Vitamins Needed for Recovery From Long-Term Alcohol Abuse

For this reason, most people who are having surgery get instructions from their doctor to stop taking supplements two to three weeks before surgery. Over time, inflammation leads to liver tissue scarring or fibrosis, impacting its function. At this stage, you may feel tired or weak and experience itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Some people lose weight or have sexual dysfunction and a dull pain in the abdomen.

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Taking 2 grams of vitamin C one hour before alcohol consumption increases the rate at which alcohol is cleared from the blood, and may reduce acute toxic effects on the liver (Chen 1990). This significance of this finding is limited by small study size and the absence of blinding and a control group. A range of conditions, including alcohol or medication overuse, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and chronic infections, can damage multivitamin for alcoholics your liver. However, the early signs of liver damage are subtle, and the initial stages of liver disease are « silent, » or asymptomatic. By the time you recognize symptoms, your liver is already significantly damaged. Given the strong bidirectional, and possibly therapeutic, link between vitamin C treatment and alcohol consumption, one would have expected a push for trials looking at vitamin C supplementation in chronic alcoholics.

• People who misuse alcohol can experience a range of symptoms if they abruptly stop drinking.
• Another five met the screening standard but did not receive the therapy for a variety of reasons, he said.
• Nutritional strategies may be helpful for the treatment of alcoholics, including those with ALD.
• Milk thistle is an herb related to daisies and ragweed that is sometimes used to treat liver damage, including alcoholic liver disease.

Staging Liver Disease

Obstetricians and gynecologists recommend special prenatal multivitamin formulas designed to support healthy pregnancies. By taking steps towards recovery, incorporating a balanced diet, and embracing appropriate supplementation, individuals can rebuild their health, regain their vitality, and embark on a path to a brighter future. Consult your healthcare provider if your drinking can compromise the medication or supplements you’re currently taking and vice-versa. If you’re having issues with your drinking habits, don’t hesitate to seek out treatment options to help you stay sober. Signs of vitamin B deficiency in drinkers may include fatigue, weakness, neurological issues like tingling or numbness, memory problems, and mood disturbances.

Q: How can vitamin E support individuals with alcohol dependence syndrome?

We get amino acids from protein in foods like meat, dairy products, and nuts, along with some grains and beans. A lack of vitamin B9 can trigger anemia and make you weak, tired, and https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-and-headaches-why-does-alcohol-cause-migraines/ moody. Folic acid is in foods like enriched bread, flour, cornmeal, pasta, rice, and breakfast cereals. Veggies, fruits, fruit juices, nuts, beans, and peas naturally have folate.

Are There Risks Associated with Mixing Alcohol and Supplements?

• It can trigger irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal illnesses, too.
• Heavy drinking makes it harder for your organs to work the way they’re supposed to, especially your stomach lining, pancreas, intestines, and liver.
• Several research articles have linked alcohol-mediated oxidative stress and ethanol-inducible CYP2E1 with oxidative stress and their toxicity, both in in vitro and in vivo models.
• Magnesium and zinc are minerals that have been found to be beneficial during alcohol withdrawal.
• Nutritional therapy, a treatment approach that involves nutrition education, changing your diet, and adding supplements, can help balance out this loss.
• In comparison, liver damage caused by hepatitis or other chronic conditions may not present any signs for years.
• Even though vitamin C consumption has been shown to raise circulation levels of vitamin B9 and lower Hcy levels [118,120,121], the relationship between them remains unknown.

Studies suggest that taking two grams of vitamin C can reduce toxic effects on the liver. Other recommended B vitamins include B6 and B12, which boost immunity and keep the blood vessels healthy. Thiamine B1 is especially beneficial for alcoholics, as many experience deficiencies related to nerve problems. When alcoholics are admitted to the emergency room, it isn’t uncommon for them to receive an intravenous dose of thiamine to prevent alcohol-induced cognitive deficits.

• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce oxidative stress caused by alcohol withdrawal.
• Replenishing vitamins and nutrients in a body depleted by alcoholism can help boost energy levels and diminish unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, helping greatly with the recovery process.
• Fat should comprise 30–35% of the total calories, be high in unsaturated fatty acids, and contain sufficient amounts of essential fatty acids [54].

In a study regarding trace element levels in cirrhotic patients, there was a significant increase in serum manganese levels in patients with Child–Pugh C cirrhosis compared to patients with Child–Pugh A and B cirrhosis [114]. This study cited biliary stasis as one of the causes of the elevated manganese levels. However, treatment recommendations for elevated manganese level are currently unknown. When selecting antioxidant supplements, it is essential to focus on those that neutralize alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E can help counteract the harmful effects of alcohol metabolites on the body’s cells and tissues.

What Happens to Your Body When You Start Taking Vitamins?

Additionally, alcohol can cause hepatotoxicity directly or indirectly through its metabolites by various other mechanisms. Edible plants such as fruits, vegetables, spices, grains, and teas have been reported to be effective against ALD via these various mechanisms [12]. A vitamin B complex supplement is typically recommended to correct deficiencies and promote liver health in heavy drinkers.

1. Total Calories, Carbohydrates, Fats, and Proteins Recommended for ALD

But if you can’t always eat healthy meals, taking supplements might help. It is important to adhere to the recommended dosage of B vitamins and avoid excessive supplementation. Taking excessive amounts of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B6, can have adverse effects. High doses of vitamin B6 over an extended period of time may result in peripheral neuropathy, a condition characterized by nerve damage and numbness in the extremities. Therefore, it is crucial to seek professional medical guidance and follow safety measures while incorporating vitamin B supplementation into the recovery journey.