DL-phenylalanine can also be a useful supplement for alcohol withdrawal. DL-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid which plays an important role in the functioning of your nervous system. If your body is deficient in this amino acid, it’s common to experience fatigue, confusion, memory problems, a decrease in alertness, and to have a reduced appetite. D-phenylalanine also slows the breakdown of endorphins, which act as the body’s natural painkiller, prolonging their release into the body. Caring for your whole self as you overcome alcohol addiction is critical to lasting success. Restoring your body’s nutrient levels after quitting alcohol can benefit both your physical and mental well-being.
If someone regularly drinks more than the recommended amounts of alcohol — one drink daily for women and no more than two drinks daily for men — they may experience negative health consequences. For example, their body may become dependent on the alcohol, and their brain chemistry may change. It eases inflammation and protects the thin layer that surrounds your brain cells, called the cell membrane. Canola, olive, safflower, sesame, and sunflower oils are good sources of healthy fats. Aubri John has been a contributing researcher and writer to online physical and mental health oriented journals since 2005. John publishes online health and fitness articles that coincide with her licensed clinical skills in addictions, psychology and medical care.
Top Foods for Alcohol Recovery: Nourishing Your Body On the Path to Wellness
This may include things like an IV drip for hydration or vitamins to keep levels of both stable throughout withdrawal, leading to a smoother transition to treatment. Giving clients the opportunity to practice good eating habits is essential, especially since food addiction can often replace drug addiction. Vitamin C is an essential water-soluble nutrient that the body needs for many biological processes such as, enzyme reactions, hormone synthesis, and tissue structure. However, some doctors dispute the use of vitamin C supplements and no official guidelines exist for treatment during alcohol withdrawal. One option is high doses of oral vitamin B supplementation, which can help correct deficiencies without causing adverse effects.
The development of a nutritional plan for those in recovery involves planning out meals and determining an appropriate meal schedule that meshes with other activities in the treatment plan. 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. The development of addiction is itself an example of neuroplasticity, as the reward pathway’s activity chemically adapts to the presence of drugs or alcohol. Carbohydrates, or carbs, are another nutrient that has been targeted for heavy reduction or elimination by diet fads. However, carbohydrates are essential for the function of the central nervous system and brain.
Minerals
Alcohol affects each person differently, but over time, it always leads to nutritional deficiencies. The liver processes alcohol, and when the liver loses its reserves of nutrients used to break down the alcohol, it draws resources from other areas of the body. In addition to the effects of alcohol on the liver, excessive alcohol use also harms the stomach, intestines, and pancreas.
There are at least nutrients that have been clinically shown to help people quit drinking and repair their bodies. Which ones are most beneficial for you will depend on your best vitamins for recovering alcoholics biochemistry. Often there is a process of trial and error to determine the best possible supplement regimens, but luckily there are effective programs that can help.
Alcohol Use Disorder: Nutrition During Recovery
Zinc can help strengthen the immune system and help improve your mood. When you are trying to quit or stay away from alcohol, cravings can be overwhelming. It is normal to seek remedies like over-the-counter herbs, vitamins and supplements to stop the cravings and support your sobriety. However, while some studies support using certain supplements, it is important to know that not all directly impact alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The only way to protect the liver long-term is to eliminate or drastically reduce drinking. I discuss the benefits of these 7 fatty acids and amino acids for alcohol detox in much more detail in a related article. In this article, I’m going to discuss the best alcohol detox supplements. We will review a number of highly effective supplements for alcoholics that include many basic vitamins and go well beyond them. While the body can withstand malnutrition for weeks, if not longer, dehydration quickly becomes a matter of life or death. Water makes up around 60% of the body and plays vital roles in nearly every function.
#4 Vitamin C
One crucial aspect of combating alcohol-induced liver damage is providing your body with the necessary nutrients it needs for regeneration. When it comes to repairing alcohol-induced liver damage, there are several dietary recommendations that can aid in the recovery process. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can provide essential nutrients needed for liver health. Additionally, limiting processed foods high in saturated fats and refined sugars is crucial to minimize further strain on the liver. Moreover, vitamins play a crucial role in supporting liver health during alcohol recovery. Adopting a well-rounded approach that includes dietary recommendations alongside liver supplements for alcoholics intake is essential when aiming to reverse alcohol-induced liver damage.
Antioxidants also play a critical role in alcoholic liver recovery. Alcohol consumption triggers oxidative stress within the body leading to cellular damage; however, antioxidants help combat this harmful process by neutralizing free radicals. More specifically, B vitamins can aid in the alcohol withdrawal process. Thiamine is a vital nutrient for your body’s energy metabolism and can prevent the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome during alcohol withdrawal. During alcohol detox, your treatment team will likely give you an oral multivitamin containing folic acid.