Because those who struggle with alcohol often have nutritional deficiencies, a zinc deficiency is possible, and supplementation can be helpful. Zinc may also help reset some of the glutamate brain pathways that are overly active during alcohol withdrawal, thus possibly helping alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Milk thistle is an herb related to daisies and ragweed that is sometimes used to treat liver damage, including alcoholic liver disease. Experts think it might work by protecting the liver and lowering specific proteins like collagen produced by the body.
Management of Nutritional Deficiencies
- Findings of a small open study that enrolled 13 healthy males suggest that taking vitamin C before drinking may increase the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the blood.
- Because alcohol impairs the absorption and metabolization of vitamins, it can also cause deficiencies in important vitamins like A, B, C, D, E, and K.
- Fortunately, taking vitamins regularly and achieving good nutrition can help alleviate some of these adverse effects.
- A 12-week clinical study using a 0.5% Bakuchiol formula with 17 people using it twice a day confirmed a significant improvement in lines and wrinkles, elasticity, firmness and an overall reduction in photo-damage.
- For example, it can decrease the secretion of digestive enzymes in the pancreas and impair nutrient absorption from the cells of the stomach or intestines.
I know which vitamins work for me as tools, buffers, or lines of defense against stress, insomnia, and poor health. Figuring out which ones worked best for me was an empowering process of self-discovery, and the same will be true for you. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant drugs that must be prescribed by doctors.
Health Challenges
If you’re looking for help for yourself or a loved one with alcohol use disorder, we may be able to offer assistance. While these vitamin supplements can also be taken individually, multivitamins may be an easier alternative if you have trouble taking multiple vitamins at once or over the course of a day. James Lake, M.D., a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, works to transform mental health care through the evidence-based uses of alternative therapies. Jukić, Tomislav; Rojc, Bojan; Boben-Bardutzky, Darja; et al. “The use of a food supplementation with D… withdrawal symptoms.” Collegium Antropologicum, December 2011. One animal study showed that ashwagandha helps control mood changes, anxiety and seizures from alcohol withdrawal, but this effect has not yet been studied in humans.
Nutritional Therapy for Alcohol Addiction
Therefore, if individuals stop or reduce their alcohol intake, their brain must readjust, leading to withdrawal symptoms. B-vitamins are a good place to start for recovering addicts, who may have deficiencies in these cofactors needed to produce neurotransmitters and feel-good hormones. These are just the tip of the iceberg, however, and people who embark on a program of nutrient repair often use amino acid therapy, multi-nutrient blends, and herbs backed by science for supporting the brain-body system.
Can vitamins protect the brain from alcohol’s adverse effects?
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. In addition to dietary issues, alcohol affects how the Sober living house body digests, stores, and uses nutrients.
- Malnutrition, regardless of its causes, can lead to liver damage and impaired liver function.
- To support your bone health and prevent long-term complications, incorporating calcium supplements or calcium-rich foods into your diet is crucial.
- However, people who misuse alcohol may eat less food and commonly have deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, selenium, protein, and certain vitamins.
- When you’re in recovery from alcohol addiction, nutrition can play a major role in helping your system bounce back.
- Consult your healthcare provider if your drinking can compromise the medication or supplements you’re currently taking and vice-versa.
All in all, it is a great emollient plant oil with great fatty acids beneficial for any skin type. The oil coming from the seeds of dog-rose, multivitamin for alcoholics a wild rose species native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. It’s a nice emollient, moisturizing plant oil loaded with skin-nourishing fatty acids (linoleic acid – 51%, linolenic acid – 19% and oleic acid – 20%). So this all sounds really great, but these are only in-vitro results at this point.
- Experts believe its activity as an isoflavonoid, plant-based estrogen or phytoestrogen might be responsible for its effects.
- Enhanced CYP2E1 activity in response to chronic alcohol consumption (or other factors) probably contributes to the development of alcoholic liver disease.
- These hydrogen atoms interact with a molecule called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), converting it to reduced NAD (NADH).
Discuss Supplements With a Physician First
Kudzu is a plant in traditional medicine whose flowers and roots are used to treat conditions like alcoholism. Experts believe its activity as an isoflavonoid, plant-based estrogen or phytoestrogen might be responsible for its effects. The commitment Shiling has made to patient care also has a personal component. Shiling developed the protocol as a credentialing project for UEXCEL, the professional development ladder for nurses at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. It began when he looked at gaps between the time CeDAR admits patients and the time physicians enter orders that initiate treatment. He wanted to be sure that all patients admitted for alcohol use who could benefit from Vitamin B1 received it as quickly as possible.