Supplements for Addiction Management and Hair Thickening: Proven Options
Explore the potential of various supplements in aiding addiction recovery and promoting hair growth. This session delves into Citicoline, NAC, Magnesium, and others for addiction, and highlights Nutrafol, Tocotrienols, and Saw Palmetto for thicker hair.
Which supplement is proven to help with addictions?
Certain supplements have shown potential in assisting with addiction management. Here are a few noteworthy ones:
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Citicoline: Citicoline has been investigated for its potential benefits in treating substance use disorders (SUDs), including alcohol and cocaine dependence12. It influences neurotransmitter systems such as acetylcholine, dopamine, and glutamate, and may help with cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): This antioxidant has shown promise in treating various SUDs by correcting glutamate dysregulation in the brain. Studies suggest it can help reduce cravings and compulsive behaviors3.
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Magnesium: Magnesium supplementation has been noted to reduce the intensity of addiction to substances like opiates, cocaine, and amphetamines. It also helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms by influencing neurotransmitter systems4.
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Chinese Herbal Medicines: Several Chinese herbal remedies, such as Ginseng and Rhizoma Corydalis, have shown potential in treating different types of drug addiction, including opioid dependence and relapse prevention5.
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Vitamin D: Deficiencies in Vitamin D have been linked to worse health outcomes in individuals with SUDs. Supplementation can improve sleep quality, reduce psychological symptoms, and may benefit overall well-being in these populations6.
Each of these supplements has unique mechanisms that support addiction treatment, but they should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to the complexity of addiction and individual health differences.
Footnotes
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Possible Benefit and Validity of Supplements for Alcohol Use Disorder ↩
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Citicoline in Addictive Disorders: A Review of the Literature ↩
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N-acetylcysteine: A potential treatment for substance use disorders ↩
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Magnesium in drug abuse and addiction - Magnesium in the Central Nervous System - NCBI Bookshelf ↩
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Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Drug Addiction - PubMed ↩
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Vitamin D status and associations with substance use patterns among people with severe substance use disorders in Western Norway ↩
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Which supplement is proven to thicken hair?
Certain supplements have been studied and shown to potentially help with hair thickening. Here are a few notable ones:
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Nutrafol: A study involving Nutrafol® Women's Capsules showed that daily intake led to a significant increase in the number of terminal and vellus hairs in women with thinning hair1. This supplement contains standardized, active botanicals with anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, antioxidant, and dihydrotestosterone-inhibiting properties.
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Tocotrienols (a form of Vitamin E): Tocotrienols have demonstrated a significant increase in hair number in volunteers suffering from hair loss compared to a placebo2. The antioxidant properties of tocotrienols help reduce oxidative stress associated with hair loss.
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Saw Palmetto: Supplements containing saw palmetto have shown positive effects on hair regrowth. Studies have reported improvements in overall hair quality, total hair count, and hair density3. Saw palmetto is believed to work due to its antiandrogenic properties.
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Marine Protein-based Supplements: Products like Viviscal® contain marine proteins, along with other natural compounds, and have shown efficacy in increasing hair volume, thickness, and growth4. It is effective in nourishing hair from within due to its rich nutrient profile.
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Combination of L-cystine and B-complex Vitamins: Supplements containing L-cystine and B-complex vitamins, like thiamine (Vitamin B1) and pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), have been shown to improve hair growth by increasing the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles5.
Each of these supplements targets hair growth and quality through different mechanisms, including reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting dihydrotestosterone, and providing essential nutrients. However, individual results may vary, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.
Footnotes
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Glynis Ablon, "A Six-Month, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Women With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair," PubMed, 2018. ↩
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Lim Ai Beoy, "Effects of Tocotrienol Supplementation on Hair Growth in Human Volunteers," PMC, 2013. ↩
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Evyatar Evron, "Natural Hair Supplement: Friend or Foe? Saw Palmetto, a Systematic Review in Alopecia," PMC, 2023. ↩
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Ronald L Rizer, "A Marine Protein-based Dietary Supplement for Subclinical Hair Thinning/Loss: Results of a Multisite, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial," PMC, 2015. ↩
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Ralph M. Trüeb, "“Let Food be Thy Medicine”: Value of Nutritional Treatment for Hair Loss," PMC, 2022. ↩
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