Nutritional help for AUD and ADHD - Please see the video at the bottom of this page. youtu.be/XcvhERcZpWw?si=6t8F9UEml3tyuLMj
With Alcohol Use Disorder.... Alcohol, also known as Ethanol, is broken down by the body onto a substance called Acetaldehyde, which is toxic to the body and actually causes the feeling of intoxication. The body then breaks down Acetaldehyde into Acetate which is also toxic. Acetaldehyde is water and fat soluble and crosses the blood brain barrier. The body prioritizes metabolizing these poisons first, which means all other bodily functions are diminished. This causes the digestion system significant difficulty digesting nutrients, enzymes, and vitamins. As a result, the body is typically low on the vitamins listed below.
Cortisol is increased from drinking alcohol.
Cortisol is an important part of the fight or flight mechanism, an evolutionary development that serves us well in many ways. The problem is a sustained, long-term response that is not healthy cause it overtaxes the system. Some of the symptoms of high cortisol include fatigue, mid-section weight gain, bruising easily, swelling in the legs, mood swings, irregular periods, mental fogginess, muscle weakness, fatty deposits between the shoulder blades, diabetes, hypertension, hirsutism in women, proximal muscle weakness, and osteoporosis. Vitamin B1 or thiamine – an important coenzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism; plays a role in nerve impulse propagation. Most common deficiencies occur during pregnancy and in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome – occurs in patients who abuse alcohol.
Thiamine is also used to treat patients with beriberi – a disease that results from a diet low in Vitamin B1 – includes numbness and tingling, edema, and heart failure. Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is a coenzyme involved in tissue respiration and normal cell metabolism. Found in food such as cereal, green leafy vegetables, milk and some meats; made in the intestines by bacteria. Riboflavin is used to treat Vitamin B2 deficiencies, in doses of 400 mg a day it can decrease migraines. Deficiency symptoms include mucositis, skin rash, cracked lips, photophobia, tearing, poor vision, poor wound healing, and anemia. |
Here's a link to a nutrition from Addiction Resource
https://www.addictionresource.net/treatment/detox/alcohol/nutrition/ Here's another excellent resource called Functional Sobriety
https://www.functionalsobriety.com/ |
Vitamin B3 or niacin is essential for reactions in the body that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – molecule in cellular energy production. Found in yeast, peanuts, peas, beans, whole grains, potatoes, and lean meats.
Dyslipidemia – a condition signified by elevated total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, is treated with niacin.
Niacin supplements are used to treat Vitamin B3 deficiencies which can result from the use of certain medications.
Pellagra is a disease that presents with hyper pigmented rash in areas of exposed skin, red tongue, swelling of mouth and tongue, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, and neurologic symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and disorientation may result due to Vitamin B3 deficiency.
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid – a precursor to coenzyme A, which has an important role in the synthesis of many molecules such as Vitamins A and D, cholesterol, steroids, heme, fatty acids, and proteins.
Found in walnuts, whole grains, potatoes, chicken, beef, egg yolk, liver, kidney, broccoli, and milk; can be produced by bacteria in the colon.
Pantothenic acid used to treat Vitamin B5 deficiencies.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine – converted in the body to the coenzymes responsible for amino acid metabolism.
Common forms include pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine.
Pyridoxine and pyridoxamine are found in plant-based foods like vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
Pyridoxal is commonly derived from animal foods.
Cooking, processing, and storage can reduce levels by up to 50%.
Pyridoxine is used to treat Vitamin B6 deficiencies.
Vitamin B7 or biotin – a coenzyme involved in metabolism, playing an essential role in processes including cell replication.
Biotin can be found in a variety of plants, peanuts and green, leafy vegetables, liver, egg yolk, soybeans, and yeast.
Biotin is taken for Vitamin B7 deficiencies. Deficiency is typically associated with altered absorption and consumption of large quantities of raw eg
Vitamin B9 or folic acid or folate – plays a major role in intracellular metabolism and the breakdown of homocysteine – an amino acid associated with cardiovascular disease; used in the production of serotonin.
Frequently added to foods, but naturally found in green, leafy vegetables; fruits; cereals; grains; and red meat.
Folic acid is used to treat Vitamin B9 deficiencies.
Deficiency signs include anemia, diarrhea, and a swollen or painful tongue; deleterious effect on the cardiovascular system and is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin – a coenzyme necessary for cell reproduction, normal growth and RBC production. Absorption of B12 in the intestines requires intrinsic factor, which is produced in the stomach.
Patients who have had a gastrectomy will need life long B12 injections.
Cyanocobalamin deficiency takes a long time to develop and is easily treated with supplements; most common in older adults and vegetarians.
B12 deficiency signs include anemia, swollen or painful tongue, and nerve pain and degeneration; pernicious anemia and end-stage renal disease.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid – plays a role in immune system function and as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants – substances that can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and are thought to be protective. Deficiency signs include poor wound healing, fatigue, and depression; most effective for treating – presents with fatigue, anemia, hemorrhages, nosebleeds, spongy gums, and enlargement of hair follicles.
Other indications for Vitamin C supplements include macular degeneration, seasonal allergies, improved iron absorption, and protein metabolism is premature infants.
Large doses of Vitamin C supplements are taken to prevent illness, such as the common cold; also some take as part of their drug regimen for prevention of cancer, atherosclerosis, and sunburn.
High doses of Vitamin C can increase risk for kidney stones.
Vitamin C - Studies have suggested that vitamin C supplementation may help to reduce cortisol levels in the body. One study found that taking vitamin C supplements before a stressful event helped to reduce cortisol levels and improve subjective stress responses in participants. Vitamin C increases ethanol clearance and may reduce alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. Vitamin C also enhances the production of the detoxifying enzyme glutathione. In other words, vitamin C is an excellent antitoxin, helps reduce cortisol, and breaks down alcohol faster.
Creatine - May increase memory, concentration, focus, The importance of creatine in brain function is suggested by the presence of creatine kinase (CK) isoforms in multiple brain areas including the cerebellum, hippocampus, pontine reticular formation, red nucleus, cerebral cortex and choroid plexus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6093191/
Chromium is part of a complex of molecules called glucose tolerance factor – helps to regulate glucose tolerance and insulin levels.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone with several forms. In humans, the most important forms are vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
Magnesium
Taking a magnesium supplement to address a deficiency has been linked to health benefits. These include improvements in blood pressure, mood, and blood sugar management, as well as a lower risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease.
Selenium is incorporated into amino acids; plays a role in multiple biologic functions; reduces oxidative stress in the body. Brazil nuts are a natural source of Selenium.
Zinc – a cofactor in physiologic processes, including the synthesis of DNA and protein; plays an important role in immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, reproduction, and appropriate growth.
Medication for sleep - It has 3 ingredients – and it works · Magnesium Threonate (300–400 mg) · Theanine (100–400 mg) · Apigenin (50 mg).
This is a formulation from Dr. Andrew Huberman, A Stanford Neurobiologist
https://www.livemomentous.com/products/sleep-bundle-apigenin-theanine-threonate?selling_plan=906821815
Another reliable company is Pure Encapsulations - www.pureformulas.com/product/best-rest-formula-by-pure-encapsulations/1000002531?skuId=PE1763&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM3joz9mPxq-dJr75aFTdevZrXF41QnWyxMqztIF9xHAydVixHjDC6hoCr8AQAvD_BwE
Dyslipidemia – a condition signified by elevated total or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels or low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, is treated with niacin.
Niacin supplements are used to treat Vitamin B3 deficiencies which can result from the use of certain medications.
Pellagra is a disease that presents with hyper pigmented rash in areas of exposed skin, red tongue, swelling of mouth and tongue, diarrhea, sensitivity to light, and neurologic symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and disorientation may result due to Vitamin B3 deficiency.
Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid – a precursor to coenzyme A, which has an important role in the synthesis of many molecules such as Vitamins A and D, cholesterol, steroids, heme, fatty acids, and proteins.
Found in walnuts, whole grains, potatoes, chicken, beef, egg yolk, liver, kidney, broccoli, and milk; can be produced by bacteria in the colon.
Pantothenic acid used to treat Vitamin B5 deficiencies.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine – converted in the body to the coenzymes responsible for amino acid metabolism.
Common forms include pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine.
Pyridoxine and pyridoxamine are found in plant-based foods like vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
Pyridoxal is commonly derived from animal foods.
Cooking, processing, and storage can reduce levels by up to 50%.
Pyridoxine is used to treat Vitamin B6 deficiencies.
Vitamin B7 or biotin – a coenzyme involved in metabolism, playing an essential role in processes including cell replication.
Biotin can be found in a variety of plants, peanuts and green, leafy vegetables, liver, egg yolk, soybeans, and yeast.
Biotin is taken for Vitamin B7 deficiencies. Deficiency is typically associated with altered absorption and consumption of large quantities of raw eg
Vitamin B9 or folic acid or folate – plays a major role in intracellular metabolism and the breakdown of homocysteine – an amino acid associated with cardiovascular disease; used in the production of serotonin.
