The cravings that lead a person to depend on or abuse alcohol may often be related to low levels of blood sugar, amino acids or neurotransmitters in the brain. You may improve your mood and reduce your cravings for alcohol by adding the amino acid glutamine through diet or supplement form. Never take supplements to treat symptoms without first discussing it with your doctor.
Cravings Related to Decreased Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia is sometimes a factor in alcohol craving. Some alcoholics may actually have a carbohydrate or sugar craving, and alcohol provides a very quick release of sugar into the bloodstream, raising blood glucose levels. Glutamine can be converted to sugar for energy through the process of gluconeogenesis, aiding the body in stabilizing blood sugar levels and decreasing alcohol cravings related to blood sugar.
Brain Fuel and Improved Mood
Glutamine is one of the most important amino acids the brain uses for fuel. It improves mood, memory, clarity and concentration. Low levels of glutamine are common in individuals with chronic illness and mood disorders, such as those with depression and alcoholism, according to an article in the December 2010 issue of "Journal of Affective Disorders." Restoring normal levels of glutamine may improve mood, mental function and natural resistance to stress and craving. According to a study published in the June 1955 issue of "The Journal of Biological Chemistry," glutamine decreased voluntary alcohol consumption in rats by 34 percent.
Food Sources of Glutamine
Some of the best sources of glutamine are beef, pork, poultry, milk, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, raw spinach, parsley and cabbage. Your body best absorbs glutamine when vitamins B-6 and C and manganese are present, according to an article in the September 2005 issue of "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences." Those in recovery may find it beneficial to take a multivitamin in addition to eating a balanced diet to safeguard against nutritional deficiencies. Your body may experience a deficiency of glutamine, even in the presence of adequate protein, if you don't have vitamins and minerals in sufficient amounts.
Supplementation
L-glutamine is available in an isolate form as a powder, capsule or liquid, or as part of a protein powder you can use to make a protein shake. You should only mix glutamine with cold or room temperature fluids since heat can destroy it. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 500 mg three times a day; however, your physician may prescribe amounts as high as 15,000 mg. Take glutamine supplements only while under the care of a qualified health care professional due to the possibility of side effects and drug interactions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glutamine
- "The Journal of Biological Chemistry"; Voluntary Alcohol Consumption by Rats Following Administration of Glutamine; L.L. Rogers, et al.; June 1955
- "Journal of Affective Disorders"; Glial and Glutamatergic Markers in Depression, Alcoholism, and Their Comorbidity; J.J. Miguel-Hidalgo, et al.; December 2010
- "Addiction-Free Naturally"; Brigitte Mars; February 2001
- IMPAC Health; L Glutamine Plus: Maximum Healthy Digestion, Assimilation, and Immune Protection; John Brimhall, D.C., et al.
- "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences"; Vitamin B6 Biosynthesis; Marina Tambasco-Studart, et al.; September 2005
