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Alcoholism
Description
Alcoholism is a consumption of alcoholic beverages to the
degree that the alcoholic compromises mental and physical
health. Alcoholism is a complex, chronic, psychological
and nutritional disorder.
Chronic alcoholism is
a condition in which the drinker is physiologically dependent
on alcohol. This is the most widespread drug addiction problem.
Because alcohol can profoundly alter behaviour by blocking
inhibitions and releasing aggressive behaviour, it is one
of the most dangerous addictive drugs.
The most common health
symptom associated with alcoholism is Cirrhosis, a disease
that destroys the liver. An alcoholic’s life span
is usually reduced significantly.
Herbs
Alfalfa
Goldenseal
Milk Thistle
Valerian
Nutritional Supplements
Calcium
Evening Primrose Oil (1)
Magnesium (2)
Selenium
Vitamin A (3)
B Complex (4)
Vitamin B6 (5)
Vitamin C (5,6)
Vitamin E (5)
Zinc (7)
L-glutamine (8)
References
1. Glen AIM, Glen EMT, MacDonnell LEF, et al. Essential
Fatty Acids in the management of withdrawal symptoms and
tissue damage in alcoholics. Presented at the 2nd International
Congress on Essential Fatty Acids , prostaglandins and Leukotrienes,
London, Zoological Society. March 24-27, 1985 [abstract
53].
2. Embry CK, Lippmann S. Use of Magnesium sulfate in alcohol
withdrawal. Am Fam Phys 1987;35:167-70.
3. Chapman K, Prabhudesai M, Erdman JW. Vitamin A status
of alcoholics upon admission and after two weeks of hospitalization.
J Am Coll Nutr 1993;12:77-83.
4. Norton VP. Interrelationships of nutrition and voluntary
alcohol consumption in experimental animals. Brit J Addiction
1977;72:205-12.
5. Replgle WH, Eicke FJ. Megavitamin therapy in the reduction
of Anxiety and Depression among alcoholics. J Orthomol Med
1988;4:221-24.
6. Chen M, Boyce W, Hsu JM. Effect of ascorbic acid on plasma
alcohol clearance. J Am Coll Nutr 1990;9:185-89.
7. Labadie H, et al: Does oral Zinc improve the cellular
immunity of patients with alcoholic Cirrhosis?, Gastroenterol
Clin Biol, 10(12), Dec 1986, p 799-803.
8. "The Healing Nutrients Within", Braverman ER
& Pfeiffer CC, Kents, 1987. |
