For those individuals new to recovery from prolonged alcohol abuse and addiction, it is not uncommon for physical health to be severely suffering. Those who engage in heavy, daily drinking typically neglect their personal health, neither consciously eating healthfully nor engaging in regular physical activity. Thus, for those in early sobriety, it is often crucial to supplement daily intake with several dietary supplements that will encourage physical wellbeing and reconstruction.
Essential Supplements for Recovering Alcoholics
- Fish Oil
A recent study conducted out of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of medicine revealed that supplementing a diet with fish oil will prevent neurological damage caused by consuming large amounts of alcohol. Fish oil protects brain cells from inflammation and neurological cell death that would have otherwise resulted from prolonged alcohol abuse. Long-term studies have shown for years that alcoholism frequently results in serious brain damage, including dementia – thus this discovery could prove to be groundbreaking. Amino acids (like those found in fish oil) are essential to rebuilding depleted serotonin levels as well.
- Vitamin C
This natural antioxidant has been proven to neutralize damaging effects of prolonged alcohol abuse. Either incorporate a Vitamin C supplement into your diet or increase your daily intake of citrus fruits and vegetables.
- Tryptophan
Famous for its involvement in Thanksgiving, this amino acid (found in turkey, bananas, milk, and sunflower seeds) helps revitalize serotonin. Properly balanced serotonin levels promote healthy sleep and an overall calming effect.
- Folic Acid
It is not uncommon of those early in recovery for alcoholism to be deficient in folic acid. This nutrient is found in leafy vegetables and citrus fruits, but can also be taken daily as a multivitamin.
- Thiamin
Thiamin deficiency is often the cause of severe and permanent brain damage in alcoholics. Thiamin is available as an intramuscular injection but is more frequently taken as a dietary supplement. Thiamin is known for boosting your immune system and promoting an overall positive attitude. Cereal grains tend to be the most common thiamin-containing food, thus it is important as a recovering alcoholic to always remember the most important meal of the day!