Vitamin Deficiency and Alcohol: Can Supplements Help?

Our 30-something bodies aren't handling more than two glasses these days, but everybody makes mistakes and has one too many. Cinco De Mayo is right around the corner, and it reminds us of our twenties, and while we left most of that behind, occasionally, the wine hits different. We wake up feeling sluggish and in need of oversized sunglasses. 

 

The question remains, can you use nutrition and supplements to help replenish the vitamins alcohol depletes? We think so.

According to this article from the Boulder Medical Center, "The process of metabolizing alcohol requires nutrients. As the liver decreases its supply of these nutrients, the bloodstream is called upon to replenish the supply. As a result, body cells are deprived of critical nutrients, and normal body functions suffer." In ordinary people's speak, this means the liver is using up your stored nutrients to break down the alcohol, which leaves the rest of your body without the vitamins and minerals it needs to perform basic tasks.

How can we fight this feeling and lack of nutrients?

Supplements and healthy food! We know, we know. You want a burrito...but hear us out.

 

B Vitamins are particularly prone to be used up to fight the effects of alcohol. This deficiency can lead to feelings of depression, low energy, and anxiety. If you've ever over-imbibed, you know these are all feelings you've had.

Our STAMINA and SUPPORT products have all the B vitamins that are being depleted by your liver. You can mix them both into one glass and drink it first thing and STAMINA alone a few hours later. We want to give our bodies easy access to these vitamins since they're already searching for a way to get them. 

Other vitamins and minerals to consider are Vitamin C, Magnesium, Zinc, Calcium, Potassium, and Iron. These are also low in supply while the liver is working hard, but we can replenish those by eating a healthy supply of protein or taking ESSENTIAL and REPAIR.

We like to make our super-powered green smoothie for breakfast, which helps us get the initial burst and sustained vitamin and mineral release from healthy foods. We also go for a walk or low-impact workout class like barre or Pilates to get the blood flowing through that liver for detox! Grab some REPAIR in the afternoon to round it all out, and you should be all set.

A healthy diet and exercise can help more than anything. Keep eating well-rounded meals consistently and supplementing to ensure your vitamin and mineral levels are always at 100%, and your body can access them easily! It's okay to have a little fun every once in a while!

For those struggling with addiction, please contact a licensed counselor or SAMHSA's National Helpline. SAMHSA is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

The PRTCL team would like to remind you to drink responsibly.