Alcoholism
Recent scientific research is producing very interesting data concerning the nature of alcoholism. Much evidence is pointing to the fact that alcoholism is, in part, a kind of nutritional disorder. Alcoholics are often very deficient in key vitamins and minerals with hypoglycaemia and other hormonal imbalances prevalent. The symptoms of hypoglycaemia are virtually identical with those of alcoholism - irritability, depression, anxiety, aggressiveness, fatigue and insomnia, confusion, restlessness, thirst, nervousness and a craving for simple sugars. Some people have found that adopting an anti-candida type diet can help significantly as many alcoholics suffer from chronic candida. Many alcoholics begin to loose their appetite for food and rely instead on quick fix simple sugar or high carbohydrate food, exacerbating the hypoglycaemic cycle. The main goal of dietary changes is to supply the body with all the essential nutrients and eliminate foods which will perpetuate the hypoglcaemic negative loop. You can get an idea of a balanced diet by reading the 'healthy eating' article in the 'natural healing' section of this site. Eliminate all simple sugars from the diet such as sugar itself and any food containing it, eg. biscuits, cakes, sweets, puddings, sugary breakfast cereals, chocolates, high sugar drinks etc. Cut right down on wheat and any food containing wheat eg. pasta, bread, pies and pastries. This goes for starchy foods such as potatoes and white rice too. Craving sweet things or carbs is a sign that your body is hunting for its sugar fix. Just be aware of the hypoglycaemic loop ( see 'blood sugar(low)' in the 'common ailments' section of this site) and follow a hypoglycaemic diet. Cut right back on coffee as this has a mood enhancing effect and can trigger cravings. Have a bowl of muesli for breakfast containg high complex carbohydrate grains like oats and quinoa and nuts, seeds and a small amount of dried fruit. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas throughout the day to remain hydrated and beat the need to 'quench your thirst'. Eat as many salads, soups and cooked vegetables as you can throughout the day at regular meal times. Be aware that fruit is very high in natural sugars and may need to be kept to a minimum. Apples would be a good choice as they are high in minerals and are cleansing too. Gentle and regular exercise will be of great benefit to both the body and mind, walking, yoga and swimming will all help you to feel calmer yet more energised and in control. Perhaps most importantly of all.....Get Help!.....don't suffer in silence as most alcoholics relapse regularly. Seek out the company of those who understand what you are going through. Withdrawl symptoms from alcohol can be alarming and dangerous so always have the support of your GP or health practitioner.General characteristics
General characteristics
The definition of alcoholism is a compulsive and uncontrollable dependency on alcohol. In spite of the negative effects on the physical, emotional and social aspects of their life, the individual feels unable to break the destructive and addictive cycle of drinking.Diet and lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle
Useful herbs
Useful herbs
Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) has been in use in Asia for many years as a herb to help break the craving for alcohol. It is not known for sure how it works but one suggestion is that it increases the level of alcohol in the blood making people feel more drunk on less alcohol. Studies have shown that people who had taken kudzu and were then given access to alcohol consumed much less than those that hadn't taken kudzu or had recieved a placebo.Natural healing
Natural healing
If alcoholism is severe, it is advisable to reduce your alcohol intake gradually overtime to avoid withdrawl symptoms. Dilute drinks with water or lemonade for example and drink water in between drinks.
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