ALCOHOLISM

by Dr. Lawrence Wilson

© August 2019, LD Wilson Consultants, Inc.

All information in this article is solely the opinion of the author and is for educational purposes only.  It is not for the diagnosis, treatment, prescription or cure of any disease or health condition.

Table Of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION

Definition

A Worldwide Epidemic

The Importance Of Nutrition

The Popularity Of Alcohol

II. PHYSIOLOGY OF ALCOHOL

A Fuel Source

Acetates

Toxic Effects:

            Acute Effects

            Chronic Effects

III. NUTRITIONAL CAUSES OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Nutrient Deficiencies

Toxic Metals

Adrenal/Thyroid/Fatigue Connection

Fast Oxidation/Acetates

Slow Oxidation

Candida Albicans/Yeast

Hypoglycemia

Negative Thinking

Dry-drunk Syndrome

Genetics

IV. CORRECTION OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Development Programs

V. OTHER TOPICS

A.A. And Nutrition

Hair Mineral Analysis And Alcoholism

References

I. INTRODUCTION

            Definition.  Alcohol is a colorless, flammable liquid.  Technically, it is a chemical compound that always contains one or more a hydroxyl molecules (OH-) linked to a carbon atom. 

            Most alcohol is made by yeast organisms that convert sugar molecules into alcohol by the process of fermentation.

            Alcohol is an important industrial chemical used as a solvent, a germ killer, a fuel for vehicles, and a base from which many other chemicals are made.

A WORLDWIDE PROBLEM

            Alcohol is also a potent and addictive drug.  Addiction to it is an ancient and worldwide problem.  Today it affects millions of people and touches the lives of most of earth’s people.

IMPORTANCE OF NUTRITION

            Nutritional deficiencies and toxic metal excess play a much greater role in alcohol use and alcohol addiction than medical and psychological personnel acknowledge.  This is one of the main themes of this article.

THE POPULARITY OF ALCOHOL

            The immense popularity of alcohol as a beverage and drug for many people is due to a combination of interesting facts about alcohol:

- It is very easy and inexpensive to make.  In fact, it occurs naturally if one just leaves apple juice, grape juice, cactus juice or other sugary liquids at room temperature for a few days.

- It will supply energy to the body, similar to eating sugar.  In other words, it can be used as a food item.  This is explained below.

- It relaxes people and temporarily helps overcome social anxieties.  Many people like this interesting drug effect of alcohol.

- It also reduces people’s social, sexual and other inhibitions.  Many people like this drug effect, as well.

-  It is a powerful germ killer.  For this reason, many societies throughout history have praised its use.  In many nations, even today, one cannot drink the well or tap water because it is contaminated with harmful germs.  Alcohol has been used for centuries as a substitute for drinking water, even though it causes dehydration and other problems.

- Alcohol kills you slowly.  As a result, one can drink it for years and it can seem as though it is a harmless drug.  However, it slowly depletes vitamins and minerals and damages the liver and the brain.

II. THE PHYSIOLOGY OF ALCOHOL

AN ENERGY SOURCE 

            Alcohol is a high-energy fuel.  A fuel is any molecule that stores energy in a form that if it is lit on fire or if it is exposed to certain enzymes in the body, it releases a lot of calories or heat energy.

            For example, one can run an automobile engine on alcohol (ethanol).  In fact, with a little adjustment, most cars can run on 100% alcohol.

            Most gasoline today has about 10% alcohol added to it because it burns much cleaner than pure petroleum-derived gasoline.

            Alcohol can also serve as ‘fuel’ for the human body.  This is one reason people like alcohol.  However, it is not a recommended ‘fuel’ food because it damages the liver, the brain and other organs.  It also depletes many nutrients.

ACUTE TOXIC EFFECTS

            Energizing effect.  Drinking a small amount of alcohol can give a person instant energy, much like eating sugar.

            Relaxation.  Alcohol relaxes the nervous system and the muscles.

            Happy hour.  The popularity of having a drink after work is primarily due to the combination of the two effects above.

            Sedative action.  In larger amounts, alcohol has a powerful depressive effect on the nervous system.  Breathing slows, the heart rate slows and the body can go into a coma and die.

            Reducing inhibitions.  Acute alcohol poisoning reduces inhibitions, which some people like.  For example, many people talk more when under the influence of alcohol. 

            Many also talk loudly, laugh a lot, and talk somewhat wildly or in silly or stupid ways.  For example, they may reveal secrets that they would otherwise not reveal. 

            Dating and seduction.  Alcohol also lessens sexual inhibitions in both men and women.  It is a common drug used on dates for the purpose of seduction.

            Women are more affected by alcohol than men!  This means that if a man and a woman both drink the same amount of alcohol, it will affect the woman more than the man.  The man will remain more in control of his body than the woman.  For this reason, in past generations and today, smart women avoid alcohol because it definitely endangers their virtue and their safety.

