While all of these tools are integral to your success in sobriety, there are natural forms of coping that will increase your chances and abilities to remain sober and curb cravings. Although the available evidence is mixed or lacking in humans, the following natural supplements, herbs, and vitamins might help curb alcohol cravings (5, 6, 7). The protein in poultry and reduce alcohol craving fish helps in the production of dopamine, which can help improve your mood as you fight alcohol cravings.
- When you drink alcohol, it releases a burst of dopamine, serotonin, and other “feel good” chemicals in your brain.
- If you’re new to recovery or are in need of different ways to reduce alcohol cravings, nuts and nut butter are the perfect snack.
- First and foremost, regular alcohol use over time destroys some of the body’s vitamin stores leading to deficiencies in vitamins B6, thiamine Folic acid as well as more.
- Including lean meats, fish, tofu, legumes, and other protein sources in your diet can support neurotransmitter production and promote feelings of pleasure and relaxation.
Discover shocking heroin fast facts! Learn about effects, addiction signs, and treatment options in society.
One cup of raw sweet potato cubes provides 105% of the daily recommendation for vitamin A. It’s also a good source of several B vitamins, including thiamin, which is important for preventing alcohol-induced brain damage. First and foremost, regular alcohol use over time destroys some of the body’s vitamin stores leading to deficiencies in vitamins B6, thiamine Folic acid as well as more. As a result, you need to eat extremely healthy with plenty of fruit vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods in order to build up your stores again. Capsaicin stimulates the release of endorphins – compounds that provide feelings of happiness.
Protein-Rich Foods for Neurotransmitter Production
- If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, give Rehabs Of Armerica a call today.
- B vitamins are involved in many processes that are essential to a successful recovery, and they’re often depleted in people who have been drinking heavily for a long time.
- But in spite of your goals and no matter how committed you are to changing your habits around drinking, avoiding alcohol might prove a little more difficult than you expected.
- Alcohol cravings can be difficult to manage alone, and there’s no shame in needing a little extra support.
Since complex carbs take more time to break down after consumption, individuals are able to feel fuller with prolonged energy levels. Dairy products also play an important role in replenishing the body with essential nutrients. Nuts are also an excellent source of protein and contain amino acids and magnesium that help the production of dopamine. As mentioned before, balanced dopamine levels help to improve memory, counteract depression, and contribute to healthy weight loss. It also helps individuals resist impulsive behaviors and stop self-destructive tendencies — two of the many qualities that derive from addiction.
Promises Behavioral Health Addiction Treatment Centers
One small apple provides just 77 calories with 13% of the daily recommendation for fiber. It contains vitamin C, several B vitamins, vitamin K, and a number of helpful minerals. Apples also have a high water content, and they provide a type of soluble fiber called pectin that inhibits the growth of bad bacteria in the gut while promoting the growth of good bacteria.
- Beans, lentils, and other legumes are high in fiber, which could help rebuild a healthy microbiome, and they provide a nice boost of healthy carbohydrates that could improve serotonin levels, too.
- Whole grain bread may sustain blood sugar levels throughout the day to reduce a person’s desire for alcohol.
- These nutrient-rich foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and well-being.
- It’s also a good source of other minerals like iron, magnesium, and selenium.
- They can also leave you more sensitive to alcohol’s effects and raise your risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol on Your Health
Having proper support is important and eating a healthy diet is just one more way to support yourself. Eating spicy foods triggers the release of endorphins in the brain similar to those released when drinking. Unlike drinking though, spicy foods are not going to drain your wallet, cause relationship problems, and ruin your life. The reality is that support for alcohol addiction is more than just having a support system in place and going to 12-step meetings. When you eat certain foods, it can actually decrease alcohol cravings so you don’t have to work as hard to resist drinking. I watched my mom struggle with alcohol addiction for years and I know firsthand how much harder it is when you don’t have the right support in place.
Eat Healthy Fats for Brain Support
It is better to accept them as normal and actively treat them through a variety of methods, including possibly taking medication. Meditation, practiced on your own or via guided meditation, can help you learn to react less to alcohol cravings (8). This can be a key to breaking the hold that your triggers to drink have on you. Ashwagandha is an herbal supplement used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
