What are the effects of alcohol on folic acid metabolism. How does chronic alcohol consumption impact folate levels in the body. What are the health risks associated with folic acid deficiency in alcoholics. How can proper nutrition mitigate the negative effects of alcohol on folic acid levels.

The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Folic Acid Metabolism

Chronic alcohol abuse can have significant impacts on folic acid metabolism and overall nutritional status. But what exactly is the relationship between alcohol and folic acid in the body?

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and proper neurological function. When alcohol is consumed chronically and in excess, it can interfere with folic acid absorption, metabolism, and utilization in several key ways:

• Reduced dietary intake of folate-rich foods
• Impaired intestinal absorption of folic acid
• Decreased hepatic uptake and retention of folate
• Accelerated urinary excretion of folic acid

These mechanisms can lead to folate deficiency in up to 80% of individuals with chronic alcoholism. But why is this nutrient interaction so problematic?

Health Consequences of Folic Acid Deficiency in Alcoholics

The depletion of folic acid stores due to chronic alcohol abuse can result in serious health complications if left unchecked. Some of the most significant consequences include:

Megaloblastic Anemia

What is megaloblastic anemia and how common is it in alcoholics? Megaloblastic anemia is a blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormally large, immature red blood cells. This condition occurs in approximately 50% of alcohol abusers with chronic liver disease. The primary cause is folic acid deficiency, which impairs proper DNA synthesis and cell division in rapidly dividing cells like those in bone marrow.

Neurological Disorders

How does folic acid deficiency affect the nervous system? Inadequate folate levels can lead to various neurological issues, including:

• Cognitive impairment
• Depression
• Peripheral neuropathy

These neurological effects are often compounded by the direct neurotoxic effects of alcohol, creating a dangerous synergy that can severely impact brain health and function.

The Role of Homocysteine in Alcohol-Related Health Risks

What is homocysteine and why is it important in the context of alcohol abuse? Homocysteine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in cellular metabolism. When folic acid levels are low, as often seen in chronic alcoholics, homocysteine levels in the blood can become elevated – a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia.

Why is hyperhomocysteinemia concerning? Elevated homocysteine levels have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In fact, hyperhomocysteinemia is considered an independent risk factor for the development of acute coronary syndromes in patients with existing coronary heart disease.

The “Cholesterol of the 21st Century”

Why is homocysteine sometimes referred to as the “cholesterol of the 21st century”? This nickname stems from its emerging role as a significant marker for cardiovascular risk. Like cholesterol, elevated homocysteine levels can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Nutritional Interventions for Alcoholics with Folic Acid Deficiency

Given the serious health implications of folic acid deficiency in alcoholics, what nutritional interventions can be implemented to address this issue?

Dietary Modifications

What foods should be emphasized in the diets of individuals recovering from alcohol abuse? Encouraging the consumption of folate-rich foods is crucial. Some excellent sources of dietary folate include:

• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens)
• Legumes (lentils, beans, peas)
• Citrus fruits
• Fortified cereals and grains

Supplementation

When is folic acid supplementation necessary? In cases of severe deficiency or ongoing alcohol abuse, dietary changes alone may not be sufficient to replenish folate stores. In these instances, healthcare providers may recommend folic acid supplements to quickly normalize levels and prevent further complications.

The Importance of B-Complex Vitamins in Alcohol Recovery

Why is it crucial to consider other B vitamins alongside folic acid in alcohol recovery? Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to deficiencies in multiple B vitamins, not just folic acid. Two particularly important vitamins in this context are:

Vitamin B12

How does vitamin B12 interact with folic acid metabolism? Vitamin B12 works synergistically with folic acid in DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. A deficiency in B12 can exacerbate the negative effects of folate deficiency and contribute to the development of megaloblastic anemia.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal Phosphate)

What role does vitamin B6 play in homocysteine metabolism? Pyridoxal phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6, is a crucial cofactor in the metabolism of homocysteine. Adequate B6 levels are necessary to help maintain normal homocysteine concentrations in the blood.