            Violence.  Alcohol reduces inhibitions against violence.  This occurs, in part, due to zinc depletion.  Zinc is associated with the higher emotions such as love and compassion.  Depletion depresses the cortex or new brain and allows the old brain or emotional brain to take precedence.  This brain is associated with simple emotions such as sexual desire and the use of physical force to get what one wants.

            Iron toxicity.  Beer often contains a lot of iron because it is brewed in iron pots.  Iron toxicity is associated with anger and rage.  A common occurrence is that a person goes into a bar and drinks a few beers.  The alcohol depletes zinc and raises the person’s iron level.  The result is bar fights or brawls.

            Rape and incest.  The combination of relaxing sexual inhibitions and increasing violence causes alcohol to be a major cause of rape and incest.  This is unfortunately common in families where the father drinks alcohol.

            Impaired judgment and slower reaction time.  This is a very important consequence of ingesting even a small quantity of alcohol.  It is the reason that acute alcohol poisoning causes up to 50% of automobile accidents in most nations.  Combining alcohol and other drugs is even worse.

            Poor coordination, trouble walking, seizures, injuries and stupor.  These are other nervous system effects of alcohol.

            Vomiting and aspiration pneumonia.  These are effects on the stomach and digestive system.

            Low blood sugar.  Alcohol has similar effects as eating sugar and can upset the blood sugar level.

LONG-TERM OR CHRONIC PHYSICAL EFFECTS 

            These are all due to nutrient depletion and toxic metal accumulation. 

            Dehydration.  Drinking alcohol dehydrates the body.  This is a very important and sometimes subtle toxic effect of alcohol that causes many symptoms.  It is particularly important if one drinks alcohol instead of drinking water.  We call eating sugar, ingesting caffeine and drinking alcohol the “dehydration diet”.  For details, read Hydration.

            Brain damage.  This includes a shrinking brain, slurred speech, behavior changes, addiction, tremors, blackouts, hallucinations and lack of coordination.

            Liver damage.  This includes cirrhosis and death.  Some of the liver damage is due to powerful toxic chemicals in some fermented foods and beverages called aldehydes.  They are a major class of liver toxins in the world today.  For details, read Aldehydes.

            Other effects.  These include pancreatitis, muscle cramps, digestive problems, diabetes, numbness and tingling, heart damage, lung damage, cancer, stomach distress, diarrhea, infertility, birth defects, sexual dysfunction, and thinning bones (osteoporosis).

III. NUTRITIONAL CAUSES OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION

NUTRIENT DEPLETION DUE TO ALCOHOL

            There is plenty of research on the nutritional consequences of ingesting alcohol.  Any alcohol use at all depletes calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, chromium, copper, iron and some B-complex vitamins.

            Today most people’s bodies are already very deficient in calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium.  Many people are also deficient in B-complex vitamins.  Alcohol use just makes these serious problems much worse.

            We find that meeting our nutritional needs is already very difficult today due to a mineral-depleted food supply and poor quality diets of refined food.  Alcohol use is another factor that worsens the overall nutrition of many people.
            A vicious cycle.  The result of these deficiencies is that the body’s energy system becomes crippled and lethargy develops.  This can cause a craving for alcohol as the fuel of choice, since it uses a different metabolic pathway to produce energy in the body.  Once one begins drinking alcohol the nutrient deficiencies worsen, and this further increases the cravings for alcohol or sugar.
            A number of articles on this website discuss the abomination of modern mankind’s refined food diets.  Here we will only say that modern diets make it more difficult to overcome alcohol addiction.

TOXIC METALS

            Whenever one becomes deficient in vital minerals such as zinc, selenium and chromium, toxic metals replace the vital minerals.  This is what occurs with every person who drinks a lot of alcohol.

            Many who drink alcohol substitute it for food, which just worsens the problem of nutritional deficiencies and toxic metal accumulation.  Toxic metals contribute to or cause irritability, depression, fatigue, mood swings and other problems associated with alcohol use.   
            In particular, many alcoholics develop copper and cadmium toxicity as a result of zinc deficiency.   This can result in many serious conditions.  Many alcoholics also smoke.  Cigarettes not only further deplete nutrients.  They contain cadmium, arsenic and other anti-nutrients that replace zinc in the body, worsening nutritional depletion and contributing to other illnesses.

THE ADRENAL/THYROID/FATIGUE CONNECTION

            Almost all alcoholics, as well as those with other addictions, are actually tired.  They use drugs to make life more bearable.  Drugs including alcohol provide a lift for a while, but leave a person feeling worse when they wear off.  The desire for another “hit” then becomes even stronger.
            Recovery involves feeling the despair of having very low energy and taking the time to rest and relax, rather than just keeping going at all cost.  This is very difficult for many people.  Another article on this website, Addiction, discusses the theory of addictions and other aspects of addiction.

