How to Treat Alcohol Addiction With Diet
Addiction to alcohol is characterized by extreme craving, tolerance, and withdrawal. Withdrawal in one of its worst forms, such as delirium tremens, can prove to be even more fatal than withdrawal from narcotics. The toxicity of alcohol can render severe physical damage with prolonged use. Recently alcohol addiction has been sought to be treated by altering the body's nutrient deficiency and neurochemistry through dietary intervention and attention to food consumed. Studies show that people who are alcohol and drug addicted are among the most undernourished.
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Instructions
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Avoid conditions such as anxiety and depression that eventually lead to addiction. Make lifestyle changes and increase your intake of nutritional supplements such as B Vitamins--especially thiamine and niacin-- zinc, magnesium, a number of antioxidants, and amino acids. Foods rich in these nutrients help to combat feelings associated with anxiety and depression and reduce the cravings for alcohol.
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Consume protein rich meals three times a day to alter the neurochemistry of the body. Poultry, fish, meat, eggs, cheese, nut butter, and tofu are good sources of protein. Many addictive people have been found to have problems processing carbohydrates and sugar and are protein deficient. By helping the body maintain a stable blood sugar level and serotonin and dopamine to the brain, the craving for the high from alcohol is reduced.
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Include a number of complex carbohydrates such as grains, beans, and vegetables in the diet, as well as fat from non animal products. Consuming healthy fat increases serotonin production in the body and creates a feeling of relaxation and well being. Positive results can be seen in as early as three to four days.
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Monitor the sugar and caffeine intake in the diet and gradually start their reduction. Be aware of the hidden sugars such as the ones in corn syrup, maltose, dextrose, mannitol, and sorbitol. Grapes, cherries, watermelon, all fruit juices, and carrot juice are not recommended in a diet designed to treat alcohol addiction, given their high sugar levels.
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