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 http://www.alcoholismresources.com
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..Nutritional vitamin fiber supplements come in a variety of types,... Read More
HGH is an exciting new phenomenon, which aspires to help... Read More
I'm a great believer in natural tonics to strengthen or... Read More
Once again the "wisdom" of the FDA and the supplement... Read More
If you're smart, you should not only be focused on... Read More
Do you spend at least some time in your day... Read More
What exactly are phytoestrogens, and how can we use them... Read More
Do you ever find yourself asking any or all of... Read More
Actually, my headache is not the result of just thinking... Read More
Nitric Oxide, a gas that occurs naturally in the body,... Read More
Iron is a mineral that is essential to the health... Read More
You probably know that ladies who are planning on having... Read More
Calcium Supplement ? why calcium.Why is calcium supplement so important?... Read More
There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation,... Read More
Do you ever wonder why the experts keep saying that... Read More
Hormones are chemical messengers made up of amino acids and... Read More
Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that the body cannot... Read More
There is a generation called the baby boomers that make... Read More
Did you know that vitamin B-1 has two other widely... Read More
Those who start eating lemons at first symptoms of the... Read More
Since ancient time bee pollen has been considered as an... Read More
Perhaps you first read riboflavin at the back of a... Read More
Vitamin E is an absolutely vital nutrient in your body,... Read More
Did you know that when we breath oxygen, it interacts... Read More
Discount Supplement ? what is it?Discount supplement is a term... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..The science of Glycobiology, touted by the Massachusetts Institute of... Read More
Amino acid supplements and amino acid food intake can bring... Read More
Calcium Supplement ? why calcium.Why is calcium supplement so important?... Read More
Moderate amounts of vitamin E in the diet can protect... Read More
Many of you are probably aware that The American Medical... Read More
Taurox is an excellent way to find true and healthy... Read More
Made from cow's milk, whey protein is a pure, all-natural,... Read More
A lot of people take vitamins A, C, B and... Read More
Vitamins are an important part of a health diet. Unlike... Read More
At the rate it's going, Saw Palmetto will soon be... Read More
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid plays a supporting role in... Read More
It's never too late to change your habits, and if... Read More
Beta-Glucan is an extremely potent, immune activating substance taken from... Read More
Perhaps you first read riboflavin at the back of a... Read More
When it comes to personalized weight loss programs and their... Read More
"But I eat healthy," you might say. That may be... Read More
When I began to study nutrition, I too believed that... Read More
There are numerous herbal supplements on the market today that... Read More
While HA has dramatically increased in popularity and use within... Read More
Fiber supplements can be tremendously beneficial for IBS sufferers. Although... Read More
For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More
For people who suffer from arthritis, dependable pain relief is... Read More
There are so many different whey protein powder products on... Read More
Ideally, humans would eat wholly nutritious diets rich in protein,... Read More
As I mentioned in Part 4 of my Real Health... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |