So I am a bit of a health and fitness nut and I have been trying out different stack of vitamins etc and finally found some things I think worth sharing because they just really are amazing for your body and for recovery!
NAC
First one I found is a supplement called NAC, if you follow the link below for it you can get a bottle for twenty bucks that literally last for months. I started taking it because I have Candida Overgrowth Syndrome from being an alcoholic for so long and taking a bunch of antibiotics indiscriminately because I thought I was sick ( I wasnāt though, just sick from drinking). Anyways when the candida dies off it releases acetaldehyde (among 72 other things), which is very toxic and gets stuck in your body.The Molybndenum helps to change it into acetic acid which is easily excreted by the body. Recently though looking into more information on it I found it amazing for the liver, because it restores Glutathione levels in the body back to normal and helps keep the liver safe from excess usage of alcohol. https://www.liverdoctor.com/n-acetyl-cysteine/ It also neutralizes pollutants and toxins like heavy metals that accumulate in the liver and kidneys, which as alcoholics are not being taken care of.
Buy It Here https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Foods-NAC-600/dp/B000NL4PL6
Sam-E
Learned about this one from my mom who is also Bi Polar, Sam-E is an incredible all natural supplement that can help with depression and has almost no side effects if taken in the suggested doses. It also apparently helps curb emotional impulsive behavior like gambling and drinking. Sam-E just a naturally occurring compound in the body, literally in every cell. It treats depression, improves mobility, lower back pain, joint pain and can even rebuild cartilage. It is fast acting and usually doesnāt take more than a week to notice the results. Having taken this for a few weeks now I can really say I feel the difference. For those with Bi Polar you have to be careful to only take it when you are depressed or it might cause a manic episode but I do have bi polar and I havenāt noticed anything yet. for more info https://www.verywell.com/things-you-should-know-about-sam-e-2552006
http://www.raysahelian.com/alcohol.html
Buy It Here https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/159-2193737-3477216?url=search-alias%3Dhpc&field-keywords=sam+e
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is amazing, āAlcohol consumption leads to oxidative stress which contributes to insulin resistance and interferes with brain glucose metabolism. Coconut oil, being rich in antioxidants and saturated fats, helps nourish and heal the brain.Coconut oil, being rich in antioxidants and saturated fats, helps nourish and heal the brain. Also, it is believed that as coconut helps kill yeast in the body it also helps reduce sugar and alcohol cravings because yeast feed on sugar.ā https://www.addictionhope.com/blog/coconut-oil-can-help-treat-alcohol-addiction/
Coconut oil can help reduce seizures, high cholesterol levels, help you lose weight and kill harmful microorganisms. I prefer the pill form to take everyday as taking spoonfuls of the actual oil made me nauseous and the pills do not, but I still recommend having the Oil to use for cooking too!
Buy It Here https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Coconut-Oil-Certified-Unrefined/dp/B00CM6Q6X0/ref=sr_1_18_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482782280&sr=1-18&keywords=coconut+oil
Omega 3
"The new study found that in brain cells exposed to high levels of alcohol, a fish oil compound protected against inflammation and neuronal cell death. Omega-3 fish oil might help protect against alcohol-related neurodamage and the risk of eventual dementia, according to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE" https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140717180252.htm
Omega 3ās are amazing for mood support if you have Bi polar or mood disorders, bone health, heart health and helps create healthy cholesterol levels. I take about three a day of 1000 mg you wonāt need more than that. http://www.bodybuilding.com/content/3-reasons-why-you-need-fish-oil-your-body-will-thank-you.html
Buy It Here https://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Ultra-Soft-gels-180-Count/dp/B000SE5SY6/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1482782580&sr=1-3&keywords=omega%2Bthree%2Bfish%2Boil&th=1
B-12
"Vitamin B12 for Alcoholics. Alcoholics sometimes have functional vitamin B-12 deficiencies. Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin, is essential for forming red blood cells and DNA, as well as for proper brain and nerve function. It is found in eggs, meat, fish, dairy products and fortified foods." B-12 can help with detoxification from drinking and even help alleviate the symptoms of PAWS. http://www.livestrong.com/article/492456-b-complex-vitamins-for-recovering-alcoholics/
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/vitamin-b12-alcoholics-5637.html
Buy It Here https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dhpc&field-keywords=b+12
Amino Acids
Amino acids can help a great deal with alcohol recovery.
"L-Tryptophan ā A necessary amino for serotonin production, the brainās natural antidepressant. Serotonin deficiency symptoms can include any of the following: self-deprecation, anxiety, sleep disorders, compulsive thoughts and behaviors, depression, irritability, panic, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, cravings that become more pronounced in the afternoon or evening. Cravings related to L-Tryptophan deficiency may include sweets and starches; nicotine, marijuana, and alcohol.
GABA ā Known as the anti-stress chemical, a deficiency of GABA can present itself with: anxiety, emotional or physical tension, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by circumstances. Cravings related to GABA deficiency may include nicotine, marijuana, alcohol or carbohydrates.
DLPA D-Phenylalanine ā Increases the lifespan of endorphins, which are pain-relieving chemicals. Symptoms of Endorphin deficiency may include weepiness, crying spells and fragile emotions, and pain sensitivity.
Cravings related to DLPA D-Phenylalanine deficiency can include starches and sweets, heroin, nicotine, marijuana or alcohol.
L-Tyrosine ā Is necessary for the production of catecholamines like norepinephrine dopamine, and epinephrine. These are the āIām alert and ready for my dayā neurotransmitters. They are connected to clarity, focus and concentration. Symptoms of deficiency can include a lack of clarity and focus, fatigue, lack of motivation, apathy, an overall lack of energy to engage in personal interests or work, depression, and may be diagnosed as ADD, attention deficit disorder. Cravings related to catecholamine deficiency may include anything that will bring a boost of energy, such as sweets and starches, caffeine, methamphetamine and cocaine. The deficiency may also present itself in choosing risky sports and activities, unsafe sex, or gambling in order to feel more awake and alive.
L-Glutamine ā Is the ideal ābrain balancer,ā regulating blood sugar levels to maintain clarity as well as energy. L-Glutamine deficiency can cause shakiness, irritability, weakness, dizziness, especially when too much time has passed between meals. Cravings can be anything that provides a boost to low blood sugar, like starches, sweets, and alcohol." https://theshoresrecovery.com/understanding-amino-acid-therapy-and-addiction-recovery/ (full article)
Honorable Mentions
Vitamin C: helps improve the immune system by removing the toxic by products of alcohol.
Multi Vitamins: are pretty essential to recover because people recovering from addiction typically donāt have good diets and are missing important nutrients. I would suggest a more potent/effective liquid version version https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_8?url=search-alias%3Dhpc&field-keywords=liquid+multivitamin&sprefix=liquid+m%2Chpc%2C216&crid=3W2E9LDWR2SC8
Juicing: One thing I have made sure I do a few times a week is to juice vegetables to get those important to get those micro nutrients and help clear out the liver from and provide fiber the body was not getting before. Flushing out all the bad things from your system.