Given these interactions, a comprehensive B-complex supplement may be more beneficial than folic acid supplementation alone for individuals recovering from chronic alcohol abuse.

Long-Term Strategies for Maintaining Folate Balance in Recovering Alcoholics

What long-term strategies can help maintain proper folate levels in individuals recovering from alcohol addiction?

• Regular nutritional assessments to monitor vitamin levels
• Ongoing education about the importance of a balanced diet
• Integration of folate-rich foods into daily meal plans
• Addressing any underlying gut health issues that may impair nutrient absorption
• Consideration of maintenance supplementation as needed

By implementing these strategies, healthcare providers can help mitigate the long-term nutritional consequences of chronic alcohol abuse and support overall health and recovery.

The Broader Impact of Alcohol on Micronutrient Status

While folic acid deficiency is a significant concern in chronic alcohol abuse, it’s important to recognize that alcohol can affect the status of many other micronutrients as well. What other vitamins and minerals are commonly depleted in alcoholics?

• Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3)
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc
• Magnesium

This widespread impact on nutritional status underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to nutritional rehabilitation in individuals recovering from alcohol addiction.

Synergistic Effects of Multiple Nutrient Deficiencies

How do multiple nutrient deficiencies interact in the context of chronic alcohol abuse? The combined effect of various micronutrient deficiencies can lead to a range of health issues beyond those associated with folic acid deficiency alone. These may include:

• Compromised immune function
• Increased oxidative stress
• Impaired wound healing
• Metabolic disturbances
• Bone health issues

Addressing these multiple deficiencies requires a holistic nutritional approach that goes beyond simply correcting folate levels.

Future Directions in Research and Treatment

What areas of research are emerging in the field of alcohol-related nutritional deficiencies? Several promising avenues of investigation are currently being explored:

Personalized Nutrition Interventions

How can nutritional interventions be tailored to individual needs in alcohol recovery? Researchers are investigating the use of genetic testing and metabolic profiling to develop personalized nutrition plans that address each individual’s specific deficiencies and metabolic challenges.

Novel Delivery Methods for Micronutrients

What innovative approaches are being developed to improve nutrient absorption in alcoholics? Some areas of focus include:

• Nanoencapsulation technologies to enhance bioavailability
• Targeted probiotic therapies to improve gut health and nutrient absorption
• Transdermal delivery systems for vitamins and minerals

Integration of Nutritional Therapy in Addiction Treatment

How can nutritional interventions be more effectively integrated into comprehensive addiction treatment programs? Researchers are exploring ways to:

• Incorporate nutrition education into standard addiction counseling
• Develop evidence-based nutritional protocols for different stages of recovery
• Train addiction specialists in nutritional assessment and intervention

These research directions hold promise for improving outcomes in alcohol addiction treatment and reducing the long-term health consequences of chronic alcohol abuse.

Practical Advice for Individuals in Alcohol Recovery

What practical steps can individuals in alcohol recovery take to support their nutritional health, particularly in relation to folic acid and other B vitamins?

Dietary Guidelines

How should recovering alcoholics approach their diet to support optimal nutrition?

• Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods
• Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables daily
• Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates
• Incorporate lean proteins and healthy fats
• Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas

Meal Planning Strategies

What meal planning strategies can help ensure adequate nutrient intake?

• Prepare meals in advance to avoid relying on processed foods
• Use batch cooking techniques to have healthy options readily available
• Include a source of folate-rich foods at each meal
• Consider using a meal planning app to track nutrient intake

Lifestyle Factors

What lifestyle factors can support nutritional rehabilitation in recovery?

• Establish regular meal times to stabilize blood sugar and support metabolism
• Engage in moderate exercise to stimulate appetite and improve nutrient absorption
• Practice stress-reduction techniques to minimize emotional eating
• Get adequate sleep to support overall health and metabolism

By implementing these practical strategies, individuals in alcohol recovery can take an active role in supporting their nutritional health and overall well-being.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Addressing Alcohol-Related Nutritional Deficiencies

How can healthcare providers better address the nutritional needs of patients with alcohol use disorders?

Screening and Assessment

What screening tools can healthcare providers use to identify nutritional deficiencies in alcoholic patients?

• Comprehensive blood panels to assess vitamin and mineral levels
• Nutritional assessment questionnaires
• Physical examinations to identify signs of malnutrition
• Body composition analysis

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

How can different healthcare specialties work together to provide comprehensive care?

• Addiction specialists collaborating with registered dietitians
• Primary care physicians coordinating with mental health professionals
• Gastroenterologists addressing underlying digestive issues
• Hematologists managing alcohol-related blood disorders

Patient Education

What key nutritional messages should healthcare providers emphasize to patients in alcohol recovery?

• The importance of nutrition in supporting overall recovery
• Specific nutrient deficiencies associated with alcohol abuse and their health implications
• Practical tips for improving diet quality and nutrient intake
• The potential need for ongoing supplementation and monitoring

By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to addressing nutritional deficiencies, healthcare providers can significantly improve outcomes for patients recovering from alcohol use disorders.

[Disturbances of folic acid and homocysteine metabolism in alcohol abuse]

Review

. 2011 Apr;30(178):295-9.

[Article in

Polish]

Bogdan Cylwik 
¹
, Lech Chrostek

Affiliations

Affiliation

• ¹ Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku, Zakład Diagnostyki Biochemicznej. [email protected]

• PMID:

  21595178

Review

[Article in

Polish]

Bogdan Cylwik et al.

Pol Merkur Lekarski.

2011 Apr.

. 2011 Apr;30(178):295-9.

Authors

Bogdan Cylwik 
¹
, Lech Chrostek

Affiliation

• ¹ Uniwersytet Medyczny w Białymstoku, Zakład Diagnostyki Biochemicznej. [email protected]

• PMID:

  21595178

Abstract

Chronic alcohol abuse leads to malnutrition, and thus to the deficiency of many nutrients, including vitamins and trace elements. Most often comes to the deficiency of all vitamins, however because the clinical implications, the most important is folic acid (vitamin B9) deficiency. Biochemical effect of folate deficiency is elevated homocysteine concentration in the blood, named “cholesterol of XXI. century”. In the paper, the folate and homocysteine metabolism in alcohol abuse was discussed. Mechanisms of alcohol action on folate homeostasis in the human body have been indicated. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to deficiency of this vitamin due to their dietary inadequacy, intestinal malabsorption, decreased hepatic uptake and increased body excretion, mainly via urine. The decreased concentration of serum folic acid may occur in 80% of alcoholics. The cause of elevated concentrations of homocysteine in the serum of alcohol abusers is also a deficiency of vitamins involved such as vitamin B12 and pyridoxal phosphate. Disturbance of folic acid and homocysteine metabolism in alcohol abusers can lead to serious clinical consequences. Folic acid deficiency leads inter alia to macrocytic and megaloblastic anemia and neurological disorders. Megaloblastic anemia occurs in about half of alcohol abusers with chronic liver diseases. In turn, high level of homocysteine in blood is associated with an inreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor that favors the occurrence of acute coronary syndromes in patients with coronary heart disease.

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Folic Acid And Alcohol: Nutrient Deficiency And Repair

Folic Acid And Alcohol: Nutrient Deficiency And Repair – Fit Recovery
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The relationship between folic acid and alcohol is well known, especially since prolonged alcohol exposure severely depletes stores of this vitamin. This article will discuss the importance of folic acid, symptoms of deficiency, and how to easily repair this deficiency while covering other nutritional bases as well.

This is one of a series of articles on Fit Recovery about basic nutrients that are depleted by alcohol. The mainstream addiction treatment industry all but ignores the role of nutrition in conquering alcohol addiction. This glaring omission causes an incalculable amount of preventable suffering.

