Can Omega-3s Help You Recover? The Neuroscience of DHA and Sobriety with Dr. John C. Umhau

Описание: Discover how omega-3s—especially DHA—support brain healing, emotional stability, and craving reduction during alcohol recovery.
In this conversation, Christina Veselak and Dr. John C. Umhau explore the neuroscience behind nutrition, addiction, and long-term sobriety, highlighting how targeted dietary strategies and high-dose fish oil can transform recovery outcomes.

Full show notes: http://podcast.aminoacidtherapy.com/c...

Meet our Guest

Dr. John C. Umhau is a physician and researcher specializing in evidence-based medical and nutritional strategies for alcohol recovery. With decades of experience, including twenty years as a Senior Clinical Investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), he has led neuroscience research on brain healing, addiction, and nutritional therapy. He now provides private, off-the-grid telemedicine care for individuals seeking compassionate, science-driven support for alcohol use disorder.
To Connect
Website: https://www.alcoholrecoverymedicine.com/
LinkedIn:   / john-umhau-md-mph-cpe-5506496  

YouTube Chapters

00:00 — Introduction
Podcast welcome, overview of nutritional recovery, and introduction of Dr. John C. Umhau.

03:38 — DHA uptake in recovery
How the recovering brain rapidly increases DHA metabolism after stopping alcohol.

04:30 — NIH research & PET scan findings
Measuring DHA in the brain and discovering its ~2.5-year half-life.

05:19 — Alcohol, DHA depletion & brain atrophy
How chronic alcohol use shrinks the brain — and why.

07:25 — Brain regrowth after six weeks of abstinence
What research shows about early brain healing in recovery.

08:22 — High-dose fish oil & clinical research
Why dosing matters, Andrew Stoll’s bipolar study, and therapeutic omega-3 strategies.

12:34 — Practical nutrition for recovery
Affordable, accessible ways to increase omega-3 intake (salmon, sardines, fish frequency).

16:00 — Omega-3s, inflammation, and emotional regulation
How fatty acid balance shapes pain, mood, community behavior, and violence risk.

31:55 — Blood sugar, cravings & aggression
Reactive hypoglycemia, impulse control, and simple nutritional fixes.

36:03 — Medications + nutrition for alcohol recovery
How naltrexone, acamprosate, and others complement nutritional therapy.

41:33 — Closing & resources
How to contact Dr. Umhau and final thoughts from Christina.

Discover More Unlock a world of resources at https://aminoacidtherapy.com/ where you’ll find expert insights, transformative training, and actionable tools to support your recovery journey. Whether you're looking for professional courses like our Level 1 Core Training

Learn more at https://feedtherecoveringbrain.com
Support Our Mission Check out our nonprofit initiative, Eating Protein Saves Lives, at https://eatingproteinsaveslives.org/ Learn how we’re improving lives and communities through better nutrition, the science of amino acid therapy, and our simple yet powerful message: Eat protein every 4 hours.

Also, if you’re just starting out or want a solid foundation, check out Eat: A Guide to Radiant Recovery Using Food and Amino Acids to Repair the Addicted Brain and Reduce Cravings by Christina Veselak. It’s a clear, powerful intro to the core concepts. Grab your copy here: https://www.eatforrecovery.com/

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information shared is meant to inform and empower listeners but should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized care and treatment.

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