Nutrients to help with addiction, withdrawal, and mental health

Below is a brief article summarizing some potential supplement options that can assist with addiction and withdrawal. Even if you don’t have an addiction or withdrawal problem, you may find the information useful as these supplements can benefit brain functioning.

(Disclaimer: Know Your Why is not intended to replace the guidance or treatment of a doctor or nutritionist, nor do we claim to be experts in this field. Please speak with a doctor or nutritionist before supplementation or diet changes. The below information comes from a blog by Jordan Fallis along with the sources used in the blog.)

It is well known that nutrition is critical to maintain optimal body functioning. Did you know that nutrition and/or supplementation can possibly assist with addiction? Withdrawal? Mental Health? In this short blog, we will summarize suggestions for nutrients/supplements that may assist addiction, withdrawal, and mental health. These nutrients may assist with correcting metabolic changes that occurred in the brain due to addiction, reducing the presence of cravings, counteracting nutritional deficiencies that mimic or worsen withdrawal like symptoms, and overall optimizing brain functioning.

Citicoline– A B vitamin that has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Can be found in beef liver and egg yolks.

Theanine– An ammino acid found in tea that can have an anti-anxiety and calming effect (just don’t take too much!)

Omega 3 Fatty Acids– Essential fats the body does not produce by itself that help with brain and nervous system functioning. Can be found in fish

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR)– A form of carnitine that has neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects

N-Acetyl-Cysteine (AC) and/or Glutathione– A form of the amino acid cysteine that has antioxidant properties

Vitamin D– A fat soluble vitamin we synthesize when exposed to the sun. Important for many of the body’s systems

Magnesium– A mineral that impacts neurotransmitter and hormonal activity that can impact mood and brain function. Can be found in spinach, chard, pumpkin seeds, almonds, avocado, dark chocolate, and bananas

Zinc– A mineral that can help with mental health. Found in oysters, grass fed beef, pumpkin seeds, cashews, and spinach

Vitamin C– A vitamin known for immune system benefits that can also reduce stress, anxiety, and severity of depression. Found in green peppers, citrus fruits, tomatoes, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cabbage

Visit  9 Supplements Proven to Help You Overcome Addiction and Withdrawal — Optimal Living Dynamics for more information and links to the sources used to determine these benefits. Again, speak with a medical professional before supplementing or changing your diet. Please note, KYW does not specifically endorse any product sold though the above link.

Chris Dorian, founder of Know Your Why Recovery