2023: The 10 Best Supplements To Reduce Alcohol Cravings

Magnesium is one of the three nutrients that I think https://ecosoberhouse.com/ everyone should be taking for their brain, as most people are deficient. Oxidative stress can change neuronal pathways and cause addictive behaviour. But glutathione can reduce oxidative stress and therefore decrease the development of addiction (46). Chronic use of drugs, such as cocaine, methamphetamine and alcohol, can lead to the formation of oxidative stress (47). In one study, alcoholic patients treated with ALCAR stayed sober for longer because it reduced their cravings (48).

Probiotic Foods

They are found primarily in fish and are necessary for the normal functioning of your brain and nervous system (18). Theanine is available in this anti-anxiety supplement, along with a number of other natural compounds that have helped me manage my anxiety over the years. I find that theanine improves my mood, helps me focus and cancels out the jitters of my morning coffee. My mind has a tendency to jump around a lot, and theanine helps me “zero in” on what I’m doing. According to the research, it’s particularly helpful when it comes to withdrawal from nicotine and opioids (16, 17). The commonly-prescribed antidepressant Wellbutrin is anticholinergic, meaning it inhibits the physiological action of acetylcholine.

Coping with Cravings and Appetite Regulation

One reason this occurs is because blood sugar levels are known to fluctuate during early recovery, causing someone to crave sugar more than usual. Sugar can also provide a dopamine release, which can feel especially satisfying for someone already craving the dopamine burst alcohol provides. This can be desirable for those managing withdrawal symptoms like fatigue and insomnia. As we’ll discuss below, it’s best to avoid these types of food in order to keep your body as healthy as possible as it navigates withdrawal symptoms and recovers from alcohol.

Why Alcohol Abuse Causes Vitamin Deficiency

• Even when you stop taking your substance of choice, you may likely feel tired and depleted.
• Alcoholics who begin a program of nutrient repair often incorporate a multivitamin, among other supplements, to help cover a wide range of nutritional bases.
• There are holistic addiction treatment centers and substance use treatment programs that emphasize nutrition education, too.
• Another five met the screening standard but did not receive the therapy for a variety of reasons, he said.

Alcohol can cause malnutrition, malabsorption, and increased urinary excretion of the vitamin, leading to vitamin C deficiency.9 This deficiency can cause you to feel tired, irritable, and weak. Severe deficiency, called scurvy, may result in anemia, bruising, and dental issues. Taking a vitamin C supplement can help you feel better, which is essential to maintaining your sobriety. Deficiency in vitamin B3, or niacin, is also common in heavy drinkers. Many individuals who drink large quantities of alcohol are deficient in vitamin B1, or thiamine.

Dietary Adjustments for Alcoholics

During alcohol recovery, your body requires certain amino acids to help restore best vitamins for recovering alcoholics neurotransmitter function and support overall brain health. Some important amino acids in this process are tryptophan, tyrosine, and glutamine. Consuming a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein sources will help ensure you receive all the necessary amino acids for proper healing and a successful recovery. In general, healthy and nutritious foods are the best to eat when you first stop drinking alcohol. Let’s go over which specific types of foods are best to incorporate. A well-balanced diet is important to build up your vitamin and nutrient stores and keep you healthy during the recovery process.

Other Beneficial Supplements for Drinkers

Alcohol consumption can lead to iron deficiency, which may cause anemia, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Ensuring you receive enough iron is essential for the production of healthy red blood cells and maintaining your overall energy levels. Long-term alcohol abuse can negatively impact your bone health, leading to issues like osteoporosis.

How can vitamins help with detox?

Before starting any new supplement, you should first discuss doing so with your doctor. This is because some supplements need to be closely monitored, including minerals like magnesium, which can build up in your body if you take too much. Further, some supplements may have drug interactions with your existing medications or can worsen other current medical conditions. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery’s « Terms of Use », « Privacy Policy », « Cookie Policy », and « Health Disclaimer ». The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Water and Hydrating Foods

In this post, we’ll discuss the relationship between alcohol and nutrition, plus 12 of the best supplements and vitamins for alcoholics in recovery. These include supplements for alcohol cravings, repairing your liver, and rebalancing your nervous system. 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.

Vitamin C also plays a role in the creation of collagen, promoting healthier skin and faster wound healing. 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.