Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Causes, Warning Signs and Treatment

They may also ask the patient questions about his or her drinking habits, using a standardized questionnaire, to identify psychological signs. Since many alcoholics are in denial about their problem, doctors may ask the patient’s permission to speak with family and friends as well. While you should aim to get your necessary nutrients from food by eating a varied diet, multivitamins may help if you are unable to or if you have a deficiency. Furthermore, poor emotional control and coping skills can also be major contributors to addiction. Many people self-medicate by abusing drugs or engaging in other unhealthy habits in an attempt to reduce stress, anxiety, or emotional suffering. In this case, the insufficiency is either the existence of unresolved emotional difficulties or the absence of healthy coping mechanisms.

The Best Vitamins for a Person With Alcohol Use Disorder

best multivitamin for alcoholics

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. Signs of liver damage include fatigue, swelling or pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, and yellowing of the eyes and fingernails. The only way to protect the liver long-term is to eliminate or drastically reduce drinking.

How We Select Supplements

best multivitamin for alcoholics

Although many different B vitamins can be impacted by drinking, one of the most dangerous B-vitamin deficiencies is thiamine or vitamin B1. Lack of vitamin B1 can cause a life-threatening condition  called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. For this reason, those who struggle with alcohol are often told to take vitamin B1. Some studies indicate that magnesium mineral supplements may help alleviate anxiety, while also promoting healthy nerve, heart, muscle, and immune system function.

How Does Nutritional Therapy Help?

  • Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is an over-the-counter herbal remedy well-known for soothing hangovers.
  • A person with alcohol use disorder may also be prescribed a B-vitamin complex or a vitamin B12 supplement.
  • Over time, too much alcohol can make your body less able to absorb some of the important nutrients you need, even if you’re eating a healthy diet.

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. Most people use a combination of vitamins to help stabilize the brain and body while quitting drinking. While there is no single compound that is as effective as multi-nutrient blends, a good place to start is BR Restore, which covers many bases of nutrient repair.

8 Self-Care Tips for Managing Crohn’s Disease – Health Essentials

8 Self-Care Tips for Managing Crohn’s Disease.

Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Restoring levels of vitamin A is critical for healthy vision and immunity. If individuals believe they have a problem with alcohol or if they drink more than the recommended amounts, they should speak with their doctor for support and advice. 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.

That said, some studies have found that it can boost your chances for a successful recovery. Other research shows that thorough nutrition education can improve the odds that you’ll still be sober after 3 months. One animal study showed that ashwagandha helps control mood changes, anxiety and seizures from alcohol best vitamins for recovering alcoholics withdrawal, but this effect has not yet been studied in humans. Zinc is another important mineral that alcohol blocks from being absorbed and utilized. The deficiency of zinc can lead to confusion, depression, and decreased organ function, as well as a significant reduction in senses of smell and taste.

Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

I discuss the benefits of these 7 fatty acids and amino acids for alcohol detox in much more detail in a related article. 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. 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.

  • Take note that calcium taken at the same time as iron may decrease iron absorption, though this may be a short-term effect, and the body may adapt in time.
  • D-phenylalanine also slows the breakdown of endorphins, which act as the body’s natural painkiller, prolonging their release into the body.
  • In addition to eating more veggies, you should eat more plant-based proteins.

About Boulder Medical Center

Natural Remedies for Alcohol Detox