Excerpt: Alcohol Detoxification

"Diet and megavitamin therapy may be helpful during withdrawal,
detoxification, and recovery from alcoholism. Alcoholics while drinking
generally need more supplements than most other people. And during the
detox time, they may need even more.

During the actual withdrawal period, which may last from a few days to a
week, the diet can be focused on fluids and the alkaline foods. The
appetite is usually not great, and liquids will help in clearing alcohol
from the body. Water, diluted fruit and vegetable juices, warm broths
and soups, and teas using herbs, such as chamomile, skullcap (a
nervine), or valerian root all will serve the needs. Some other herbs
that may be helpful during withdrawal are white willow bark to reduce
pain and inflammation, ginseng, cayenne, and peppermint.

Small amounts of light proteins, such as nonfatty poultry, fish, or even
chicken soup, will provide more nourishment. Amino acid powder can also
be supportive. Up to 2-3 grams of L-tryptophan can be taken for sleep.
L-glutamine, another amino acid, has been shown to reduce cravings for
alcohol and sugar, and is used in many detox clinics.


I have seen intravenous vitamins be very helpful during withdrawal.
Extra vitamin C, B vitamins, and a few minerals, such as calcium,
magnesium, and potassium, are the usual ones used, especially if
supplements taken by mouth are not well tolerated. A vitamin C powder
buffered with those same minerals, taken orally mixed in a liquid, such
as water or juice, may be helpful. This particular formula is also
useful during the detox period.

Alcohol detoxification continues for at least several weeks after the
withdrawal period. During this recovery time, the body will eliminate
alcohol, its by-products, and other toxins and begin breaking down some
of the fat that may have been stored during alcohol abuse. General
supportive and balanced nourishment with a low-fat, moderate protein,
basic complex carbohydrate diet is recommended.


Since alcoholics often have blood sugar problems, basic hypoglycemic
principles should be followed. These include avoiding sugars and refined
foods, soft drinks, candy, and so on; small amounts of fruits and fruit
juices may be tolerated. Regular eating every few hours is recommended.
Small meals and snacks of protein or complex carbohydrate, including
whole grains, pasta, potatoes, squashes, legumes, and other vegetables,
can be the basic diet. Proteins such as soy products, eggs, fish, or
poultry can also be added, but the basic aim is to maintain an alkaline
diet, so the primary focus initially during withdrawal should be on
vegetables and fruit.


Water should be drunk throughout the day as well; chamomile or
peppermint teas can also be used. All alcoholic beverages should, of
course, be eliminated. Foods containing potentially damaging fats,
including fried foods, chips, burgers, hot dogs, fast foods, and ice
cream should also be avoided. These foods are all congesting and more
acid-forming as well. Caffeine and cigarette smoking are best minimized.


During detoxification from alcohol (usually from other substances, too),
many other important nutrients besides diet can be added. Amino acids
can be used, including L-tryptophan for sleep. Calcium and magnesium
supplements taken at night may also aid sleep, as may valerian root
capsules.
L-glutamine is an amino acid that generates glutamic acid, and this can
get directly into the brain and be used for fuel. Glutamine is naturally
found in liver, meats, dairy foods, and cabbage. It can diminish the
craving for alcohol and sugar (chromium may also help with sugar
cravings). A dosage of 500-1,000 mg. three times daily between or before
meals is suggested, as capsules or as L-glutamine powder, taken before
or after meals and before bed.


A basic "multiple" along with antioxidant nutrients can be employed
during detoxification from alcohol. Extra minerals, such as zinc, iron,
calcium, and magnesium, can be taken to replace those lost during
alcohol abuse. Higher levels of niacin, even up to several grams, along
with 5-10 grams of vitamin C daily, have been used with some success in
alcohol withdrawal and detox. A more modest level of C would be
500-1,000 mg. taken four to six times daily.


Other detoxifying nutrients include additional fiber, which helps to
bind toxins in the bowel and improve elimination. Choline and inositol,
about 500 mg. each three times daily, will improve fat digestion and
utilization. Lemon water with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and a
quarter teaspoon or capsule of cayenne pepper will help detoxify the
liver. Taking fiber along with oil decreases the oil absorption, but
olive oil alone is thought to be nourishing to the liver and helpful in
clearing chemical toxins. Cold-pressed olive oil is part of many natural
liver therapies. Goldenseal root powder, one or two capsules twice
daily, is also helpful for toning and clearing the liver. Parsley tea
improves kidney elimination and cleansing of the blood. The amino acid
L-cysteine is another helpful detoxicant for the liver, blood, and
colon.


Other nutrients and herbs that are helpful during detoxification of
alcohol include pancreatic digestive enzymes after meals and brewer's
yeast, which, if tolerated, supplies many B vitamins and minerals. The
essential fatty acids help to decrease the inflammatory prostaglandins.
Gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose or borage seed oil helps to
reduce alcohol toxicity. White willow bark tablets can be used for pain,
and valerian root, a natural and milder form of Valium, can be taken to
decrease anxiety. Chamomile will help to calm the digestive tract, as
will licorice root."

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