Alcoholism is a disease in which individuals need to consume alcohol on a daily basis to avoid the mental and physical symptoms of withdrawal. As time passes, a person usually starts consuming larger and larger amounts of alcohol and dependence increases. Men are twice as likely as women to suffer from alcoholism. There are natural treatments for alcoholism that serve as a complement to conventional treatments and help protect the alcoholic's liver.
Kudzu
Kudzu has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It is the primary herbal treatment for alcoholism in China. Wing-Ming Keurng, biochemist at Harvard Medical School, did an analysis of over 300 recorded cases of alcoholism that were treated with kudzu in Hong Kong. In every case, the kudzu was effective in controlling and suppressing the desire for alcohol with no side effects. Within a week, alcohol cravings were reduced and in about 80 percent of cases, cravings were non-existent within two to four weeks of treatment. The chemicals in kudzu reduce the liver's ability to break down alcohol and produce unpleasant side effects like headache and nausea. It is most effective in its natural state and processed versions may not produce the same benefit. Take 10 mg three times daily.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herbal treatment whose benefits have been well documented by Western medicine. It is useful in treating liver conditions caused by alcoholism such as cirrhosis and liver poisoning. Silymarin, the primary component of milk thistle impedes the entry of toxins into the liver. In cases of cirrhosis, it dramatically improves liver regeneration. Take 600 mg three times daily.
Reishi
Reishi is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for over 2,000 years. Reishi is a useful treatment to prevent alcohol-induced fatty liver and cirrhosis. However, it is most effective in people who are in the early stages of alcohol-related liver disease and may not benefit those experiencing severe impairment of liver function. Take 3 grams daily.
Soy Lechitin
Soy lechitin is extracted from soy beans. It provides the main components necessary for healthy cell membranes and helps prevent damage, especially to blood and liver cells. It is useful in the treatment of alcoholism because of its ability to keep the toxins contained in alcohol from reaching the liver. It also protects against fatty deposits and extraneous fibrous tissue. Take 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily.
Other Natural Treatments
Eat several servings of dark green, yellow and orange vegetables daily. Vitamin A in these foods reduces cravings for alcohol. Daily consumption of omega-3 fatty acids helps combat depression. Take 30 mg of zinc daily. It enhances the stomach's ability to process alcohol and prevents liver lesions.
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