Nature & Pathology of the Disease
Alcoholism is a chronic disorder characterised by excessive and compulsive drinking. It is a form of drug addiction. It is much more common than all other forms of addiction put together. Alcohol is not a food, but a drug. It is a depressant and an anaesthetic. It reduces sensitivity and impairs coordination. It is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach and small intestine, without undergoing the usual digestive processes. It reaches the brain within minutes of consumption.
The liver is the organ most severely affected by chronic drinking. Alcohol is toxic to liver cells. It causes accumulation of fat in the liver, leading to fatty liver disease. If drinking continues, it can lead to alcoholic hepatitis, inflammation of the liver, and eventually cirrhosis, which is irreversible and can be fatal. Chronic alcoholism also damages the brain and nervous system, leading to memory loss, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, tremors, and in severe cases, delirium tremens (DTs). It impairs the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections, especially pneumonia. It increases the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and several forms of cancer, including cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and liver.
Alcoholism causes widespread nutritional deficiencies. Chronic drinkers often suffer from severe malnutrition, because alcohol provides 'empty' calories devoid of vitamins, minerals, and protein, and suppresses appetite. Furthermore, alcohol interferes with the absorption, storage, and utilisation of nutrients in the body. Deficiencies of B vitamins, especially thiamine (vitamin B1), are common and can cause serious neurological damage.
Symptoms
The symptoms of alcoholism include craving for alcohol, loss of control over drinking, physical dependence leading to withdrawal symptoms when drinking stops, and tolerance, where increasing amounts of alcohol are needed to produce the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms range from anxiety, sweating, shakiness, nausea, and insomnia, to severe hallucinations, convulsions, and delirium tremens.
Chronic drinkers frequently suffer from morning sickness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and frequent infections.
Causes
Alcoholism is a complex disorder with multiple causes. Physical, psychological, and social factors all play a role. A genetic predisposition has been identified, with children of alcoholics being significantly more likely to develop alcoholism themselves. Psychological factors include emotional immaturity, feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and inability to handle stress. Many people turn to alcohol as an escape from reality, emotional pain, or difficult life circumstances. Social pressures, cultural norms, and peer influence also contribute to the initiation and continuation of heavy drinking.
From the viewpoint of nutritional therapy, biochemical defects and nutritional deficiencies are considered major causes of alcoholism. Deficiencies of certain nutrients can create abnormal cravings for alcohol. Research has shown that diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and junk food can disrupt blood sugar regulation, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia is remarkably common among alcoholics. When blood sugar drops, the brain craves quick energy, and alcohol provides a rapid source of concentrated energy. Thus, alcohol is often used unconsciously as a self-medication for low blood sugar.
Treatment and Diet
The treatment of alcoholism requires a comprehensive approach addressing both physical and psychological aspects. Complete abstinence from alcohol is essential. In the nature cure approach, the first step is detoxification to cleanse the system of alcohol and toxic residues.
To begin with, the patient should undertake a short fast on fresh fruit and vegetable juices for three to five days. Diluted orange juice, grapefruit juice, apple juice, carrot juice, and celery juice are particularly beneficial. Plenty of warm or cool water should be drunk throughout the fast to aid elimination. A warm water enema should be administered daily during the fast to clear the bowels and facilitate the elimination of toxic wastes.
After the short fast, the patient should be placed on an exclusive fruit diet for another five to seven days. Three meals a day of fresh, juicy fruits such as apples, pears, grapes, grapefruits, oranges, peaches, and pineapples should be taken. Unsweetened lemon water may be taken between meals.
Following the fruit diet, the patient should gradually transition to a wholesome, balanced diet composed of natural, unrefined foods. The diet should be rich in whole grains (such as brown rice, whole wheat, millet, and oats), fresh vegetables (especially raw leafy greens), sprouted seeds and legumes, and raw nuts and seeds. Fresh fruits should form an important part of the diet.
Refined and processed foods, white sugar, white flour products, pastries, cakes, candies, canned foods, and soft drinks must be strictly avoided. Meat, rich and greasy foods, strong tea, coffee, condiments, and spices should also be excluded. Smoking should be given up completely, as tobacco increases the craving for alcohol.
The meals should be small, simple, and frequent. Eating four or five light meals a day helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels and prevents the sudden drops in blood sugar that trigger alcoholic cravings.
Special Foods and Juices
Certain foods have shown remarkable efficacy in reducing the craving for alcohol:
Nutritional Supplements (Dr. Roger J. Williams Protocol)
Dr. Roger J. Williams, a pioneering biochemist and researcher on alcoholism, demonstrated that alcohol cravings can be halted and reversed through targeted nutritional therapy. He established that alcoholism is a biochemical disease caused by nutritional deficiencies, and that massive nutritional support can cure the condition.
The following nutritional supplements are recommended for the recovery of alcoholics:
Hydrotherapy and Lifestyle
A cold friction bath every morning, followed by vigorous rubbing with a towel, stimulates circulation and invigorates the nervous system. A hot Epsom salt bath twice a week helps eliminate toxins through the skin.
Daily outdoor exercise, deep breathing exercises, plenty of fresh air and sunlight, and adequate rest are indispensable for complete recovery. Cultivating positive mental attitudes, spiritual pursuits, and participation in supportive recovery groups also provide invaluable emotional support.