are several prescription medications that can help you cut back or quit drinking. Naltrexone can help retrain your brain to be less interested in alcohol over time, while acamprosate, baclofen, gabapentin, and topiramate can all help reduce cravings for alcohol.
You can get vitamins over the counter at almost any grocery or drug store or even online. Additionally, Vitamins C and D tend to be deficient in people who misuse alcohol. Low levels of these nutrients lead to fatigue and a compromised immune system.
- That’s what evens out your moods, helps you sleep better, and soothes the urge for alcohol.
- Healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids in foods like fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds and flaxseeds, play an essential role in brain health.
- 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.
- Ethanol is harmful to the human body and can cause toxicity and death when ingested in excessive amounts.
- You’ll need to be especially careful not to replace alcohol with sugar or caffeine.
- 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.
Deficiencies in vitamin C can cause symptoms that include irritability, weakness and muscle fatigue. The best source of vitamin C in the United States is orange juice from frozen concentrate (more of the vitamin is preserved when the oranges are frozen). 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. Quitting drinking is best done with support, along with a solid recovery plan.
Alcohol consumption triggers oxidative stress within the body leading to cellular damage; however, antioxidants help combat this harmful process by neutralizing free radicals. Additionally, limiting processed foods and sugary beverages will provide further support to your liver’s healing process. Vitamins are crucial players in promoting overall liver health among alcoholics. Incorporating vitamins such as B complex vitamins (particularly B12), vitamin D, vitamin A (in moderation), and vitamin K can provide essential support for your liver’s regeneration process. While exploring herbal remedies for alcoholic liver disease recovery can be beneficial when used under professional guidance, it is essential to exercise caution. In addition to vitamin supplementation, incorporating mineral and antioxidant supplements can play a vital role in supporting recovery and overall health in individuals struggling with alcoholism.