Nutritional diets and health supplements play vital roles during the treatment of alcoholism. Recovering alcoholics need replenishment of lost nutrients and a return to normal eating patterns that helps them feel better to avoid alcoholic cravings. Doctors may prescribe supplements that include vitamins, minerals and amino acids to reduce blood sugar fluctuations and cravings. Tyrosine, an amino acid found in foods and supplements, may help to improve moods to counteract the stress alcoholics experience during recovery.
Stress Reduction
Tyrosine helps to manufacture neurotransmitters, including dopamine and epinephrine. These neurotransmitters send signals to the brain that influence mood by boosting energy and enhancing mental alertness. Researchers at the University of Texas examined neurotransmitter deficiencies in a group of alcoholics. The researchers treated subjects with supplements containing tyrosine, glutamine, tryptophan and phenylalanine, other amino acids that work with tyrosine in the body. The supplemental regimen led to a significant decrease in withdrawal symptoms and stress among the alcoholics compared to a control group, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Regulating Mood
Canadian researchers at McGill University in Montreal studied women with depleted levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine. The women showed a lowering of mood and an increase in heart rate following stressful psychological tests. The researchers concluded that the amino acids in relation to neurotransmitters have an effect on regulating anxiety and mood, according to a January 1999 issue of “Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology.”
Producing Amino Acids
When the body is under stress, it may not produce enough tyrosine and phenylalanine to boost the neurotransmitters that help you to deal with stress. Recovering alcoholics may benefit from tyrosine supplements during the stressful periods of withdrawal from alcohol and to avoid cravings. Some research has shown tyrosine supplements can improve memory and performance during stress, but more research is needed, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dietary Changes
Other supplements that may benefit recovering alcoholics include the B vitamins, especially vitamin B-1, or thiamine, because thiamine deficiency results from heavy alcohol use. Vitamin C, selenium, magnesium and zinc may also work effectively with amino acids such as tyrosine to reduce stress and cravings. A well-balanced, low-fat diet that includes protein, complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber helps to improve moods and health. Food sources of tyrosine include poultry, fish, lima beans, milk, cheese, yogurt, bananas, peanuts, almonds and avocados. Low-fat versions of these foods, including poultry without skin and low-fat or fat-free dairy products, ensure a healthy diet to aid recovery.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Alcohol Withdrawal
- Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology; A Comparison of the Effects of Acut Tryptophan Depletion and Acute Phenylalanine/Tyrosine Depletion in Healthy Women; M. Leyton, et al; January 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Alcoholism
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tyrosine
