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. 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. These deficiencies can impact your vision, bones, blood, and even lead to severe neurological damage. And although alcohol itself does not limit the absorption of minerals, alcohol-related problems can result in deficiencies of calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Vitamins can only provide some protection against oxidative stress caused by alcohol.
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Selenium deficiency is common in those who struggle with alcohol, especially if they have liver disease. Limited information is available about whether selenium is helpful in those who struggle with alcohol or best vitamin for alcoholics during alcohol withdrawal. However, because it supports the immune system and alcohol suppresses it, some people may take supplements with selenium for its immune-boosting properties. Milk thistle is an herb related to daisies and ragweed that is sometimes used to treat liver damage, including alcoholic liver disease.
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Chronically low levels of magnesium can cause nausea, heart palpitations, stiffness, muscle spasms, general body weakness, and increase the risks of high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. Mixing alcohol and supplements does not cause direct interactions but can lead to significant vitamin deficiencies. While glutamine supplements won’t cure alcohol-related liver disease, they can detoxify the liver to remove excess ammonia11. Glutamine can also modulate cognitive processes affected by alcohol use. Vitamin C can ease withdrawal by increasing the alcohol clearance rate9.
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- Thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of your body, particularly in the conversion of food into energy and the regulation of brain metabolism.
- Seeking help for addiction may feel daunting or even scary, but several organizations can provide support.
- She studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is a lifelong learner.
- Balancing social drinking and dietary supplements requires careful consideration of your overall health and nutritional needs.
- The suite of B vitamins is essential for everyday brain functions, and that’s especially true for the heavy drinker.
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. When dealing with alcohol use disorder, a comprehensive treatment plan is essential. Addiction medicine focuses on finding the most effective ways to help you overcome alcoholism.
Long-Term Impacts of Nutrient Deficiency in Drinkers
We recommend speaking with your doctor about how heavy drinking has impacted your body, and which supplements will be the most safe and useful for you as an individual. Other new habits, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practice, and a healthier diet, can all contribute to boosting your health in recovery. Many people who struggle with their drinking don’t have enough L-glutamine in their systems. Adding this nutrient can help boost mood in recovery and reduce withdrawal symptoms, making it one of the best supplements for alcohol cravings.
- One of them is chronic alcohol consumption, which often leads people to poor nourishment.
- When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
- Vitamin C is a powerful immune system booster that assists the body in combating infections and illnesses.
- Heavy drinkers often lack vitamins B1, B6, B9, and A, eventually leading to nutrient deficiency.
- L-glutamine can help during alcohol withdrawal by improving symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that can occur during the detox process.
However, they cannot entirely prevent the adverse effects of chronic alcohol abuse on the brain. Research suggests certain B vitamins can help treat alcoholic liver disease by alleviating alcohol-induced oxidative stress8. B vitamins can inadvertently improve metabolism by restoring optimal liver function and correcting any thiamine deficiency. While people naturally produce some vitamins or receive them from healthy food, taking dietary supplements is a great way to deal with nutrient deficiency. Alcohol use disorder can mean an individual experiences vitamin deficiencies, as alcohol can affect how the body absorbs and uses vitamins and nutrients. Alcohol interacts with neurotransmitters including gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Importance Of Thiamine For Preventing Severe Alcohol Withdrawal
If you’re new to recovery, your body may not be used to eating or digesting much. You’ll probably need lots of small, healthy meals throughout the day. Switch up your meals by eating a range of foods from the groups you need. Vitamins B6 and B12 play important roles in producing blood cells and supporting the health of the nervous system.
