Addiction makes people less likely to get the vitamins necessary for everyday life. Even before considering the toll that it can take on a body, addicts are less likely to eat a nutritious diet because they’re spending much of their time, energy, and money on procuring their addictive substance.
If you’ve left a detox center in Ohio, you may be wondering: what vitamins do you need to stay healthy? Learn what you need to know.
Why It’s Important to Get the Right Amount of Vitamins
Living well means getting the right amount of vitamins. They’ve been linked to hundreds of processes in the body, helping bones, cells, and organs all perform necessary tasks. Not getting the right amount of vitamins can lead to:
- Many health issues, which we cover more in-depth throughout this article.
- Cravings, which in turn encourages relapse.
Vitamin B
To understand what your body needs during recovery, you need to understand Vitamin B. It’s essential to your health, and in fact, eight of the most important vitamins are B vitamins.
What B Vitamins Does Your Body Need?
There are many kinds of Vitamin B deficiency. Which one(s) you’re missing will vary depending on the substance you are addicted to.
- B1 – Alcoholics and drug users often experience Thiamin deficiency, which has been linked to weight loss, confusion, and swelling.
- B2 – Barbiturate users often suffer from Riboflavin deficiency, which has been linked to skin problems, reproductive issues, and fatigue.
- B3 – Alcoholics may experience Niacin deficiency, though this is one of the rarest forms of vitamin deficiency. If not treated, it can cause death.
- B5 – Drug users sometimes experience Pantothenic acid deficiency, which causes stomach issues, breathing difficulties, and insomnia.
- B6 – People who overuse pyridoxine-inactivating drugs may experience Pyridoxine deficiency, which can weaken your immune system and cause your tongue to swell.
- B7 – Eating disorders may cause Biotin deficiency, though this is more commonly an inherited condition. It usually leads to rashes and hair loss.
- B9 – Alcoholics and drug addicts sometimes experience Folate/Folic acid deficiency, which leads to mouth sores and lethargy.
- B12 – Meth addicts may experience Cyanocobalamin deficiency, which is linked to dizziness, breathing issues, and difficulties remembering things.
What Foods Have B Vitamins?
The following foods are high in several different kinds of Vitamin B:
- Beef
- Eggs
- Liver
- Milk
- Seafood
You may also want to start taking Complex Vitamin B supplements, which can give you the full range of Vitamin B that your body needs. If a vitamin does not give you the full range, it will state the specific Vitamin B it’s giving you (e.g., B1 vitamin).
Vitamin C
Many alcoholics and drug addicts have insufficient Vitamin C levels. Your body already needs Vitamin C, but it’s particularly important for rehabilitation because it has been linked to reduced cravings for alcohol and heroin.
Vitamin C deficiency can cause many different dental problems, as well as drying out your hair and leading to anemia.
What Foods Have C Vitamins?
Fruits and vegetables are the most common sources of Vitamin C. While citrus fruits are the most well-known source of Vitamin C, you can also get it from:
- Broccoli
- Leafy Greens
- Peppers (Green or Red)
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
Vitamin D
Opioid addicts often crave Vitamin D. While it is an important vitamin for all bodies, a diet high in Vitamin D is particularly useful for addicts who are trying to remove opioids from their lives.
If you don’t get enough Vitamin D, you may experience depression or the loss of bone mass.
What Foods Have D Vitamins?
Because it’s not present in many foods, the easiest way to get Vitamin D is via sunlight. That said, if you’re not in an area with much sunlight, you may get it from:
- Eggs
- Mushrooms
- Seafood
UV lamps can also be a good source of Vitamin D.
Magnesium
Alcoholics are the group that’s most likely to suffer from magnesium deficiency, which can lead to convulsions and cramps.
What Foods Have Magnesium?
Magnesium is present in many plants, meaning you can find it in:
- Avocado
- Dark Chocolate
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Seeds
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Cocaine users may suffer from Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, which is typically caused by not having enough fat in your diet. This has been linked to poor circulation, which in turn damages your heart health.
What Foods Have Omega-3 Fatty Acids?
Many forms of seafood have Omega-3 fatty acids. This is particularly true for cold-water fish, which tend to have more fat in them. You can also get this vitamin from:
- Beans
- Mangoes
- Plant Oils
- Nuts
- Seeds
Zinc
Alcoholics often suffer from Zinc deficiency, which can weaken your immune system, stunt your growth, and cause impotence.
What Foods Have Zinc?
Zinc is present in many kinds of food, and the human body only needs small amounts of it. It’s present in:
- Beef
- Milk
- Mushrooms
- Pork
- Seafood
- Whole Grains
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