Fortunately, you’re about to be well ahead of the curve!

Contents

• Why Do We Need Folic Acid?
• How Alcohol Depletes Folic Acid
• Symptoms Of Folic Acid Deficiency
• How Much Folic Acid Do Alcoholics Need?
• What Food Has the Most Folic Acid?
• Who is Most at Risk for Folic Acid Deficiency?
• Should I Take Folic Acid in the Morning or at Night?
• Potential Side Effects of Too Much Folic Acid
• Scientific Research
• Conclusion
• Authors

Why Do We Need Folic Acid?

Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, plays an important role in supporting nervous system health and breaking down fats and carbohydrates into energy. While folate is found in small quantities in vegetables, folic acid is a synthetic form of the same vitamin that is found in supplements and fortified food products.

Because folic acid is extremely important for the development of fetal spinal and brain tissue, pregnant women often supplement with it. As we will see, folic acid deficiencies later in life can cause a variety of problems. Heavy drinking in particular is one of the most common causes of folate deficiency.

Folic acid is necessary for the following bodily processes:

• Building block for nucleic acid, found in all cells in the body
• Generation of new red blood cells
• Proper hearing function
• DNA and RNA repair
• Brain health
• Nervous system health
• Preventing a wide range of health problems

Because alcohol consumption markedly depletes folic acid levels, doctors often recommend that alcoholics take supplements containing the full range of B vitamins. However, folic acid is one of the few B-vitamins that can cause toxicity in high doses. Careful attention should be paid to dosage, which we will discuss below.

How Alcohol Depletes Folic Acid

Heavy drinking depletes folic acid through a number of mechanisms:

• Diuretic effect – Alcohol significantly increases urinary excretion of folic acid, which is taken from the blood and liver.
• Damaged gut lining – Alcohol directly damages the lining of the stomach and intestines, making it harder to absorb folic acid. Because folic acid is necessary for proper gut absorption, this deficiency makes it even harder to absorb every other nutrient, including folic acid.
• Damaged gut microbiome – Good bacteria that help break down nutrients in food are damaged by alcohol exposure, while harmful strains like candida yeast thrive from alcohol and sugar.
• Foregone calories – Alcoholics tend to make room for alcohol, rather than quality foods that are rich in folate.
• Overworked liver and pancreas – Many nutrients are made available to the body by the liver, but the organ cannot process vitamins and minerals when it is preoccupied with detoxifying alcohol (which it only does at about 1 drink per hour).
• Acetaldehyde – This is the most common toxic byproduct from alcohol, causing hangover symptoms, inflammation, and DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Inflammation further decreases nutrient utilization.

Folic acid is stored in the liver, and folic acid deficiency is a vicious cycle because low levels of this vitamin in the blood lead to increased excretion of folic acid. As chronic alcohol consumption continues, folic acid stores in the liver become even more severely depleted.

Before I quit drinking, I felt strange sensations in my bones and skin that could have been early signs of nerve damage. B-vitamins like folic acid are crucial in reversing nerve damage caused by alcohol addiction.

Symptoms Of Folic Acid Deficiency

In one study, eight out of ten alcoholics had severely depleted blood folate levels, while nearly half met the criteria for clinical deficiency in this crucial vitamin. (source)

Symptoms of folic acid deficiency include:

• Inability to absorb nutrients
• Liver problems
• Kidney problems
• Gut health problems
• Psychological problems

As we have already discussed, deficiency in folic acid and alcohol addiction usually go hand in hand. When I quit drinking, I was deficient in many vitamins and minerals despite being an otherwise active man in my twenties.

The fact that I had an uncharacteristically good diet for someone with severe alcohol dependence did not seem to matter. The B supplement that I took for six months after I quit drinking definitely helped me feel better, and fixing my folic acid deficiency probably helped in more ways than I understood at the time.

How Much Folic Acid Do Alcoholics Need?

