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 https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/5-signs-that-your-wine-habit-is-becoming-a-real-addiction/ your mental health—an important factor in maintaining your sobriety. One option is high doses of oral vitamin B supplementation, which can help correct deficiencies without causing adverse effects.
Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, while the macronutrients you need are protein, fat, carbohydrates and water. Too much alcohol can cause inflammation in your stomach lining and pancreas. It also affects your body’s ability to absorb B vitamins and folic acid. It can trigger irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal illnesses, too. “There are potential interactions between dietary supplements and medication, or even diet and medication,” Parker said, which doesn’t make such advice completely harmless. Iodine can interact with common medications like lithium to decrease thyroid function, which could make Hashimoto’s disease worse.
Making good nutritional food choices as you recover from alcohol addiction will help you succeed in your recovery journey.
Remember to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, and always prioritize a balanced and nutrient-dense diet to aid in your recovery journey. Vitamin E is essential for antioxidant protection, which helps the body neutralize harmful free radicals produced during alcohol metabolism. This vitamin also supports liver function and the repair of damaged cells and tissues. Including vitamin E-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils in your diet can give your body the antioxidant protection it needs during alcohol recovery.
- A diet of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats is important in alcohol recovery.
- No matter what the substance or the person’s history of abusing it, the withdrawal phase is where most people fail when trying to fight addiction alone.
- These supplements may be given for the initial 3–5 days of alcohol withdrawal, because the person is experiencing issues with nutrient absorption and not be getting enough of these vitamins.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that play a significant role in brain health and function.
In the same manner, those who have bulimia and binge eating disorders experience extreme cravings for food and feel a loss of control when over-consuming. Both food and addictive substances present ways to escape from or numb unwanted feelings. People who abuse alcohol typically do not pay attention to nutrition. Even those who were formerly healthy tend to let their good eating habits go as they become more consumed with the need to find and drink alcohol.
Are there any specific meal plans recommended for recovering alcoholics?
Remember, healthcare providers are there to support you and are equipped to help you make the most informed choices possible on your journey to recovery. Reaching out to them for personalized care is a key step in taking charge of your health and ensuring a safe, effective approach to supplementation. Chronic alcohol intake can lead to diminished calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc levels. Alcohol abuse can lead to folic acid deficiency due to poor dietary intake, intestinal malabsorption, decreased hepatic uptake, and increased body excretion. As a dietitian, I like to promote “food first.” However, when our bodies are low on essential nutrients, the best way to replete those nutrients is with supplementation.
Consider a zinc supplement, or eat plenty of shellfish, beef and pork, oats, cashews, and chickpeas. Milk thistle is essential for those with cirrhosis and alcohol-induced fatty liver. It can improve liver function and protect the liver from various toxins. While more research is needed to see if it can also aid those with cancer, some studies have noted its potential in this area. Inflammation primarily occurs when your body attempts to defend itself from diseases, but alcohol use can also be a source of inflammation. The more alcohol you consume, the more regularly your body is in a state of inflammation, which can cause issues with the liver, brain, intestines, and more.
Alcohol Awareness Month
While I am not a nutritionist myself, there are certain foods research has demonstrated to effectively support the alcohol recovery process through all stages of recovery. These top five foods that aid in alcohol recovery are foods to prioritize as you return to physical and mental wellness. Alcohol can not only alter your best vitamins for recovering alcoholics brain chemistry, but it can negatively affect your nutrition as well. In fact, alcohol is known to prevent the body from absorbing and using the nutrients gained from foods. Without these key nutrients, you not only risk succumbing to various physical ailments, but you can also struggle to think clearly and act quickly.
As an individual dealing with alcoholism, it’s important to understand that self-medicating with vitamins and supplements can pose several risks. Through a comprehensive approach that encompasses addiction medicine, mental health, and behavioral therapies, you can achieve lasting recovery from alcohol use disorder and enjoy a healthier, happier future. A holistic approach to alcohol use disorder treatment also addresses mental health, cognitive aspects, and behavioral therapies. These therapies aim to help you understand the underlying causes of your addiction, change unhelpful patterns of thinking, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. To further regulate your appetite, consider consuming smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Lifestyle Changes and Holistic Approaches for Alcoholics
Worse, even if you begin an exercise regimen, this phenomenon can limit your muscle growth, making exercising more complex and less effective. At ECHO Recovery, I’ve found great value in the education and recovery support we provide for those who are struggling with substance use disorder (SUD), including alcohol use disorder (AUD). To prevent anemia and related issues, it is essential to ensure an adequate intake of folic acid and other B-complex vitamins. These vitamins play a critical role in red blood cell production and overall hematological health. Foods rich in folic acid include leafy greens, beans, and fortified grains.
- When you drink, the alcohol suppresses your brain’s production of a chemical called antidiuretic hormone, or ADH.
- Supplementing magnesium during alcohol detox can help improve some withdrawal symptoms.
- Some important amino acids in this process are tryptophan, tyrosine, and glutamine.
- In 2000, one study placed autoimmune disorders among the ten leading causes of death in the US for women under 65.
- A good first step is to speak with a primary care physician who can provide treatment referrals and medications.
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