All of these benefits are helpful for people going best vitamins for recovering alcoholics through alcohol detox. A big part of detox is stabilizing the brain and emotions, so vitamin C may be helpful in this. Your B vitamin levels are highly correlated to your emotional and mental well-being. In fact, a study in 1982 reported that 100% of patients admitted for depression were deficient in vitamin B2. And other research shows that long-term vitamin C deficiency contributes to nervousness and emotional instability. And there was a 35% reduction in mood disturbance in hospitalized patients after vitamin C treatment (60, 61).
- If you’re dealing with gut health issues or are on medications for heart- or mental health-related conditions, talk to your doctor before adding another cup in the morning.
- The good news is that early- to mid-stage NAFLD is reversible if you’re ready and able to make the necessary lifestyle changes.
- Of the five trials that examined this marker, only one reported improvements.
- This essential water-soluble vitamin bolsters your immune system, which helps you fight infection.
Detox Vitamins and Supplements Guide
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. Not only does it play an important role in your immune system and intestinal health, it also impacts the health of your brain—including some of the chemicals that regulate anxiety and depression. Because alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to synthesize and absorb L-glutamine, people who drink heavily are often deficient in this amino acid, which can impact their mental health. Although small amounts of alcohol may not have a big impact on your nutritional health, many chronic, heavy drinkers struggle with significant nutrient deficiencies. Good nutrition in recovery can also boost your mental health—an important factor in maintaining your sobriety.
Why does non-alcoholic fatty liver disease matter?
Vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster that assists the body in combating infections and illnesses. Alcoholics may have weakened immune systems, so increasing your intake of vitamin C can give your body the support it needs to fight off potential threats. Vitamin C also plays a role in the creation of collagen, promoting healthier skin and faster wound healing. Various studies show that vitamin C reduces stress and anxiety and decreases the severity of depression (62-67). In animals, zinc reduces the intensity of morphine dependence, and zinc chelators worsen withdrawal symptoms (76, 77, 78). But supplementation or taking Epsom salt baths is still necessary for most people because magnesium is rapidly used up during times of stress and certain psychiatric drugs can deplete magnesium.
When Supplements Aren’t Enough
Three trials evaluated the effects of vitamin E on hepatocyte ballooning (a type of liver cell degeneration), with two noting improvements. Dr. Will Cole, DNM, IFMCP, DC is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the globe, starting one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. He is also the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Ketotarian, Gut Feelings, and The Inflammation Spectrum. Benefits can vary depending on your tolerance for caffeine and other health conditions. If you’re dealing with gut health issues or are on medications for heart- or mental health-related conditions, talk to your doctor before adding another cup in the morning.
What is the role of amino acids in alcohol recovery supplements?
This learning process might include counseling, therapy (individual or group), meditation, and a 12-step program. Consider using the supplements mentioned in this article as an adjunct to a formal treatment plan. Detox, rehab, and addiction specialists are the best parties to devise a successful treatment plan. Zinc, iron, and magnesium are other important minerals lost when struggling with AUD. A complete multimineral supplement will cover all of the above, delivering optimal amounts of macro and trace minerals.
Exploring the best supplements for alcohol cravings can help you overcome them and stay on the path to recovery. As a common social activity, drinking alcohol can lead to various negative effects on the body. As a leader in liver supporting supplements, we’ll share with you the best supplements to take before drinking alcohol. AWS comprises many intense symptoms you might experience if you have AUD and then quit drinking cold turkey.
Supplements Proven to Help You Overcome Addiction and Withdrawal
- When you stop drinking, taking vitamins and supplements can help to restore nutrients that have become deficient.
- Individuals who are in recovery from alcohol abuse can greatly benefit from a healthy diet coupled with a robust vitamin regimen.
- During rehab, with a clear state of mind, you learn to cope and manage your life without the crippling aid of alcohol.
And in my experience and research, high-quality bioavailable nutrients are an important aspect of combating and correcting this. This is because they address the psychological aspects of addiction without considering the physical aspects of the disease. Historically, most drug treatment programs have included counseling and 12-step approaches like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Or maybe you’re on prescription medication, such as antidepressants or benzodazipenes. When my brain wasn’t working and I struggled with mental illness, it simply made sense to find immediate relief. We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies.
Thus, the recommendations are made based on several assumptions and considerations that could lead to large variations in the eventual RDA 39,40. 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 what is alcoholism 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. If you have NAFLD, dietary improvements that reduce ultra-processed foods and sugars and increase nutrients will have far-reaching effects.