People struggling with alcohol addiction need higher doses than the average person with a minor folic acid deficiency. The best way to repair an alcohol-induced folic acid deficiency is through supplementation.

If I were to quit drinking today, I would take Multi-Nutrient Formulas that contain a huge range of other important nutrients along with methylfolate, the natural form of folic acid.

Folic acid is just the tip of the iceberg with these supplements. Between them, they contain a lot of powerful nutrients for biochemical repair.

Most folic acid supplements contain 400 mcg, and the maximum dosage is 1,000 mcg per day. A common brand is Sundown Naturals folic acid, which contains 400 mcg of folic acid.

I took various B-complexes bought from supermarkets after I quit drinking. None of them are nearly as powerful for repairing the vast spectrum of alcohol-induced nutrient deficiencies as Multi-Nutrient Formulas now on the market.

What Food Has the Most Folic Acid?

Fortified cereals and breads contain folic acid, although I personally avoid these foods for other reasons. Dark, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts are good natural sources of folate.

Since most alcoholics already have poor gut health, it is difficult for them to absorb enough folic acid from foods alone. Supplementation and in some cases IV infusions can more reliably increase levels of folic acid.

With this said, here are some foods that are rich in folate:

• 1 cup of lentils – 90% DV
• 1 cup of raw beets – 37% DV
• 1/2 cup of asparagus – 34% DV
• 3 eggs – 18% DV
• 1 cup of raw spinach – 15% DV
• 1 large orange – 14% DV
• 1/2 cup raw broccoli – 14% DV
• 1/2 cup Brussels sprouts – 12% DV

Who is Most at Risk for Folic Acid Deficiency?

While alcohol-dependent people are known to commonly suffer from folic acid deficiency, other groups are at risk as well:

• Pregnant or lactating women
• People over age 65
• People with gastrointestinal disorders
• People with highly restrictive diets (source)

While the recommended intake of folic acid is 400 mcg to prevent a deficiency, alcoholics typically benefit from much more than this amount to reverse an alcohol-induced deficiency.

When I recovered from alcohol addiction, I got nearly 1,000 mcg per day of folic acid from supplements and even more folate from my healthy diet.

Should I Take Folic Acid in the Morning or at Night?

Most people prefer to take B-vitamins in the morning because they can increase energy. Folic acid is commonly included in B-complexes that are most often taken in the morning. As it turns out, digestion is faster in the morning than at night, meaning that absorption in the morning may be enhanced.

However, folic acid is not just an energizing compound. It’s necessary for proper neurotransmission, and night time is when our brains “reset” and recalibrate levels of important neurotransmitters. Therefore, taking folic acid at night is not necessarily a bad thing.

During early recovery and beyond, I’ve taken a multivitamin containing folic acid in the morning and night. I’ve never had any issues sleeping due to the consumption of B-vitamins before bed.

Potential Side Effects of Too Much Folic Acid

Supplemental intake of over 1 mg per day may cause toxicity. Symptoms of excessive folic acid intake can include:

• Stomach ache
• Irritability
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Skin changes
• Behavior changes

If you’re struggling with any of the above symptoms of folic acid toxicity, speak to your doctor right away.

A newer concern is the long-term buildup of unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the blood. This occurs from taking too much supplemental folic acid over time, but it cannot occur from folate derived from foods. It also cannot occur from taking methylfolate, which is a superior and natural form of folic acid.

UMFA’s can result in some unpleasant side effects:

• Masking of vitamin B12 deficiency
• Accelerated age-related mental decline
• Insulin resistance and slower brain development in children
• Increased risk of cancer re-occurrence

These problems can be prevented by taking supplements that contain methylfolate.

Note: I did not learn about the UMFA issue until well after I finished my own nutrient repair regimen. My bloodwork is great, even after several years of taking high doses of folic acid (as opposed to methylfolate). I suspect that this issue results from taking very high doses of folic acid in the absence of dietary or supplemental folate.

Scientific Research

There’s a lot of scientific research that supports the use of folic acid supplementation for alcoholics:

• Chronic alcohol consumption leads to folic acid deficiency and increased folate excretion in the urine (source)
• Folic acid deficiency accelerates alcohol-induced liver damage by lowering antioxidant defenses (source)
• Heavy drinkers who are the most deficient in folic acid have a significantly higher incidence of cancer and heart disease (source)
• Folic acid and thiamine may be the two most important B-vitamins for people experiencing alcohol withdrawal (source)
• Folic acid supplementation may reduce the incidence of some cancers for former alcoholics (source)

Unfortunately, most research money in the U. S. goes to studying prescription drugs instead of basic nutrients like folic acid that we need to function properly – yet which cannot be patented.

Conclusion

I hope you’ve learned something useful from this article about folic acid and alcohol.

With nutritional repair and natural remedies, trial and error is the best approach. I’ve never had a bad reaction to vitamins or natural supplements. Some have simply worked much better than others. The best ones have worked so well that they’ve seriously changed my life.

Basic (high quality) supplements are much safer than prescription drugs that mask the symptoms of underlying nutrient deficiencies. Taking medications for symptoms caused by a nutrient deficiency might even be detrimental, because untreated nutrient deficiencies can cause much more serious complications down the road.

If you have any questions about the links between folic acid and alcohol, please post them in the comment box below.

• Chris Scott

  Chris Scott founded Fit Recovery in 2014 to help people from around the world dominate alcohol dependence and rebuild their lives from scratch. A former investment banker, he recovered from alcohol dependence using cutting-edge methods that integrate nutrition, physiology, and behavioral change. Today, Chris is an Alcohol Recovery Coach and the creator of an online course called Total Alcohol Recovery 2.0.

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• Dr. Rebeca Eriksen

  Dr. Rebeca Eriksen is the Nutritional Consultant for Fit Recovery. She has a PhD in Nutritional Genetics from Imperial College London, and over ten years of clinical experience designing custom nutritional repair regimens for patients recovering from alcohol addiction. In addition to her work at the exclusive Executive Health clinic in Marbella, Spain, she helps to keep Fit Recovery up to date with emerging research.

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How to deal with a hangover: effective ways

The most fun period of the year is ahead when you need to celebrate the winter holidays with family, friends, colleagues, loved ones (hereinafter – everywhere). And this means that alcoholic libations are inevitable. If you are not yet ready to exchange your cocktail for a non-alcoholic surrogate mojito, you should learn how to drink properly in order to minimize the negative impact of alcohol on health and appearance. How to do it? Elena Krokhmaleva, a nutritionist, gerontologist and candidate of biological sciences, tells.

Tags:

health

Numerous medical studies confirm that alcoholic beverages adversely affect the human central and peripheral nervous system. Ethanol destroys brain cells and, being a neurotoxin, when used regularly, causes acute and chronic diseases of the central nervous system, which leads to a number of detrimental consequences. Which ones?

Amnesia

Ethanol affects the part of the brain responsible for memory, emotions and learning, and also blocks the transmission of impulses. Because of this, the processes of exchanging and storing information are hampered or even blocked at high doses of alcohol. For this reason, the next morning, a person does not remember anything, starting from the moment he began to actively drink.

Double vision

Against the background of alcohol abuse, the eye muscles work inconsistently and weaken, so the “picture” begins to double. During a hangover, this effect disappears. However, the damage done to the optic nerves may make itself felt in the future, as vision gradually deteriorates with alcoholism.

Migraine

Severe headache occurs due to blood stasis. When using alcohol, the brain is intensely saturated with blood due to vasodilation. At the same time, the blood flow slows down and the density and viscosity of the blood increases. When ethanol begins to turn into acetaldehyde, the vessels constrict sharply. There is a spasm that impedes the blood supply to the brain. This is what causes the headache.

