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
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..There are a number of pros and cons for vitamin... Read More
Perhaps you first read riboflavin at the back of a... Read More
You probably know that ladies who are planning on having... Read More
Throughout my childhood I was aware of the importance of... Read More
As consumers, we are faced daily with choices about what... Read More
It's absolutely crucial that your body gets the nutrients it... Read More
Diet Supplement ? when are they used?Why diet supplement is... Read More
Xango is a brand new health and dietary supplement. It... Read More
Taurox is an excellent way to find true and healthy... Read More
ImmunPlex? is an undenatured whey protein isolate that contains many... Read More
April 14,2005 federal judge Tena Campbell of the federal district... Read More
We all know that vitamin C is one of the... Read More
It's never too late to change your habits, and if... Read More
Numerous studies and surveys have consistently shown that a majority... Read More
In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
Although creatine offers an array of benefits, most people think... Read More
1. What supplements do you take?A multivitamin, Glucosamine-MSM-Chondroitin, Odorless Garlic,... Read More
This complex mixture of nutrient-rich growth factors, immunoglobulins, glycoconjugates and... Read More
Many people take amino acids for height growth these days.... Read More
"But I eat healthy," you might say. That may be... Read More
Lysine is an essential amino acid therefore it must be... Read More
Vitamins seem to be so good for everything. The newly... Read More
Currently, there are no known side effects for most hyaluronic... Read More
According to Dr John Scurr leading Consultant Vascular Surgeon and... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..Vitamins seem to be so good for everything. The newly... Read More
Vitamin supplement - why is it important?Vitamin supplement or supplements... Read More
When I first started down this path I was looking... Read More
If I read 1 good valid murder mystery book, would... Read More
Protein Supplement ? whey protein.Why is protein supplement important? Protein... Read More
Use of herbs and herbal therapies has been an integral... Read More
Have you heard of the herbal supplement with the very... Read More
There is a huge market when it comes to vitamins.... Read More
There are two basic types of constipation - organic and... Read More
For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More
You Need Probiotics For Better Digestion and Overall HealthInside your... Read More
Riboflavin is a common name for vitamin B-2 and was... Read More
Rhodiola rosea is available commercially as a supplement and rhodiola... Read More
Most parents' think their children are eating a fairly healthy... Read More
Lipovarin ReviewSince the ban on ephedra based products in April... Read More
Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health... Read More
It is well known and scientifically proven that vitamins and... Read More
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons... Read More
L glutamine is an amino acid occurring abundantly within the... Read More
At the rate it's going, Saw Palmetto will soon be... Read More
It's never too late to change your habits, and if... Read More
Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More
Herbal supplements have become hugely popular over the years, and... Read More
As the name suggests, muscle milk is a supplement that... Read More
Creatine is an amino acid that is in meat and... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |