What Nutrients Are Needed by Alcohol Abusers?

The plain truth is that there is no way to control the effects of alcohol on the body except to control its consumption. Although periodic studies indicate minor coronary benefits of an occasional glass of wine or beer, the harmful effects of over consumption, including cirrhosis of the liver and other conditions brought on by nutrient deficiencies, far outweigh any benefits. Extra quantities of nutrients will not "cure" deficiencies caused by alcohol abuse, but nutrient therapy can work with addition therapy to substantially improve the health of alcohol abusers.

History

• Alcohol has been used throughout human history to produce a beverage that is free of infectious organisms and a pleasant accompaniment to food. Its over consumption has been considered amusing, reprehensible, a spiritual activity or a symptom of disease by various cultures. Beginning with the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, alcohol became the focus of a moral debate that continues to this day. The study of nutrition and discovery of substances called vitamins in the early 20th century made possible the scientific study of the effects of alcohol on the human body.

Features

• Alcoholic beverages are fermented or distilled products of grains, fruits, herbs or sugars. All of them contain ethanol, a volatile hydrocarbon that is also used as a fuel, solvent and antiseptic. The amount of ethanol in a beverage is judged by its "proof"---the percentage of ethanol present in the liquid, taken at a standard temperature and then multiplied by two.

Types

• Wine and beer are fermented beverages and have traditionally low percentages of alcohol. Liquors that are fermented and then heated, evaporated and condensed (whiskey, vodka and others) have much higher percentages of alcohol and are classified as "distilled spirits."

Effects

• Alcohol is a toxin: too much of it destroys the proteins that form cells that build and repair organisms. Unlike foods, that metabolize, alcohol moves directly into the bloodstream where it is distributed to all of the organs. It interferes with the body's ability to absorb nutrients and its carbohydrates elevate blood glucose, providing a "buzz" that is actually the result of lack of oxygen in the brain. Its depressive effect on the metabolism classifies it as a drug.

Significance

• Over consumption of alcohol blocks absorption of nutrients and destroys proteins in the liver and brain. Although vitamins can be replaced, the damage done to proteins cannot. Damage to the liver, in particular, can affect metabolism by limiting processing of starch, detoxification and production of chemicals used in the digestive process. When the liver is called upon to "detox" excessive amounts of alcohol, scar tissue replaces healthy cells, a condition called cirrhosis which can lead to loss of the organ and death.

Therapies

• The damage caused by alcohol cannot be entirely undone by a shot of B12, but a program of nutrition therapy emphasizing an intake of folates (B vitamins present in folic acid), vitamins B12 and A and calcium, along with alcohol counseling can help. Abusers are frequently alcoholics and additional therapy may be a lifesaving alternative. Since alcohol abusers often lose weight and have difficulty with blood sugar control, diet control and diabetic therapy may be necessary.

Warning

• According to the Harvard School of Public Health, more than 18 million Americans qualify as alcoholics or alcohol abusers. Alcohol abuse is costly in terms of workdays lost, car accidents, violent crime, families shattered and lives lost. No amount of vitamin therapy can repair this damage.