Problem with the kidneys

The kidneys also suffer from excessive drinking. The urinary system removes associated toxic substances from the body. At the same time, the load on the kidneys increases significantly. As a result, an inflammatory reaction develops in the body, an accumulation of salts and fluids occurs, as a result of which, in turn, blood pressure rises, an edematous syndrome appears (the face swells first of all), most of the useful microelements and minerals are removed from the body. The situation is aggravated by overeating, eating fatty, smoked, fried, salty and spicy foods. If, after a series of dinners, you take blood biochemistry, you can see a serious imbalance.

Dehydration

Alcohol is a poison to the body. He clearly recognizes this and therefore seeks to get rid of it as soon as possible. The liver begins to actively process alcohol, and the kidneys begin to remove decay products from the body. Therefore, alcohol has a pronounced diuretic effect. If this does not apply to you, this is a reason to think that all the poison remains inside. Do not be afraid of edema, drink alcohol with clean water in a ratio of at least one to one. Otherwise, the party will end with severe dehydration. First of all, water leaves the subcutaneous tissue. Dry skin is the eternal companion of a drinking person. Any bust with alcohol eventually leads to the appearance of new fine wrinkles and aggravation of existing ones.

Vitamin deficiency

Drinking alcohol destroys vitamin C and E stores, which help maintain collagen, the protein responsible for skin elasticity. Therefore, to pair with a glass of wine, order a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. Drink it the next morning after fun together during breakfast.

Couperose – aka unhealthy blush

Alcohol dilates blood vessels, so almost immediately causes a bright blush. However, the systematic abuse of alcohol, on the contrary, disrupts blood circulation: red blood cells stick together in the blood, and skin cells begin to experience a lack of oxygen. As a result, the face becomes purple-red. If several capillaries are completely clogged with clots of red blood cells, then under the pressure of the blood they break. On the face – and first of all on the nose, where the number of capillaries is especially large – a purple vascular network appears.

Hormonal imbalance

But the “blue” nose is not the worst thing: this aesthetic problem can be corrected by hardware procedures to remove blood vessels. Alcohol leads to a restructuring of the hormonal background in humans. In women, the level of male hormones becomes higher. In men – women’s. The so-called “beer belly” in men is just the result of hormonal surges.

A relatively safe dose is 20 grams of ethanol per day. This is a glass of champagne or dry wine. After use, dopamine receptors are activated, which leads to a rise in mood, psychomotor disinhibition, and an increase in mental activity. But does anyone stop at one glass?

How can you minimize the effects of drinking alcohol?

Proper preparation for the feast will help, as well as the rules for a competent way out of the situation, when, nevertheless, you have gone further than planned and pretty much gone over.

So what strategy to follow?

• First, buy everything you might need in advance, because when you’re lying with a headache after a party, you definitely don’t want to go to the pharmacy. What to buy there?

Zinc is what you should have ready. Start taking it now, don’t wait for a corporate party. Zinc prevents oxidative damage to cells and has a high antioxidant effect. The best form is zinc picolinate: the most bioavailable form for our body. If you forgot or didn’t have time to buy the right drug, then at the table pay attention to dishes with a high zinc content. Oysters, veal liver, eel, lamb are champions in zinc content. But remember: only 20-40% of zinc is absorbed from food.

Folic acid – be sure to have it ready. According to a study conducted by scientists at Harvard University, 400 mg of folic acid is enough to compensate for losses from drinking alcohol.

A series of holidays is also an abuse of fatty foods. To break down protein foods and alcohol, be sure to take enzymes. The best option is pharmacy enzymes, which can also be found in sports nutrition departments.

• Taking vitamin C a few hours before drinking alcohol can significantly alleviate the upcoming hangover syndrome, as well as speed up the sobering process.

• Stock up on mineral water. Water with magnesium content will prepare the digestive system, and then help to remove all excess from the body.

• Do not drink on an empty stomach. Do not forget about breakfast and lunch on December 31 – this will save you from overeating and getting drunk quickly.

