The Best Vitamins for a Person With Alcohol Use Disorder

what vitamins help metabolize alcohol

These molecules, similarly to thiamine, contain a sulfhydryl group that is chemically active against aldehydes. The problem is, we do not yet have a way to predict who that one person will be. Passionate about inspiring change, the Stop Drinking Expert is your go-to hub for living an alcohol-free life. We aim to enlighten, motivate and empower our readers towards a healthier lifestyle.

Incorporating Vitamins into Your Detox Plan

  • These conditions can cause debilitating deformities and often require long-term medication or therapy treatments to correct them.
  • Thiamine deficiency can lead to beriberi which can affect the heart or nervous system.
  • Keep in mind that taking supplements while continuing to consume alcohol can overwork your liver and lead to other medical complications.
  • Not only does it play an important role in your immune system and intestinal health, it also impacts the health of your brain—including some of the chemicals that regulate anxiety and depression.
  • For those who are recovering from alcoholism, understanding the role of vitamins is even more critical.

You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. Anyone who is struggling with a serious drinking problem should seek professional care. According to Amy Myers, MD, functional medicine physician and founder of Amy Myers, MD, activated charcoal should also be on your list to keep hangovers at bay. Vitamin B3, specifically, is useful to prevent a hangover—especially when paired with zinc. While different kinds of magnesium can be beneficial for a number of reasons, it’s also a helpful line of defense when it comes to hangovers.

Long-Term Impacts of Nutrient Deficiency in Drinkers

  • As soon as it’s in the picture, all other tasks — such as metabolizing other nutrients — get put on hold, letting booze cut in line to be eliminated as soon as possible.
  • While no specific foods can instantly speed up alcohol metabolism, certain dietary practices can support liver function and overall metabolism.
  • Mixing alcohol and supplements does not cause direct interactions but can lead to significant vitamin deficiencies.
  • In addition, mixing these substances can cause liver strain and gastrointestinal distress.
  • Alongside thiamine, other B vitamins like B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cobalamin) are all affected by alcohol.

Despite its presence in marijuana, CBD itself does not cause an individual to feel high. If you can find a pure or reliable source of CBD, it might be worth trying as a supplement for alcohol withdrawal. It has long been used as a traditional remedy for a variety of illnesses, including liver damage.

Top Vitamins for a Recovering Alcoholic

According to Pinto-Garcia, hangovers are largely caused by the fact that drinking alcohol makes you dehydrated. When looking at prickly pear extract (Opuntia ficus indica), researchers found that it had a “moderate effect on reducing hangover symptoms, apparently by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators.” As such, activated charcoal can adsorb this toxin via its porous structure, Catherine Gervacio, registered dietitian and certified exercise nutrition coach of E-Health Project. “This means that it binds to the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ toxins produced by alcohol so it won’t get absorbed by the body,” she explains.

what vitamins help metabolize alcohol

what vitamins help metabolize alcohol

For individuals recovering from alcohol dependency, ensuring adequate vitamin E intake can contribute to overall health improvements and enhance the body’s ability to recover from the damaging effects of alcohol. Chronic alcohol consumption can reduce the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals 1. Deficiencies in essential micronutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamins B1 (thiamine) and B12 (cobalamin) correlate to a decrease in overall health and have been linked to many diseases.

Fortunately, taking vitamins regularly and achieving good nutrition can help alleviate some of these adverse effects. Vitamins and nutrient-dense foods are imperative in treating alcohol addiction and its consequences. However, heavy drinkers experiencing severe side effects might consider the following additional supplements. While taking vitamins can’t “cure” the consequences of increased alcohol intake, they play a critical role in the recovery of chronic alcoholics. In addition to supplements for alcohol cravings, there are several prescription medications that can help you cut back or quit drinking.

Are there specific vitamins that can help with alcohol withdrawal syndrome?

what vitamins help metabolize alcohol

It can significantly aid in reducing the risk of life-altering or deadly health complications when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan led by healthcare professionals. The chronic consumption of alcohol can disrupt the absorption and utilization of essential vitamins, creating deficiencies that can cause long-term harm. Here, we will explore the integral role vitamins play in restoring and maintaining the health of individuals in recovery from alcoholism. Food, especially healthy proteins and fats, reduces the speed at which alcohol enters the bloodstream, preventing rapid intoxication and making it easier for the body to process alcohol. Heavy drinkers are prone to nutrient deficiencies that can cause fatigue and weakness, skin and hair issues, metabolism problems, bone fractures, bruising, bleeding, and depression.

  • Some studies have been done on d-phenylalanine, finding it improves alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
  • If you’re the type of person who likes to have a few beverages but still make it to the gym in the morning, then we’ve got the supplements to take before a night of drinking.
  • If you’re interested in learning more, Social Life & Alcohol on Stop Drinking Expert provides insightful information.
  • The liver breaks down most of the alcohol you drink so that it can be removed from the body.
  • If you find it challenging to control your drinking or if it’s causing significant problems in your life, it might be time to seek professional advice.

Supplements That Actually Prevent Hangovers, Doctors Say

Look for high-quality supplements that are free from additives and fillers. Additionally, consider the timing of supplementation; taking vitamins with meals can enhance absorption, while certain vitamins may be better absorbed at specific times of the day. For example, B vitamins are often best taken in the morning to support energy levels throughout the day, while fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K should be taken with meals containing fat for optimal absorption. Alcoholism can result in a number of serious nutritional deficiencies that can have life-threatening consequences. Long-term alcohol abuse can result in a weakened immune system, anemia, cognitive difficulties, vision issues, and even organ damage.

what vitamins help metabolize alcohol

Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in the body while water soluble vitamins cannot. This article will outline the most essential vitamins for alcohol addiction recovery and food sources of these vitamins. Before what vitamins help metabolize alcohol starting any new supplement, you should first discuss doing so with your doctor.

Nonenzymatic barriers, such as GSH and vitamins, play a key role alcoholism treatment in several cellular processes. Reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamins are probably the most important nonenzymatic antioxidants and participate in a wide range of cellular functions. Furthermore, internal redox buffers, such as Hcy, cysteine (Cys), and cysteinyl glycine (CysGly), play an important role in the extracellular redox system 108,109. Chronic alcohol intake produces altered Hcy metabolism, which leads to fat storage, inflammation, and hepatocyte damage 110,111. Hyperhomocysteinemia induced by ethanol and linked to oxidative endoplasmic reticulum stress triggers apoptosis and increases lipid production 112. While vitamins alone cannot treat alcohol withdrawal syndrome, B vitamins, especially thiamine (B1), may be administered as part of medical treatment to address nutritional deficiencies.