Alcoholism
Contents
Description
Alcoholism is a dependence on or addiction to alcohol. Signs of this condition are habitual intoxication and prolonged or excessive alcohol consumption leading to a breakdown in health. Those with this addiction will often show symptoms of withdrawal when deprived of alcoholic beverages.
Effects
Alcohol is considered a drug, and prolonged dependence on it may result in severe problems with the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract as well as mental and emotional disorders. Deficiencies of many nutrients occur in alcoholics because the alcohol itself satisfies the body's caloric needs.
As the alcohol enters the bloodstream directly through the walls of the stomach, it begins to act upon the central nervous system. This drug destroys brain cells by depleting the necessary water to sustain and hydrate these delicate tissues and cells.
The liver works to neutralize and break down the alcohol, and is often times overworked, and is not able to perform its function when alcohol abuse is practiced. This organ itself becomes fatty, the cells die-off and are replaced with scar tissue, creating a condition known as cirrhosis of the liver.
Heavy drinking also has a negative effect on the health of the kidneys. It can cause vitamin deficiencies, memory problems, liver disease, heart failure, stomach and esophageal ulcers, skin problems and sexual dysfunction.
Beneficial Nutrients
There are many vitamins and nutrients in the body that are destroyed when alcohol intake is excessive. Below is a listing of supplements that help the body and brain recover from alcoholism.
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B15 (pangamic acid)
- Choline
- Folic Acid
- Niacin
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Iron
- Omega 3
- Zinc
- Potassium
- CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10)
- Probiotics
- L-Glutamine (amino acid for cravings)
Helpful Herbs
Here is a listing of herbs that are useful in the treatment of alcoholism.
- Alfalfa
- Capsicum (cayenne)
- Chamomile
- Dandelion
- Hops
- Passion Flower
- Thyme
- Valerian
- Saw Palmetto
- Skullcap
- Milk Thistle
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