1. Alcohol abuse
refers to the frequently risky overuse of alcohol. People who abuse
alcohol generally tend to have issues with binge drinking (consuming six
or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting), in addition to carrying out
risk -taking behavior together with drinking and driving.
2. Alcohol dependence
is even greater critical: People who are depending on alcohol lack the
capability to voluntarily cut down or stop drinking. They develop a
physical tolerance, so that they require increasingly more massive
amounts to emerge as intoxicated. In addition they develop withdrawal
symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and even seizures, when
they drink less or stop drinking.
(Here are some natural home remedies for quitting Alcoholism)
Alcohol is safe in moderation -- generally defined as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. People who exceed these amounts or abuse alcohol daily frequently develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies considering alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
Alcohol is safe in moderation -- generally defined as one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men. People who exceed these amounts or abuse alcohol daily frequently develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies considering alcohol interferes with the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
There are different deficiencies of vitamins and minerals that the
alcoholics undergo from and as a consequence, it is very essential to
provide them an average dose of those foods which have rich contents of
vitamins and minerals. Regular use of vitamin and mineral rich foods
stops the craving for alcohol. Following are some of the essential
Vitamins and Minerals to treat alcoholism in a better way.
ESSENTIAL VITAMINS TO CURE ALCOHOLISM
Vitamin C
Drinking depletes several vitamins and minerals in your body,
particularly vitamin C. This is one vitamin that is extremely needed by
people who are addicted to alcohol because it burns the fats accumulated
in the body of an alcoholic and also limits the growth of a fatty
liver.
The capability of the body to absorb iron is maximized by the intake of
vitamin C. Apart from this vitamin C also helps in the protection of the
cells from getting damaged and promoting the process of healing the
body by avoiding alcohol.
Vitamin C also helps maintain your immune system.
During alcohol withdrawal, your immune system health is compromised due
to added stress, which hinders normal nervous system functions. The
University of Michigan Health System suggests supplementing vitamin C to
rid the body of excess alcohol during the initial withdrawal.
Vitamin C is very important for people who are prone to the consumption
of alcohol because it can help in avoiding the tendencies of scurvy that
causes anemia, bruising and weakness.
The entire body, but particularly the brain, requires high levels of
vitamin C. This nutrient helps mediate the activity of the opiate
receptors in the brain, which helps reduce an individual’s interest in
drugs and alcohol.
Natural Sources of Vitamin C
Fruits that are pack with vitamin C are: Cantaloupe, Plums, Black
Currant, Kiwi, Orange, Melon, Banana, Avocado, Guava, Strawberries,
Papaya, all kinds of Berries, and Citrus Fruits. And vegetables are
Tomatoes, Potatoes, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, Red and
Green Bell Peppers, Cabbage, and Spinach. Sweet Red peppers have more
than three times the vitamin C of Orange juice.
Vitamin A
Deficiency of vitamin A is common in people with alcoholism. Vitamin A
is important for vision and nervous system health. The good health of
the nervous system is very important for a person and it is generally
found in an alcoholic person that he destroys his nervous system by
maximum intake of alcohol. Therefore, vitamin A should be given to such
people in order to keep the nervous system working.
Apart from this vitamin A also helps in the growth of bones, improvises
the functioning of the cells and also helps in reproduction. The immune
system of an alcoholic is also destroyed due to the stress that he
carries and also this can be eradicated with sufficient intake of
vitamin A in the diet.
Vitamin A or beta-carotene supplements help to correct deficiencies
during withdrawal, but due to potential liver damage from alcoholism,
should only be taken under physician supervision.
Vitamin A should not be taken along with alcohol because it can cause
potential damage to the liver. Alcoholics who take vitamin A should
completely stop taking alcohol because the combination can turn out to
be toxic.
There two different types of vitamin A, depending on the type of food source it comes from:
Preformed Vitamin A comes from animal sources, such as eggs, meat, fortified milk, cheese, cream, liver, kidney, cod liver oil, and halibut fish oil. However, all of these sources -- except for skim milk that has been fortified with Vitamin A -- are high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Pro-vitamin A is found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables. The most common type of pro-vitamin A is beta-carotene, which are converted to retinol by the body after the food is ingested. Bright yellow and orange fruits such as Cantaloupe, Pink Grapefruit, peaches, papaya mangoes and Apricots, Vegetables such as Carrots, Pumpkin, Sweet potatoes, Turnip greens, Beetroot Red pepper and Winter squash. Other sources of beta-carotene include most dark green leafy vegetables like Broccoli, Collard greens, Kale, Cilantro, lettuce, Swiss chard and Spinach are just a few of them.
Natural Sources of Vitamin A
Preformed Vitamin A comes from animal sources, such as eggs, meat, fortified milk, cheese, cream, liver, kidney, cod liver oil, and halibut fish oil. However, all of these sources -- except for skim milk that has been fortified with Vitamin A -- are high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Pro-vitamin A is found in plant-based foods such as fruits and vegetables. The most common type of pro-vitamin A is beta-carotene, which are converted to retinol by the body after the food is ingested. Bright yellow and orange fruits such as Cantaloupe, Pink Grapefruit, peaches, papaya mangoes and Apricots, Vegetables such as Carrots, Pumpkin, Sweet potatoes, Turnip greens, Beetroot Red pepper and Winter squash. Other sources of beta-carotene include most dark green leafy vegetables like Broccoli, Collard greens, Kale, Cilantro, lettuce, Swiss chard and Spinach are just a few of them.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is also considered as one of the most effective vitamins to
treat alcoholism because of the fact that vitamin D helps in absorbing
the calcium that remains in the bones of the people.
Chronic alcoholism has been found to disturb vitamin D metabolism,
resulting in inadequate absorption of dietary calcium and a loss in bone
mass and density. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with softening of
the bones.
Vitamin D promotes the health of several organs, including the heart,
and is essential in maintaining bone tissue. However, this particular
deficiency isn’t caused by problems with eating or digestion, as this
essential vitamin is created by skin cells during sun exposure. The
vitamin D that’s produced by skin cells isn’t in a form that the body
can use—it has to be processed in the liver and kidneys before the body
can make use of it. But when someone drinks excessive amounts of
alcohol, these organs, particularly the liver, are already overloaded by
the alcohol they must metabolize and excrete. As a result, the ability
of the liver and kidneys to metabolize vitamin D is severely impaired,
and a deficiency develops, with consequences that can include fatigue,
muscle pain and wasting, and loss of bone density, with osteoporosis an
eventual risk.
The physical effects of alcoholism can be treated very easily with the
help of the inclusion of vitamin D rich food in the diet of an
alcoholic. Such foods include milk, cereal, salmon, egg and orange juice
that can work wonders in alcoholism cases.
Natural Sources of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is not available in as many foods as other antioxidant
vitamins. You can get vitamin D from two natural sources: through the
skin, and from the diet. Natural sources include saltwater and fatty
fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines and fish liver oil. Other
sources are shrimps, liver, egg yolks, cheese, soy and rice beverages,
fortified orange juice, margarine and milk with vitamin D.
Vitamin D is sometimes called the sunshine vitamin because your body
produces a critical form of vitamin D -- vitamin D3 -- when your skin is
exposed to sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun stimulates
production of vitamin D in human skin, and just a few minutes (15
minutes a day is generally enough) of exposure to sunlight each day
(without sunscreen) will insure your body is producing adequate amounts
of vitamin D.
Vitamin E
People who abuse alcohol are often deficient in vitamin E. Its
deficiency leads to nerve problems. Vitamin E is considered to be the
most important for people suffering from alcoholism and the reason
behind is that it enhances energy into the body of a person and helps
him in getting rid of the weakness and the lethargic feeling that he
undergoes.
Natural Sources of Vitamin E
Food sources of vitamin E, which may keep you healthy, include Sunflower
seeds, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Peanuts and other raw nuts and seeds are
excellent sources of natural vitamin E. Other good sources are
Cold-pressed vegetable oils (soybean, corn, cottonseed, safflower),
liver; egg yolks ,wheat germ oil, whole-grain products, dried beans,
legumes, corn and asparagus, Leafy green vegetables Swiss chard, cooked
spinach and other dark leafy greens Swiss Chard, Turnip Greens, Sweet
potatoes, Avocados, papaya, peaches, prunes, tomatoes, cabbage,
asparagus Bell Peppers, , Dried Apricots and Blueberries.
Vitamin B-complex
B vitamins are essential in breaking addictions to both alcohol and
drugs. B-complex vitamin can help restore normal liver function and ease
alcohol cravings. Research suggests that alcoholic cravings are due to a
deficiency in B vitamins and that supplements may lessen the desire to
drink.
The B vitamins are used to soothe your nerves and boost your energy.
Memory Loss & Insomnia Problems with short term memory? Alcohol is
probably responsible. Alcohol blocks the absorption of B vitamins
especially thiamin, causing memory loss, central-nervous system damage,
and poor concentration. Vitamin B-6 is responsible for our dream sleep,
as well as vitamin C.
B-complex vitamins are of special importance, they are incredibly
necessary for optimal mental well-being and functioning. Deficiencies in
the body of these vitamins are often due to a poor diet and can
interfere with the mental health of a person over time, causing
depression, agitation, anxiety, and mental lethargy; in extreme cases
leads to psychosis and dementia.
Natural Sources of Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B complex can be found in many food groups which include green
and leafy vegetables, dairy products, fresh fruits, and certain meats.
Therefore, foods containing Vitamin B complex are brewer’s yeast, milk,
whole grain cereals, liver, eggs, nuts, poultry, fish and yogurt,
bananas, potatoes, beans, lentils, and chili peppers to name a few.
ESSENTIAL MINERALS TO CURE ALCOHOLISM
Zinc
The number one mineral depleted with alcohol is zinc. This leads to
apathy, lethargy, lack of appetite and copper dysregulation. Alcohol can
cause a zinc deficiency by decreasing how well this mineral is
absorbed, but also by inhibiting the absorption of other nutrients that
zinc depends on for its function. Zinc is an essential mineral that has a
calming effect on the nervous system. Zinc also protects the brain
cells against the potential damage caused by free radicals. Normal
levels of zinc are needed for optimal growth during childhood and for
normal taste and smell.
Natural Sources of Zinc
Best food sources of zinc include oysters, Dungeness crab, and other
seafood, red meat like beef, poultry as turkey, eggs, but vegetarians
can get zinc from asparagus, soy beans, grains, black-eyed peas, wheat
germ, fortified cereals, nuts, almonds, peanuts, chickpeas, soy foods
tofu, chocolate and dairy products.
Calcium
Calcium is needed for blood vessel and muscle contraction and expansion,
for the secretion of hormones and enzymes, and for transmission of
messages through the nervous system. Alcohol consumption can cause a
loss of calcium in the body by increasing urinary calcium excretion.
Calcium deficiency can also lead to osteoporosis.
Alcohol has been found to affect the amount of calcium in the body. In
the long term, this can lead to osteoporosis and other health
conditions. Calcium is important for many body functions including
vascular contraction and vasodilation, muscle function, nerve
transmission, intracellular signaling and hormonal secretion along with
bone strength.
Natural Sources of Calcium
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt – low-fat ones are best,
and it doesn't matter if they come from cows or other animals, for
example goats, skimmed and semi-skimmed milk contains more calcium than
full-fat milk. Fortified products such as cereals, oats, orange juice,
tofu and soya milk. Fish with the bones such as tinned sardines and
salmon, Calcium also found in some nuts, seeds and dried fruits. Calcium
is present in leafy green vegetables watercress, beans and chickpeas,
some dark green leafy vegetables especially spinach, rhubarb, turnip and
mustard greens, kale, Chinese cabbage, and broccoli.
Coral Calcium: Coral calcium is a natural source of Calcium obtained
from sea corals. Coral calcium helps to increase bone mass and thereby
helping your bones to strong and healthy.
Iron
Iron is an essential trace mineral that is found in all cells of the
body. Iron needed to transport oxygen to all parts of the body via the
red blood cells and for making amino acids, collagen.
Alcohol can cause an iron deficiency due to gastrointestinal bleeding.
Iron is important for the function of red blood cells, and consequently a
deficiency may additionally bring about anemia.
Natural Sources of Iron
The iron that your body absorbs the best and is found in high amounts in
red meat, In moderate amounts in prunes, apricots, blackstrap molasses,
nutritional yeast, and wheat germ, Oily fish, for example sardines,
Pulses, for example lentils and haricot beans, Dark green vegetables,
spinach, kale and watercress. Leafy green vegetables, Squash, Nuts,
shellfish, Eggs, poultry, soy foods, Tofu, whole grains, beans, turkey,
egg yolks, clams, mussels, oysters, Shrimp fortified bread, Dark
Chocolate and grain products are packed with Iron.
Chromium
Chromium, deficient in 90% of all healthy people, is almost certainly
wanting in the alcoholic's diet. Trace mineral Chromium is a blood sugar
stabilizer and is usually deficient in alcoholics. Chromium improves
your body's sensitivity to insulin, so you can do more with less of it.
Remember that alcoholics consume huge amounts of simple carbohydrates.
The last thing an alcoholic's body needs would be insulin-resistant
cells. Chromium greatly reduces carbohydrate mis-metabolism, and
greatly helps control blood sugar levels. Many, if not most, alcoholics
are hypoglycemic.
Natural Sources Chromium
Chromium is found in some cereals and grains like green beans, barley,
and oats. One of the best food sources of chromium is Broccoli. Turkey,
Fish, Grape juice, Nuts, Tomatoes, Romaine lettuce, Egg yolk, Brewer's
yeast, Beef, Cheese, Liver, Wine, wheat Bread, whole meal, wheat, Black
pepper, Rye bread, Chilli fresh, Apple peel, Potatoes, old, Oysters,
Potatoes, new, Margarine, Spaghetti, Cornflakes, Spirits, Butter,
Spinach, Egg white, Oranges, Beer, Garlic, Basil, and mushrooms are also
good sources.
Magnesium
Magnesium is important mineral for blood circulation and the health of
your nervous system; it is believed that the stress of alcoholism can
deplete magnesium from the body. It calms the nerves and helps ease
stress related withdrawal symptoms. Many alcoholics are deficient in
Magnesium; symptoms of deficiency include confusion, apathy, loss of
appetite, weakness, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea and increased urinary
excretion.
Natural Sources Magnesium
Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, almonds, Brazil
nuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds and other seeds,
halibut, shrimp, whole-wheat bread, milk, Whole grain products, lima
beans, black-eyed peas, soybeans, legumes, avocados, bananas, and
kiwifruit.
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