Prolonged, excessive drinking, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects many people in the United States. Excessive alcohol consumption is also a common cause of death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, just over 23,000 Americans die from alchol-induced deaths every year, not including alcohol-related homicides and auto accidents. If you are a drinker, certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your condition. Always clear the use of supplements with your physician before you start using them.
Alcohol Problems
Alcohol-related problems can affect people of all ages, especially young people. The World Health Organization states that approximately 320,000 people between the ages of 15 and 29 die from alcohol-related causes every year, which accounts for about 9 percent of fatalities within this group. Numerous health problems are associated with excessive alcohol consumption, including malnutrition, liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, anemia, depression, high blood pressure and nerve damage. Alcohol can also cause significant damage to your interpersonal relationships.
Beneficial Supplements
Numerous dietary supplements may be helpful in treating various aspects of your alcoholism. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and author of "The Natural Pharmacy," the following supplements may be particularly beneficial in treating alcohol withdrawal: milk thistle, kudzu, beta-carotene, D,L-phenylalanine, evening primrose oil, glutamine, L-tyrosine, magnesium and vitamins A, B-3, B-6, C, D and E. Other helpful supplements for reducing your cravings and restoring proper nutrition may include the essential fatty acids glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid and pycnogenol.
Highlighted Supplements
Glutathione may be a helpful supplement for drinkers. Certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that taking 3,000 mg of glutathione daily helps protect your liver from damage and decreases your craving for alcohol. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant. Most glutathione is stored in your liver and is involved in the detoxification process. Further clinical testing may be necessary to validate this supplement's purported health benefits.
Disclaimer
If you are a drinker who is addicted to alcohol, using dietary supplements alone to address your problem may not be sufficient. In most cases, a multi-modal approach -- including counseling, allopathic care and complementary alternative care -- is needed to help resolve your problem. Certain dietary supplements may cause undesired health effects and should be avoided or discontinued immediately. To gain a better understanding of what supplements may be helpful for you and your health problem, meet with a healthcare professional who specializes in clinical nutrition.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Alcohol Use
- World Health Organization: Alcohol
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
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