### Alcohol Consumption and Abuse
In his article, “Nutritional Programs for Alcohol Detoxification,” Dr. Elson M. Haas, M.D. discusses the health risks associated with both alcohol consumption and abuse.
“The risks of alcohol are directly related to the amount consumed and the duration of use. Individual sensitivity, nutritional balance, supplements, allergies, and lifestyle factors also play a role. Empirically, a high risk can occur with more than five drinks daily, moderate risk with three to five drinks daily, and low risk with one or two drinks daily. Social drinking of one or two drinks a week is considered light use.”
“Alcohol abuse can lead to addiction, emotional issues, and various degenerative processes. Obesity, gastritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, hypoglycemia, diabetes, gout, nerve and brain dysfunction, cancer, nutritional deficiencies, immune suppression, and injuries or fatalities from falls and auto accidents are common concerns. Overall, alcohol is a toxic irritant for the human body.”
Major Health Risks of Alcohol Consumption
Dr. Haas provides a detailed list of major health risks associated with alcohol, summarized here:
Drunkenness can cause dizziness, slowed mental functions, memory loss, poor judgment, emotional outbursts, and incoordination. Hangovers result in headaches, upset stomach, fatigue, dehydration, and dizziness. Withdrawal symptoms include gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, headaches, anxiety, irritability, dizziness, fevers, chills, depression, insomnia, tremors, weakness, hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs).
Alcohol can also lead to injuries, auto accidents, violent crimes, and jail. Liver disease, stomach disorders like gastritis and ulcers, pancreatitis, gallstones, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular disease, and issues with carbohydrate metabolism such as hypoglycemia and diabetes are common. Other concerns include obesity, nutritional deficiencies, reduced immune function, low sexuality and impotence, increased susceptibility to cancer, birth defects, and other health problems like headaches, gout, severe PMS, Vaginitis from Candida, and other infections. Alcohol also causes social and family issues and economic hardships.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol is physically addictive, and sudden cessation can produce withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe. These may include tremors, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, headache, increased heart rate, sweating, irritability, confusion, insomnia, nightmares, and high blood pressure. Serious complications include hallucinations, delirium tremens (DT), and seizures.
Some individuals can safely quit at home by gradually reducing their consumption. The CIWA-Ar form can help determine the severity of withdrawal symptoms and necessary care, though it should not replace professional medical advice.
Alcohol Detoxification and Nutrition
Supporting the body’s natural detoxification abilities with a nutritious diet and supplements is crucial. Dr. Haas suggests the following:
“Diet and megavitamin therapy can help during withdrawal, detoxification, and recovery. Alcoholics often need more supplements than others, especially during detox. Water, diluted fruit and vegetable juices, warm broths, soups, and herbal teas (such as chamomile, skullcap, or valerian root) are beneficial. Other helpful herbs include white willow bark for pain and inflammation, ginseng, cayenne, and peppermint. Light proteins like non-fatty poultry, fish, or chicken soup provide nourishment.”
“A basic ‘multiple’ vitamin along with antioxidant nutrients can be used during detoxification. Extra minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium should replace those lost during alcohol abuse. Higher levels of niacin, up to several grams, along with 5-10 grams of vitamin C daily, have been successful in alcohol withdrawal and detox. A more modest level of C would be 500-1,000 mg taken four to six times daily.”
“Other detoxifying nutrients include additional fiber to bind toxins in the bowel and improve elimination. Choline and inositol, about 500 mg each three times daily, improve fat digestion and utilization. Lemon water with a couple of teaspoons of olive oil and a quarter teaspoon or capsule of cayenne pepper helps detoxify the liver. Parsley tea enhances kidney elimination and blood cleansing. The amino acid L-cysteine is another effective detoxifier for the liver, blood, and colon.”
“Other beneficial nutrients and herbs during alcohol detoxification include pancreatic digestive enzymes after meals and brewer’s yeast, which supplies many B vitamins and minerals. Essential fatty acids reduce inflammatory prostaglandins, and gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose or borage seed oil reduces alcohol toxicity. White willow bark tablets can alleviate pain, and valerian root, a natural and milder form of Valium, can decrease anxiety. Chamomile and licorice root help to calm the digestive tract.”
Dr. Haas also recommends L-tryptophan for sleep and L-glutamine to reduce alcohol and sugar cravings.
“Alcohol detoxification continues for several weeks after the withdrawal period. During this recovery time, the body eliminates alcohol, its by-products, and other toxins and begins breaking down some of the fat stored during alcohol abuse. General supportive and balanced nourishment with a low-fat, moderate protein, basic complex carbohydrate diet is recommended.”
“Since alcoholics often have blood sugar issues, basic hypoglycemic principles should be followed. Avoid sugars and refined foods, soft drinks, and candy. Regular eating every few hours is recommended. Small meals and snacks of protein or complex carbohydrates, including whole grains, pasta, potatoes, squashes, legumes, and other vegetables, should form the basic diet. Proteins like soy products, eggs, fish, or poultry can be added, but the primary focus initially during withdrawal should be on vegetables and fruit to maintain an alkaline diet.”
