Up to 50% of people with an eating disorder abuse drugs or alcohol, which is five times the rate of the general population. Additionally, up to 35% of people who have abused drugs or been addicted also struggle with an eating disorder. That’s a rate 11 times higher than that found in the general population. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and addiction recovery means understanding the roles nutrients play in the body. There are six nutrient groups derived from food that are considered essential, and they can be divided into micronutrients and macronutrients. Deficiency in vitamin B3, or niacin, is also common in heavy drinkers.
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Britney Spears Says She Was Sent to Rehab With “Serious Drug Addicts” for Over-the-Counter “Energy Supplements”.
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They also keep the brain and nervous system functioning properly and aid the metabolism with digestion and hydration. You’ll need to be especially careful not to replace alcohol with sugar or caffeine. They can also affect your mood when they wear off, which could make you want to drink. There hasn’t been a lot of research on the role of nutritional therapy in recovery from substance use yet. That said, some studies have found that it can boost your chances for a successful recovery.
Vitamin B1 to the rescue to ward off damage from alcohol
However, detox often doesn’t fully address the foods and nutrients you’ll need on your recovery journey. Often, too, you’ll receive the best in nutrition while in a treatment program, but I’ve seen many people return from treatment and then struggle to maintain a healthy diet suitable for alcohol recovery. 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.
- Processed foods or foods high in sugar can promote inflammation, encourage poor eating habits and fail to provide the nutrition you need to optimize your body during recovery.
- The best source of vitamin C in the United States is orange juice from frozen concentrate (more of the vitamin is preserved when the oranges are frozen).
- Use of this site constitutes acceptance of Sober Recovery’s “Terms of Use”,
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“Health Disclaimer”. - In many cases, the person may be so focused on drinking that they make poor food choices or do not eat enough.
- There hasn’t been a lot of research on the role of nutritional therapy in recovery from substance use yet.
He wanted to be sure that all patients admitted for alcohol use who could benefit from Vitamin B1 received it as quickly as possible. I’m Elena Skroznikova, founder of the Sweet Science wellness program. I’m a certified nutrition counselor, science-based health coach, and addiction survivor. I help people in recovery heal their bodies and minds so they can learn to love sober life—not just survive it. One simple solution is to buy multivitamins, which contain most of the nutrients we discussed above.
Diet for Recovering Alcoholics: Nourish Your Recovery
Not only can you suffer from excruciating pain, but you also risk experiencing other symptoms of liver damage, like fever, nausea, intestinal bleeding, and even cancer. It’s crucial to engage with your healthcare provider https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/essential-tremor-alcohol/ when considering vitamin supplementation as a means of support during your recovery. Doctors can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs, medical history, and existing conditions.
Spinach, which Goldner recommends adding to her green smoothies, has a negative interaction with warfarin, a drug used to prevent blood clots from forming. Both on her Facebook page and in the group, Goldner hosts live video calls where she gives health advice. She occasionally responds to comments in the group, like a post asking about iodine supplements for Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid. Goldner, who has spoken positively about iodine supplements, responded, “My recommendation is to follow my recommendation.” That may work for some people; it also sounds like medical advice. Without medical management, people with lupus risk organ failure or death. But those medications can come with frustrating side effects, even if they do treat its symptoms.
Opioids and Nutrition
For example, you may lack adequate levels of vitamin A in your system, which can lead to vision impairment and dry skin. Some people may also drink excessively while eating very little, which leads to multiple nutrient deficiencies that are tough to correct. Taking the first step and admitting you need help addressing your alcohol use can be the most difficult, most critical decision you’ll ever make. It’s common best vitamins for recovering alcoholics to feel defeated in the face of the many physical and mental health issues caused by excessive alcohol use, but it’s not too late to forge a path forward. I made this difficult decision myself many years ago, and today, I continue to encourage others to move away from alcohol use and toward healthier choices. Iron and calcium are two more critical minerals for anyone recovering from alcohol use disorder.
- If you don’t have access to a nutrition counselor, there are specific foods you can eat to replenish your vitamin levels.
- Staying hydrated is also essential, as dehydration can be mistaken for hunger and trigger alcohol cravings.
- 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.
- Goldner, who has spoken positively about iodine supplements, responded, “My recommendation is to follow my recommendation.” That may work for some people; it also sounds like medical advice.
- Developed with a unique blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes, The Drinkers Vitamin is set to redefine the morning after drinking experience.
Additionally, healthy fats support overall health by reducing inflammation, promoting heart health and aiding the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins often deficient in those with alcohol dependency. During the early years of my recovery, I spent tens of thousands on yoga, meditation, therapy, spiritual retreats, workshops, body work, energy healing, and anything else that helped me feel a little bit better. While all of it provided some relief and I learned a lot, I still struggled with insomnia, depression, and the underlying low-grade feeling I’m not ok. I thought maybe something was wrong with me and that it was something I would need to learn to live with for the rest of my life.