Alcohol and Alcohol Detoxification

Most alcohols are toxic to humans even in relatively small amounts, however ethanol is less toxic than other alcohols and is commonly used drug by people who enjoy the relaxing and intoxicating effects of alcoholic drinks. In fact, alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive (mood-changing) recreational drug in Australia. In the year 2000 Australians consumed an average of 7.8 litres of pure alcohol per person! This amount to an average of 95 L of beer (9^th in the world), 19.7 L of wine (18^th in the world), and 1.3 L of spirits (34^th in the world).

Alcohol is high in energy and supplies 7 calories per gram. In those that regularly consume alcohol the additional calories obtained may contribute to increased body fat and obesity. However, alcoholics often replace food with, and obtain most of their calories from, alcohol. This can lead to malnutrition as alcohol provides "empty" calories (provides energy but not nutrients) and lowers appetite so that alcoholics often have greatly reduced intake of all nutrients.

Alcoholism is a chronic condition that involves physiological and/or psychological dependence on ethanol. 75% of the population in the USA consumes alcohol. Of these it is estimates that 10% may have a problem with alcohol consumption.

Men are four times more likely than women to have a pro9blem with alcoholism.

Alcohol abuse will ultimately affect every organ, tissue and cell in the body. Commonly alcohol causes damage to the brain, liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system and the immune system.

Liver

• Decreased production of digestive enzymes (reduced ability to digest foods and absorb nutrients).
• Fatty deposition on the liver.
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Cancer

Pancreas

• Inflammation (reduced production of enzymes)
• Increased risk of diabetes

Gastrointestinal system

• Risk of oral, oesophageal and other gastrointestinal cancers.

Cardiovascular system

• Heart enlargement
• Heart failure
• Hypertension

Nervous system

• Degeneration of the peripheral nervous system
• Damage to the central nervous system

Pregnancy

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy increases the risk of the following:

• Birth defects
• Miscarriage
• Low birth weight
• Mental and physical retardation
• Liver and kidney defects.

The social consequences of alcohol abuse should also be noted.

Possible supplements

Supplements that may be of benefit include the following:

• Free form amino acids (especially the BCAA's and the SCAA's) for brain and liver function and regeneration of tissues
• Also tryptophan, phenylalanine and glutamine for brain and nervous system function and to reduce cravings and anxiety.
• B complex vitamins. These vitamins are often depleted in alcoholics because of their role in alcohol metabolism and because alcohol reduces their absorption and increase their excretion. Additional thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 may be needed.
• Digestive enzymes
• Calcium and magnesium. Depleted by alcohol and important for central nervous system function, also involved in blood clotting.
• Lipotropic agents: lecithin, choline, inositol, methionine, taurine, and lipoic acid.
• Essential Fatty acids (EPA, DHA, flaxseeds)
• Vitamin C and bioflavanoinds to enhance the immune response, tissue repair, stress response, and nervous system function.
• Multivitamin
• Immune system: vitamins A, C, E, zinc, manganese and selenium.
• Acidophilus and bifdus, fibre, chlorophyll, LS, and aloe vera juice.
• Vitamins A, D, and E.
• Zinc

Diet and lifestyle

• Avoid completely
• Reduce intake of refined sugar, caffeine, saturated fats, animal products.
• Consume a diet that is nutrient dense and is high in fibre, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
• Ensure that water intake is adequate.
• Long term alcohol abuse can disrupt blood glucose regulation and result in hypoglycaemia therefore, following a hypoglyceamic diet may be useful.
• Consume small regular meals.
• Increase intake of complex carbohydrates and protein.
• Absorption may be compromised so initially juices, broths, soups, and well-cooked or pureed foods may be more easily absorbed.
• Use dandelion or green tea as tea and coffee substitutes.

Other

• Conselling therapy, alcoholics anonymous etc.
• Avoid situations where drinking is likely to occur.
• Assess stress and learn methods of reducing and coping with stress without the use of alcohol.

Useful herbs include:

• St Mary's thistle
• Dandelion root
• Globe artichoke
• Alfalfa
• Valerian, oats, and other relaxants and nervous tonics.

Possible positive effects of alcohol consumption

Perhaps not surprisingly, there appears to be some benefit from of low to moderate intakes of alcohol. From one perspective alcohol helps people to relax, laugh more, and feel more comfortable socializing. Drinking wine with meals may help digestion, and wine also contains antioxidant phytochemicals. An area of considerable scientific interest is the association between alcohol consumption and heart disease risk. It appears that moderate consumption of alcohol reduces the risk of death from coronary heart disease and stroke. Moderate alcohol intake appears to increase HDL levels in blood and consumption of drinks containing antioxidant phytochemicals (such as red wine) may reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, inhibit platelet aggregation, and exhibit anti-coagulant activity.