Author: Alex Thompson

Nutritional Therapy for Alcohol Use Disorder

Dual diagnosis treatment programs for substance abuse and eating disorders focus on addressing both conditions and their common roots, rather than trying to treat one after the other. These programs are unique to the individual and the complex interplay between the conditions but typically involve individual and group therapy designed to heal the patient from both sides. This also involves taking into account any issues the patient has around food, including eating disorders.

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. Long-term alcohol use can cause vitamin A levels to fall in the liver, the primary organ that breaks down alcohol and stores vitamin A. This occurs as both substances use similar pathways in the body to metabolize them.

If you’re currently dealing with AUD, it’s recommended that you talk with a healthcare professional about getting help. They can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout your recovery. Although herbal alcohol detox isn’t a new concept, it hasn’t been widely accepted in the West as many experts and medical professionals turned to the use of pharmaceuticals for withdrawal. We’ll dive into each type in related articles to help you determine whether or not you think these alcohol detox supplements are right for you.

Took three times but now I am alcohol free for 26 weeks 3 days, AND I have alcohol in the house. Learn more about the role of benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal. In my experience, my nutritional deficiencies were resolved after one to three months of supplementation. Unfortunately, the average multivitamin is not enough to put an end to withdrawals. I found relief over time, gradually, and I tried many that did not work. The process was worthwhile because every now and then, I would discover a miracle supplement that would catapult my sense of well-being to new heights.

Lack of these nutrients can result in anemia, which makes the sufferer feel cold, lethargic and frequently dizzy. They may also experience frequent headaches and feel short of breath. This makes you less hungry for food, so there’s a higher chance you’ll skip meals or choose foods that are low in nutrients.

Best supplements for alcohol cravings

There are holistic addiction treatment centers and substance use treatment programs that emphasize nutrition education, too. Although evidence is still limited, omega-3 fatty acids show promise as an excellent alcohol recovery supplement. The sooner you seek out treatment for alcohol addiction, the sooner your risk of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can be reduced with treatment and nutritional supplements for alcoholics. Alcoholics who begin a program of nutrient repair often incorporate a multivitamin, among other supplements, to help cover a wide range of nutritional bases.

1. In a 2011 study, 20 participants recovering from AUD took a dietary supplement with D-phenylalanine, L-glutamine, and 5-HTP during detox.
2. While the body can withstand malnutrition for weeks, if not longer, dehydration quickly becomes a matter of life or death.
3. Address these issues while being sure to repair your body from drinking.
4. Experimenting within the bounds of healthy foods is one of the best ways to fuel your recovery.
5. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new connections and rearrange old ones, typically in response to injury, disease or a change in the environment.
6. Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.

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. Therefore, long-term alcohol use leads to lower nutrient consumption and can affect how the body uses this limited supply of nutrients.

How Substance Abuse Disrupts Nutrition

They can also evaluate the person’s drinking patterns and overall health and work together to craft a treatment plan. 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. One 2019 study found that a significant portion of individuals with AUD admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) had vitamin C deficiency, with 42% being severely deficient. The research suggests that vitamin C supplementation, in addition to thiamine, should be considered for these individuals.

People who live with alcohol use disorder may develop a range of symptoms if they stop drinking suddenly. They may also experience vitamin deficiencies, as alcohol impairs the body’s ability to absorb vitamins and nutrients. Giving patients the opportunity to practice good eating habits is essential, especially since food addiction can often replace drug addiction.

Conditions Caused by Vitamin B Deficiency

Please seek professional care if you believe you may have a condition. The majority of people who try to quit drinking by themselves will fall back into old habits. There are many resources that offer help, and it’s crucial to find one that suits your needs. If your goal is to begin an empowering, holistic adventure to start living your best life beyond booze, check out Total Alcohol Recovery 2.0. Quitting drinking is best done with support, along with a solid recovery plan.

Mighty Vitamin C

Canola, olive, safflower, sesame, and sunflower oils are good sources of healthy fats. Alcohol and poor eating can stop your liver from releasing glucose into your blood. This can lead to low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia.

Macronutrients are those your body needs in large amounts each day to function. Micronutrients are just as important, but you don’t need to consume as much of them to stay healthy. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, while the macronutrients you need are protein, fat, carbohydrates and water. If modifying your diet during recovery feels overwhelming, no need to worry.

Vitamin B1 is a cofactor for enzymes that metabolize glucose. Deficiencies in vitamin B1 can lead to cell damage or cell death. Our representatives work for a treatment center and will discuss whether their facility may be an option for you. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggest 11.5 to 15.5 cups of water per day for adults. Thiamine deficiency is particularly dangerous, as it increases the likelihood of developing neurological conditions like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

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

It’s important for every person to develop healthy eating habits, but it’s crucial for people who are recovering from a drug or alcohol addiction. 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 balance is essential in repairing the harm addiction does to the body. This substance has been shown to cause deficiencies in essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that are needed to support detoxification and other biochemical processes. If you have been drinking to excess, be sure to educate yourself about how exactly alcohol causes nutrient deficiencies. Glycine is another amino acid used to make proteins in the body.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) can lead to severe deficiency in several vitamins and minerals. To get more magnesium, eat dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, avocados, bananas, wild salmon, and tuna. Amino acids are in lean meats, eggs, seafood, dairy, tofu, quinoa, seeds, and beans.