Dietary Supplements and Alcohol Detoxification
Dr. Haas emphasizes the importance of dietary supplements throughout the stages of alcoholism, from regular consumption to withdrawal and recovery. Consultation with a healthcare practitioner is essential before starting any supplementation regimen.
# Daily Supplement Recommendations by Dr. Haas
| Alcohol Nutrient Programs | Support | Withdrawal | Detox/Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | 2 1/2-3 qt. | 3-4 qt. | 3 qt. |
| Protein | 60-80 g. | 50-70 g. | 75-100 g. |
| Fat | 30-50 g. | 30-50 g. | 50-65 g. |
| Fiber | 15-20 g. | 10-15 g. | 30-40 g. |
| Vitamin A | 10,000 IUs | 5,000 IUs | 10,000 IUs |
| Beta-carotene | 25,000 IUs | 20,000 IUs | 20,000 IUs |
| Vitamin D | 200 IUs | 400 IUs | 400 IUs |
| Vitamin E | 400-800 IUs | 400 IUs | 800 IUs |
| Vitamin K | 300 mcg. | 300 mcg. | 500 mcg. |
| Thiamine (B1) | 100 mg. | 50-100 mg. | 150 mg. |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 100 mg. | 50-100 mg. | 150 mg. |
| Niacinamide (B3) | 50 mg. | 50 mg. | 50 mg. |
| Niacin (B3) | 50-150 mg. | 100-1,000 mg. | 200-2,000 mg. |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 250 mg. | 1,000 mg. | 500 mg. |
| Pyridoxine (B6) | 100 mg. | 200 mg. | 100 mg. |
| Pyridoxal-5-phosphate | 50 mg. | 100 mg. | 50 mg. |
| Cobalamin (B12) | 100 mcg. | 200 mcg. | 250 mcg. |
| Folic acid | 800-1,000 mcg. | 2,000 mcg. | 800 mcg. |
| Biotin | 300 mcg. | 500 mcg. | 500 mcg. |
| Choline | 500 mg. | 1,000 mg. | 1,500 mg. |
| Inositol | 500 mg. | 1,000 mg. | 1,500 mg. |
| Vitamin C | 2-4 g. | 5-25 g. | 5-10 g. |
| Bioflavonoids | 250 mg. | 500 mg. | 500 mg. |
| Calcium | 850-1,000 mg. | 1,000-1,500 mg. | 1,000 mg. |
| Chromium | 500 mcg. | 500-1,000 mcg. | 300 mcg. |
| Copper | 3 mg. | 3 mg. | 3-4 mg. |
| Iodine | 150 mcg. | 150 mcg. | 150 mcg. |
| Iron | 20-30 mg. | 10-18 mg. | 20 mg. |
| Magnesium | 500-800 mg. | 800-1,000 mg. | 600-800 mg. |
| Manganese | 5 mg. | 15 mg. | 10 mg. |
| Molybdenum | 300 mcg. | 300 mcg. | 300 mcg. |
| Potassium | 300-500 mg. | 500 mg. | 300 mg. |
| Selenium | 300 mcg. | 150 mcg. | 200 mcg. |
| Silicon | 100 mg. | 50 mg. | 200 mg. |
| Vanadium | 150 mcg. | 150 mcg. | 150 mcg. |
| Zinc | 45-75 mg. | 50-75 mg. | 50-100 mg. |
| Flaxseed oil | 1 teaspoon | 2 teaspoons | 2 teaspoons |
| Gamma-linolenic acid (40-60 mg./cap.) | 3 capsules | 3 capsules | 6 capsules |
| L-amino acids | 1,000-1,500 mg. | 1,500-3,000 mg. | 5,000-7,500 mg. |
| L-glutamine | 500-1,000 mg. | 1,500-3,000 mg. | 1,000-2,000 mg. |
| L-tryptophan | 500-1,000 mg. | 2,000-3,000 mg. | 500-1,000 mg. |
| Thioctic acid | 100 mg. | 100 mg. | 200 mg. |
| L-cysteine | 250 mg. | 250 mg. | 250-500 mg. |
| Glutathione | 250 mg. | 500 mg. | 250 mg. |
| Digestive enzymes | — | — | 1-2 after meals |
| Goldenseal root | — | — | 3 capsules |
| White willow bark | 1-2 tablets | 4-6 tablets | 2-4 tablets |
Many foods and supplements are rich sources of these nutrients. Dr. Haas recommends distilled water with organic apple cider vinegar, which is rich in enzymes, pectin, nutrients, B vitamins, folic acid, and potassium. When seeking high-quality supplements for alcohol detoxification, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider and consider options that support liver cleansing.
Alcoholism is complex, and an effective program should include initial withdrawal and detoxification, counseling, social support like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and nutritional and dietary supplementation therapy.