• In the morning after the celebration, help the body – take succinic acid. It promotes intensive restoration of cells and tissues, accelerates the elimination of toxins, and improves overall immunity. You can suck 2-3 tablets from the evening in the midst of fun and 2-3 more pieces in the morning.

• Don’t forget sorbents. It makes sense to apply them both before the party and after it. They remove harmful substances of various sizes from the body, which allows you to effectively cope with various poisonings.

• If you still feel weakness and heaviness in your stomach, do not lie at home in bed: this will not make you feel better. I strongly recommend taking a walk in the fresh air: with a calm step, without active sports loads. Better go to the pool – water relieves fatigue and helps you quickly recover and come to your senses.

• Finally, if you decide to have a good time, give preference only to high-quality alcohol. The miser pays twice – in this case, this is more true than ever.

Folic acid and alcohol: compatibility and effects

12/24/2017 Narcologist Mikhail Konstantinovich Perekhod0

The combination of vitamins and spirits, in particular folic acid and alcohol, is of interest to many. Vitamin B, another name for acid, breaks down excess fats in the liver, takes part in the formation of new cells and promotes the absorption of B vitamins, the level of which is very low in alcohol addicts. Therefore, on the one hand, acid has a beneficial effect on the body, even poisoned by the poisons of ethanol. On the other hand, of course, when taking a vitamin and alcohol together, adverse reactions of the body (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) are possible, such a complex is especially dangerous for women during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for older people.

Prescription of the drug, indications

The development and activity of the organism is impossible without folic acid. A dose of 5-10 mg per day is considered normal for a person. But a large number of the world’s population is deficient in folate due to:

• genetic features;
• oncological diseases;
• frequent alcohol consumption;
• malnutrition;
• taking certain medicines;
• inability to accumulate in the body.

The amount of folic acid must be replenished to ensure the normal functioning of the body for:

• normalization of immunity;
• formation of new blood cells – erythrocytes;
• correct construction of RNA and DNA in cells, protection from mutations;
• getting rid of stress, nervous tension and depression;
• restoration of the nervous system and brain;
• proper digestion of food;
• fetal development during pregnancy;
• improve the quality of spermatozoa.

Use in hangover

After alcohol poisoning in a hangover, the human body actively consumes vitamins to restore the general condition. During this period, it is necessary to take vitamin complexes, especially folates, which break down alcohol. You should not expect a quick effect, but the hangover syndrome is easier to tolerate. However, you should not exceed the indicated dose in order to speed up recovery, as the opposite effect is possible.

Treatment of alcoholism

Long-term and frequent alcohol consumption contributes to the development of cirrhosis of the liver and leaching of vitamins from the body. Vitamin therapy is prescribed by a doctor to combat the toxic effects of alcohol in the treatment of alcoholism, reduce the desire for alcoholic beverages, or compensate for the lack of vitamins that arose due to poor nutrition in alcohol dependence. Mostly take vitamins:

• E, which prevent thrombosis;
• C, which improves immunity, restores metabolism and removes toxins;
• B, which reduces the negative effects of ethanol.

Folic acid in alcohol intoxication

In case of accidental alcohol intoxication, folates are indispensable helpers in the elimination of toxins, normalization of the central nervous system and liver functions. Even a one-time intoxication affects the neurons of the brain and overloads the liver. To alleviate the condition, it is possible to include foods rich in folates in the diet, for example, spinach, broccoli, mushrooms.

What happens in the body when combined with alcohol?

The compatibility of folic acid and alcohol is highly questionable. With the simultaneous ingestion of this vitamin and ethanol, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain may occur. The consequence of this is a violation of metabolism, the process of assimilation of folates in the intestine, the lack of hematopoiesis, which can lead to an exacerbation of existing diseases or the emergence of new ones. It is extremely unsafe to combine vitamin B9 with alcoholpregnant women, since in most cases the health of the baby may deteriorate, and even malformations of the fetus.

Although beer contains some folate, men may find beer drink safe when consumed together.