Frequently added to foods, but naturally found in green, leafy vegetables; fruits; cereals; grains; and red meat.
Folic acid is used to treat Vitamin B9 deficiencies.
Deficiency signs include anemia, diarrhea, and a swollen or painful tongue; deleterious effect on the cardiovascular system and is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin – a coenzyme necessary for cell reproduction, normal growth and RBC production. Absorption of B12 in the intestines requires intrinsic factor, which is produced in the stomach.
Patients who have had a gastrectomy will need life long B12 injections.
Cyanocobalamin deficiency takes a long time to develop and is easily treated with supplements; most common in older adults and vegetarians.
B12 deficiency signs include anemia, swollen or painful tongue, and nerve pain and degeneration; pernicious anemia and end-stage renal disease.
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid – plays a role in immune system function and as an antioxidant.
Antioxidants – substances that can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and are thought to be protective. Deficiency signs include poor wound healing, fatigue, and depression; most effective for treating – presents with fatigue, anemia, hemorrhages, nosebleeds, spongy gums, and enlargement of hair follicles.
Other indications for Vitamin C supplements include macular degeneration, seasonal allergies, improved iron absorption, and protein metabolism is premature infants.
Large doses of Vitamin C supplements are taken to prevent illness, such as the common cold; also some take as part of their drug regimen for prevention of cancer, atherosclerosis, and sunburn.
High doses of Vitamin C can increase risk for kidney stones.
Vitamin C - Studies have suggested that vitamin C supplementation may help to reduce cortisol levels in the body. One study found that taking vitamin C supplements before a stressful event helped to reduce cortisol levels and improve subjective stress responses in participants. Vitamin C increases ethanol clearance and may reduce alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity. Vitamin C also enhances the production of the detoxifying enzyme glutathione. In other words, vitamin C is an excellent antitoxin, helps reduce cortisol, and breaks down alcohol faster.
Creatine - May increase memory, concentration, focus, The importance of creatine in brain function is suggested by the presence of creatine kinase (CK) isoforms in multiple brain areas including the cerebellum, hippocampus, pontine reticular formation, red nucleus, cerebral cortex and choroid plexus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6093191/
Chromium is part of a complex of molecules called glucose tolerance factor – helps to regulate glucose tolerance and insulin levels.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble prohormone with several forms. In humans, the most important forms are vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol).
- Vitamin D3 is the more common form. It is found in food and is also made in sunlight-exposed skin from the conversion of 7-dehydrocholesterol. It is also found in over the counter but not prescription supplement form.
- Vitamin D2 is derived from fungal and plant sources. It is available in over the counter and prescription supplements used to treat vitamin D deficiency.
- 25(OH)D is the main form of vitamin D circulating in the blood and the best indicator of vitamin D deficiency or excess in patients not suffering from renal disease.
- 1,25(OH)2D is the most metabolically active form of vitamin D; however, serum 1,25(OH)2D does not reflect vitamin D reserves, and measurement of 1,25(OH)2D is not useful for monitoring the vitamin D status of patients. Serum 1,25(OH)2D is frequently either normal or even elevated in those with vitamin D deficiency, due to secondary hyperparathyroidism.1
Magnesium
Taking a magnesium supplement to address a deficiency has been linked to health benefits. These include improvements in blood pressure, mood, and blood sugar management, as well as a lower risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease.
Selenium is incorporated into amino acids; plays a role in multiple biologic functions; reduces oxidative stress in the body. Brazil nuts are a natural source of Selenium.
Zinc – a cofactor in physiologic processes, including the synthesis of DNA and protein; plays an important role in immune function, wound healing, blood clotting, reproduction, and appropriate growth.
Medication for sleep - It has 3 ingredients – and it works · Magnesium Threonate (300–400 mg) · Theanine (100–400 mg) · Apigenin (50 mg).
This is a formulation from Dr. Andrew Huberman, A Stanford Neurobiologist
https://www.livemomentous.com/products/sleep-bundle-apigenin-theanine-threonate?selling_plan=906821815
Another reliable company is Pure Encapsulations - www.pureformulas.com/product/best-rest-formula-by-pure-encapsulations/1000002531?skuId=PE1763&gclid=CjwKCAjw7oeqBhBwEiwALyHLM3joz9mPxq-dJr75aFTdevZrXF41QnWyxMqztIF9xHAydVixHjDC6hoCr8AQAvD_BwE