I have frequently heard alcoholics who are in early recovery remark that, "If this is what recovery is like, I'd rather go back to drinking." Vitamin deficiencies, particularly of the B vitamins and vitamin C, may be responsible for much of the lethargy, skin irritation, memory loss and depression experienced by people who are newly recovering from an addiction to alcohol. Though these symptoms may have been ongoing while the alcoholic was actively drinking they may seem less tolerable while not under the influence of alcohol.
Alcoholics often replace food consumption with alcohol. Unfortunately, the calories gained from alcohol are what are frequently referred to as "empty calories." That is, they are calories lacking nutrients and of little value to the body. Additionally, alcohol gets in the way of the body absorbing and using the vitamins and minerals of the food that the alcoholic does eat. The combined effect is to leave the alcoholic nutrient poor.
Individuals in recovery can benefit from a healthy diet and a vitamin regimen.* Vitamin B in general, and particularly vitamins B1 (thiamin), B3 (niacin) and B5 (Pantothenic Acid) play a role in turning sugars into energy. Pork is one of the best sources of B1, other sources include cereals and nuts. B2 can also be found in pork and fortified cereals, as well as, salmon and swordfish. Whole grains, milk, eggs, and liver are perhaps the best food sources for Pantothenic Acid.
Meanwhile, B6 and B12 play important roles in producing blood cells and the health of the nervous system. Both of these important vitamins are frequently depleted by years of heavy drinking. Good sources for both of these are meat. Additionally, B6 is found in bananas, avocados, and peanuts. B12 is only found in animal by products; however, this list includes dairy and eggs.
Vitamin C, plays an important role in keeping the skin healthy, and plays an equally important role in the health of bones, teeth and blood vessels. Deficiencies in vitamin C can also be responsible for irritability, weakness and muscle fatigue. The best and most consumed source of vitamin C in the United States is orange juice from frozen concentrate. Other sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, broccoli, potatoes and cantaloupe.
For the average American, eating a healthy diet, vitamin B and C supplements are often unnecessary. However, early in their recovery, alcoholics should seek the advice of a doctor about a proper regime of vitamins and diet. Paying attention to health matters can increase the chances of successful recovery from alcohol addiction.
*For a good comparison chart of vitamins see the patient article section on the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
About the Author: David Westbrook has worked in the field of crisis intervention and addictions for several years. He is the host of http://www.alcoholismresources.com If you are interested in contracting him to write articles for you, contact him at recoveryresources@gmail.com
Vitamins are the stars of the nutrition scene. Nutrition, the... Read More
The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and... Read More
Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are essential to the health... Read More
What if there was a solution to protecting and restoring... Read More
Fitness Supplement ? what is it?The term "fitness supplement" is... Read More
BROCCOLI Good Healthy Food, for Natural Healing, Good Health and... Read More
One of the questions that I frequently get asked is... Read More
Researchers working at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center state that... Read More
Suppose you can turn back the hands of time to... Read More
"High-dose pharmaceutical-grade fish oil is as close to a medical... Read More
What Is Thiamin?Known as Vitamin B1, thiamin was the very... Read More
You read about a supplement that allegedly "Boosts your mood... Read More
Can you treat a headache or stomach ache externally, without... Read More
A healthier diet is very much in the news these... Read More
Use of herbs and herbal therapies has been an integral... Read More
If you break the word apart, Nutra has to do... Read More
There is a huge market when it comes to vitamins.... Read More
You may feel 30, but your body keeps reminding you... Read More
Carboloading of a different variety.Saturday in Tucson before the 1982... Read More
Supplement ? what is it?Supplement is a term that means... Read More
Did you know?· 20% of Australian children reported symptoms of... Read More
The initial success of penicillin generated an assumption which has... Read More
We live in a health conscious generation where vitamins and... Read More
If you're constantly digging your hand into a jar of... Read More
1. What supplements do you take?A multivitamin, Glucosamine-MSM-Chondroitin, Odorless Garlic,... Read More
As with most nutrients and minerals, zinc is often ignored... Read More
Does this describe you: You walk into the living room... Read More
With dietary supplements making their way in our daily life,... Read More
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid plays a supporting role in... Read More
1. Most of the modern western diets contain way too... Read More
Should I Take Vitamins With My Low Carb Diet?Most low... Read More
Vitamin smoothies are a great way to enjoy a cold... Read More
Most healthy eaters are familiar with the three macronutrients that... Read More
Weight Lifting Supplement ? what is it?The term "weight lifting... Read More
HGH is an exciting new phenomenon, which aspires to help... Read More
Whey proteins drinks, especially shakes, are available in a variety... Read More
L-carnitine is a nutritional supplement that has been touted by... Read More
Benefits of using Vitamin A products:Retinol is pure and active... Read More
Those who start eating lemons at first symptoms of the... Read More
Amino acid supplements and amino acid food intake can bring... Read More
It would seem that everyone is looking to squeeze the... Read More
Your Immune system Needs BalanceTaking an immune system supplement daily... Read More
This article provides three easy tips for selecting a quality... Read More
Rarely has a fruit that has been so unknown to... Read More
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid plays a supporting role in... Read More
Americans are buzzing about the FDA's recent decision to reverse... Read More
It's absolutely crucial that your body gets the nutrients it... Read More
Every day, it seems like we are living in an... Read More
Unfortunately nobody can tell that question over the internet, but... Read More
Best liquid calcium with boronNo longer is the search for... Read More
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More
Most people understand the concept of vitamin and mineral supplementation,... Read More
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons... Read More
Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health... Read More
A dose of vitamin C may give a quick boost... Read More
Many of you are probably aware that The American Medical... Read More
If glyconutrients are for real, why aren't they all over... Read More
"Anybody who tells you that disease has only one cause,... Read More
The last year hasn't been a good one for vitamin... Read More
A 2003 study by the Health Sciences Department of the... Read More
How Well Does Thyrin-ATC and Other Natural Thyroid Products Work?Hypothyroidism... Read More
Vitamins and mineral supplements are a good way to supply... Read More
Mineral Supplement ? be healthy.Why is mineral supplement so important?... Read More
I came across an article written by Dr. Ray Strand,... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
You may feel 30, but your body keeps reminding you... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |