ALCOHOLISM

Alcoholism is a chronic condition marked by a dependence on alcohol-either physiological or psychological.

Some effects are loss of inhibition and damage to the brain, liver, pancreas, duodenum, digestive and central nervous systems.

Alcohol is a human specific poison, it causes metabolic damage to every cell and depresses the immune system.

If the alcoholic continues to drink it may shorten ones life 10 to 15 years.

Alcohol is broken down in the liver, the toxic effect is very serious.
#1.  The alcoholic will first experience a fatty degeneration of cells in his liver.
#2    Next the alcoholic will develop hepatitis, a condition in which the liver cells
       become inflamed and die.
#3    The usually fatal final stage is cirrhosis of the liver.

Prolonged consumption inhibits the livers production of digestive enzymes, impairing the body's ability to absorb proteins and fats, its ability to absorb vitamin A, D, and K, is impaired, (theses are stored in the liver, broken down to be distributed).

Alcohol effects people differently, some maybe intoxicated on their first drink, others may be able to consume 4 or 5 drinks. Alcoholism is a progressive disease.
It usually starts with social drinking, then a drink for every mood: one to calm down, one to perk up, one to celebrate and so on. The alcoholic soon needs no excuse to drink, now they are completely controlled by their dependence to alcohol.

Because they lack control, they become angry, ashamed at their compulsive behavior, they begin taking their pain out on the ones close to them.

Women should avoid alcohol especially during pregnancy as this will cause birth defects, such as retardation, limbs, joints, fingers and face may be deformed. Heart and kidney defects as well. Some of these children characteristically become hyperactive at adolescents and exhibit learning disabilities.
Research has shown that children of alcoholics are more inclined to use drugs.

Most alcoholics are either hypoglycemic or borderline diabetic, their digestion is impaired, Licorice root is very helpful for alcoholics.

When an alcoholic quits drinking, they often begin eating large amounts of sugar products and drinking strong coffee which also causes depression to worsen.
Alcoholics are associated with poor nutrition and are Vitamin-B deficient.
Diet should consist of:
Fresh fruit and vegetables, sprouts, almonds, brown rice, millet, baked potatoes, legumes, whole grains, lentils, soups and using lots of vegetables including onions and garlic.

Little is known about the direct causes but one half of alcoholics have at least one parent who is one. Typically found traits include-low self esteem, depressive and self destructive tendencies, feelings of guilt and frustration.

Alcohol depletes the system of b-vitamins, (B-complex) it destroys the nervous system. (CoQ10) for the digestive system, it will cause depression, excess weight gain, lower back pain, muscle spasms as alcohol will deplete calcium/magnesium from the body causing severe leg cramps. If there is a degenerative problem in the body alcohol will speed up degeneration.
Alcohol destroys brain cells, causes allergies (stuffy nose, swelling in the throat and sinus area).

In order for the alcoholic to regain control of his life he must avoid all alcohol, total abstinence is the only way that the alcoholic can exercise control over his life.

It may be helpful for recovering alcoholics to avoid people, things, and places that are associated with their drinking days.
New friendship should be made with people who do not drink.
Take up a hobby, get involved with sports.

The alcoholic will experience severe withdrawal symptoms during the first week that he abstains from alcohol: Insomnia, auditory (hearing) hallucinations, convulsions, acute anxiety, rapid pulse, extreme perspiration, and fever can occur; however with proper supervision these symptoms will pass, and the alcoholic will be set free.

PART 2:  CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

Cirrhosis of the liver is a degenerative, inflammatory disease in which damage and hardening of the liver cells occur. The liver unable to function properly due to its scarred tissue, which can eventually prevent the passage of blood through the liver.

Whereas the most common cause of cirrhosis of the liver is excessive alcohol consumption, a less frequent cause is viral hepatitis.

Malnutrition and chronic inflammation can also lead to liver malfunction. In its early stages cirrhosis of the liver is characterized by constipation or diarrhea, fever, upset stomach, and jaundice. Those in the later stages of the disease may also exhibit the following: anemia, bruising due to bleeding under the skin, and edema.

A clean colon is important especially for an alcoholic as toxins accumulate in the colon and must be excreted by the liver and kidneys.
DO NOT use harsh laxative to cleanse the system, lemon or apple cider vinegar enemas are preferred, Take twice weekly, Taking aloe Vera juice daily will help keep the colon clean.
A good detox program is necessary for eliminating toxins and poisons from the lymphatic system, this should be done at least once every thirty days.
DETOX PROGRAM WILL BE INCLUDED WITH THIS PACKET

FOODS TO EAT
A high protein diet one from a vegetable source such as beans, legumes lentils and raw goats milk, fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts almonds, brown rice, millet, baked potatoes, legumes, whole grains, lentils, soups and salads, onions and garlic, drink fresh vegetable juices such as beet, carrot, dandelion extract and "green drinks" is helpful. Raw foods such as fruits, vegetables, soy, seeds, nuts, should make up 75% of your diet. During this time, if cirrhosis is severe, consume only fresh vegetables and fruits and their juices for two weeks, this will help cleanse and detox system, and give liver a rest from the strain of breaking down alcohol and animal fats.

Limit your intake of fish as the liver cannot handle the A vitamin contained in these foods. Limit to two per week only, haddock, blue fish, salmon and sardines. AVOID cod liver oil; NEVER take cod liver oil with alcohol.

AVOID THE FOLLOWING
Eliminate the following from your diet:
alcohol, animal fats, candy, milk, pastries, pepper, salt, spices, stimulants of any kind, including caffeine and colas, chocolates, hot cocoas and black teas, white bread, white rice, white flour tortillas, any product containing white flour and white sugar, also avoid all margarine and butters and any other hardened fats- use olive oil instead.
Avoid fried and fatty foods, potato chips, melted or hard cheeses, rancid nuts and oils, all refined or processed foods. Avoid dairy products and meats. These over work and damage the liver further.

HERBS TO TREAT ALCOHOLISM AND CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER

Bee Pollen, Golden Seal (not to be taken by diabetic), cayenne, Echinacea, ginger, garlic, Oregon grape and barberry together, astragalus (for building immune system),
Burdock, red clover (for purifying blood)
Celandine, and dandelion root is important for cleansing the liver and aids in digestion), Blessed thistle or Milk thistle is a very crucial herb, this herb is know for is regenerative properties, this herb regenerates damaged liver tissue.
Licorice Root is very good for alcoholics when they quit drinking, it is a natural and mild laxative when constipation is evident. And it is a natural sugar replacement. (as the alcoholic tends to eat large amounts of sugar). Diabetics should not take licorice root.
Valerian, hops, passion flower, primrose oil, kava kava, St. johns Wort (are for relaxing, anxiety, and depression).
Ginkgo and Gotu kola are for the damage the alcohol has done to the brain
Hawthorne berry (for nourishing the heart and for regulating beat)
Rosehips (good source of vitamin C)

VITAMINS AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS

All vitamins and minerals are needed to make up for the tremendous loss caused from drinking and from not eating right.

Acidolphilus (needed to kill of bad bacteria from the system)
Vitamin A (will help protect the mucus membranes and the lungs)
Vitamin B-complex (will help eliminate toxins from the liver, helps in digestion and
                              products the nerves and gives energy).
Vitamin C (helps protect against infections, one should take 3,000 to 10,000 mg.
                  daily)
Calcium /Magnesium and Potassium (are essential in strengthening bones, flesh,
                                                        muscle and is needed as alcohol depletes
                                                        system of it)
CoQ10 (supplies oxygen to the liver, blood and helps with fatigue)
Choline and Inositol are other B-vitamins needed for the alcoholic
Lecithin (is needed to protect nerve sheaths and the brain)
Niacin (is good for circulation and is another b-vitamin needed)
Selenium and Zinc (are healing and helps build the immune system)

All Information found here in is from:
Alternatives in Healing By Simon Mills MA
Natural prescriptions By Robert M. Giller M.D.and Kathy Matthews
The Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies By Louise Tenny M. H.
The Alternative Advisor By Time Life