The Best Vitamins To Use While Detoxing From Alcohol

Detox is a difficult process that can be hard on the body. Certain vitamins and minerals can help to support the body and mind while withdrawal symptoms occur. Treatment can help with substance use issues.

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Dr. Manish Mishra, MBBS

Medically Reviewed By: Manish Mishra, MBBS

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Some of the best vitamins and supplements to use while detoxing from alcohol include B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc and magnesium supplements, and others.

Vitamins support the body functions that are required to rid the system of alcohol. They can also help with cravings, and they can lessen withdrawal symptoms.

Vitamins and minerals are also important during detox because alcohol addiction leads to many nutrient deficiencies.

When you stop drinking, taking vitamins and supplements can help to restore nutrients that have become deficient.

Common Nutrient Deficiencies From Alcohol Abuse

Vitamins and nutrients help the body perform countless vital functions. They also aid in balancing brain chemistry, which leads to mood stabilization and decreased alcohol cravings.

When alcohol dependence leads to deficiencies, they can have a compounding effect on the substance use problem.

Nutritional deficiencies in vitamins and nutrients put the body and brain out of balance and make drinking alcohol seem even more appealing.

Common nutrient and vitamin deficiencies that develop with heavy alcohol consumption:

  • vitamin B1 (thiamine)
  • vitamin B3 (niacin)
  • vitamin A
  • zinc
  • folic acid
  • vitamin D
  • vitamin B6
  • calcium

Best Vitamins And Minerals To Take During Alcohol Detox

The best vitamins and minerals to take during detox replace those lost because of alcohol abuse, ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and support the detox process.

Even just taking a basic multivitamin will help during detox. And eating a healthy and balanced diet will naturally include many of these nutrients.

B Vitamins

The B-complex vitamins are often deficient after prolonged heavy drinking.

These vitamins serve many functions, including supporting liver health, reducing cravings, and cleansing the body of toxins.

In addition to taking the vitamins as supplements, foods such as leafy greens, fruits, fish and poultry, and eggs are good to eat during alcohol detox to get B vitamins naturally.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C supports mood and mental well-being. It also supports a healthy immune system. Foods such as citrus fruits, bell pepper, strawberries, tomatoes, and potatoes are all high in vitamin C.

Vitamin C deficiency can contribute to depression. A big part of detox is stabilizing the brain and emotions, so vitamin C may be helpful in this.

Zinc Supplements

Alcohol abuse can block the body’s ability to absorb and use zinc. Zinc deficiency can make organs function worse, lead to depression and confusion, and affect smell and taste.

This is why some people with a heavy drinking problem report a loss of smell and taste.

Taking zinc supplements helps to restore this vital nutrient during alcohol recovery. Foods naturally rich in zinc include meat, shellfish, legumes like lentils and chickpeas, and nuts.

Magnesium Supplements

Magnesium is a common supplement given during alcohol detox. This supplement has been shown to improve mood and nervous system function, reduce anxiety, and promote healthy heart and brain function.

Magnesium can also help with twitches and cramps that are a natural part of alcohol withdrawal.

Foods that are naturally high in magnesium include avocados, dark chocolate, nuts, legumes, and whole grains.

Other Nutrients To Consume During Alcohol Detox

Countless other nutrients can further support the body during the alcohol detox process. Among the most important nutrients to incorporate are proteins and omega-3 fatty acids.

Protein

Protein is naturally occurring in many foods and is made up of building blocks called amino acids.

Protein supports healthy muscle and organ function. Alcohol abuse may block proteins from being absorbed by the body.

Foods with lots of healthy proteins include:

  • legumes like lentils and garbanzo beans
  • fish and poultry
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • spinach
  • tofu

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous health benefits, including supporting healthy brain and heart function, decreasing inflammation, and reducing symptoms of depression.

All of these benefits are helpful for people going through alcohol detox.

Some great ways to get Omega-3 fatty acids include:

  • fish oil capsules
  • salmon
  • nuts
  • seeds (especially flax and chia)
  • plant oils like flaxseed oil and soybean oil

Post-Detox Treatment Services For Alcohol Use Disorder

After detox, inpatient rehab at a certified treatment center is the best way to ensure that you or a loved one get the care and support you need.

Alcohol addiction is difficult to stop without professional help. Inpatient programs offer healthcare, mental health support, behavioral implementations, and supportive activities.

The best inpatient programs incorporate evidence-based treatment approaches such as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), support groups, and therapy.

Find Alcohol Addiction Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

Bedrock Recovery Center is an inpatient treatment center located in Canton, MA. We offer treatment programs for people ranging from young adults to older people who abuse alcohol and other drugs.

Bedrock Recovery Center serves the whole east coast of the U.S. We offer top-rated care for addiction recovery to all of our clients.

If you are ready to put alcohol addiction in your past, call our helpline today to learn about our proven-effective programs.

  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) https://nida.nih.gov/publications/principles-drug-addiction-treatment-research-based-guide-third-edition/drug-addiction-treatment-in-united-states/types-treatment-programs
  2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-45-Detoxification-and-Substance-Abuse-Treatment/SMA15-4131
  3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment/medications-counseling-related-conditions
  4. U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm

Written by Bedrock Recovery Center Editorial Team

© 2024 Bedrock Recovery Center | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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