Alcoholism

Diet for Alcoholism

Most alcoholics’ refuse to admit that they have a drinking problem.



So the first step the alcoholic must take prior to taking alcohol treatment is to realize his problem and abstain from alcohol totally. An alcoholism treatment program including rehabilitation through counseling to break down the psychological dependence and a detoxification diet should follow this.

Detoxification

An alcoholism treatment program must commence with detoxification, which is the first step on the road to recovery. The detoxification should be accomplished through a week’s fruit juice fast on orange juice only all through the day.



This can also be supplemented with vegetable juices. The fruit and vegetable juice fast will ensure bowel cleansing, enabling the body to rid itself of all toxins that the alcohol has wrought. A warm water enema regimen will also be beneficial.



Simultaneously, the person should be examined for liver and blood clotting problems. This withdrawal from alcohol should be done under supervision. As complications associated with the withdrawal symptoms can result. Some withdrawal symptoms like delirium tremens are fatal. A diet rich in whole, organic unprocessed raw foods primarily consisting of fruits, vegetables, sprouts and nuts should follow the fruit fast. The person should be given a substitute to help him over alcohol cravings like fresh fruit juice with honey or buttermilk. The diet must be vegetarian based, consisting of whole, organic foods as against refined foods and flesh foods.

Nutrition

Nutritional support is essential during the alcoholism treatment program. The nutrition can be consumed in the form of multivitamins and mineral supplements, which are vital to help the body recuperate from the alcohol effects. Alcohol is ethanol, a simple carbohydrate that is filling.



Hence the alcoholic feels no need for nourishing food, as he is already satiated with the alcohol, which is slowly damaging his liver and brain. The body needs to overcome this nutritional deficiency that causes poor absorption and utilization of B-vitamins, folic acid and thiamin.

A high intake of vitamin C, an antitoxin neutralizes the toxic build-up of alcohol consumption. In addition, vitamin C reverses the fatty deposition, which commonly occurs in the liver of alcoholics. B-complex vitamins with extra doses of thiamin and niacin, L-glutamine, lecithin and chromium will reduce the psychological craving for alcohol and control blood sugar. In addition, antioxidants like beta-carotene and d-alpha tocopherol must also be taken through both supplements and natural sources. The nutritional supplementation works to halt and reverse the damaging effects of the alcohol, the alcoholism symptoms and recurrence as well as the alcohol addiction.