FAST OXIDATION AND ALCOHOLISM

            Acetates.  An addition physiological mechanism comes into play with alcohol.  Dr. Paul Eck found that people with a certain metabolic pattern called fast oxidation have two qualities that can cause a craving for alcohol:

            1. People with a fast oxidation rate burn up a lot of calories.  A crude analogy is that their engine is idling too fast most of the day, burning up a lot of fuel.  As a result, they must replenish their supply of energy.

            2. They tend to have a biochemical defect in their Krebs or carboxylic acid cycle caused by nutrient deficiencies and/or toxic metal excess.  As a result, they need more acetyl coenzyme A.

            For these people, using alcohol as a fuel works very well because the liver easily converts alcohol into acetates that are easily converted in the cell nuclei into coenzyme A.

            The only other foods that provide acetates are fats and oils.  If fast oxidizers do not eat enough fats and oils – a fairly common situation – they will have strong cravings for sugar and some will crave alcohol to supply acetates.  A short medical article on this subject is at:

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/heavy-drinkers-get-extra-brain-fuel-alcohol.

            Calming for fast oxidizers.  Fast oxidizers use alcohol to calm themselves down. 

ALCOHOLISM IN SLOW OXIDIZERS

            These people often have chronic low blood sugar.  They may enjoy using alcohol to give them a lift.   Alcohol provides an easily-metabolized alternative fuel for their bodies.

CANDIDA ALBICANS INFECTION  

            Alcoholics all have some degree of infection in the intestines with Candida Albicans, a common yeast organism. The infection may not produce any recognizable symptoms, so it is often a hidden condition.  Read about it by clicking on the link above.
            A healthy body resists yeast overgrowth. However, if one eats sugar, excessive carbohydrates or drinks alcohol, the yeast organisms survive and grow.  Nutritional imbalances involving copper also impair the body’s natural ability to recognize and kill candida and other yeasts in the intestines.
              Candida albicans overgrowth is a key to understanding alcoholism.  The yeast itself produces a small quantity of alcohol as part of its metabolic processing of sugar.  It is the same process that is used to make wine, beer and other fermented beverages. 
            However, for the alcoholic, extra alcohol production spells trouble.  It helps perpetuate strong cravings.  It also produces chemicals that are highly toxic to the body, including alcohol and acetaldehyde.  These further impair liver activity and further slow one’s healing process.
            People with candida overgrowth are slightly inebriated all the time.  They may stop drinking, but their internal alcohol production continues, especially if they eat a diet with any sugars in it, including fruit.  Too much starch and other complex carbohydrates in the diet also predisposes one to yeast problems.
            Thus, even if one does not drink, a person often continues to experience some of the effects of alcohol intoxication including fatigue, irritability and alcohol and sugar cravings.  This can seriously interfere with recovery efforts.
            Also, anyone with candida albicans overgrowth who temporarily stops eating sugar or carbohydrates will experience symptoms of alcoholic withdrawal, including strong cravings for sugar, carbohydrates, or alcohol.  This can be extremely confusing until one recognizes the connection between diet, alcoholism and the overgrowth of candida and other yeasts in the body.  Much more could be said about this connection, but I have covered the essential points.

HYPOGLYCEMIA AND ALCOHOL

            The body should regulate the blood sugar level with a variety of mechanisms such as cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands, insulin secretion by the pancreas, and other mechanisms.  However, nutrient deficiencies and toxic metal excess upset proper blood sugar regulation in up to 75% of people today.

            As a result, most people today experience what medical personnel call hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. 

            Their real problem, however, is not low sugar in the blood.  It is low glucose in the brain.  Symptoms of low brain glucose can be severe, including fatigue, mental confusion, fainting, memory loss, shaking or tremors and bizarre behavior.

            To avoid hypoglycemia or brain starvation for fuel, many people crave sugary foods, carbohydrates such as bread, rice or potatoes, and some crave alcohol.

            Hypoglycemia is one of the most common biochemical imbalances associated with alcoholism.  This is often also true for other addictions as well.

            Blood sugar testing.  Over 70% of Americans have abnormal glucose tolerance tests.  However, among alcoholics the percentage is between 85-95%.  Dr. Larson notes in her excellent book about alcoholism that many doctors still do not want to bother with a five or six-hour glucose tolerance test to detect hypoglycemia.
            Also, some doctors do not interpret the test correctly, thus missing the problem.  Dr. Robert Atkins, MD, former director of the Atkins Center in New York City, found that 75% of his patients had abnormal glucose tolerance tests, especially if insulin is measured along with glucose.  He found that for accurate results, one must measure insulin along with glucose.

             Symptoms of hypoglycemia.   Among the common symptoms are:

1. Irritability before meals that improves upon eating. 

2. Extreme hunger that can come on fast.

3. Inability to skip meals or eat late.

4. Cravings for sugars, starches or alcohol.

5. Nervousness, irritability, exhaustion, dizziness, tremors, faintness, cold sweats, headaches, forgetfulness, insomnia, anxiety, confusion, and heart palpitations.  These generally occur several hours after eating, or soon after eating a sugary snack.

            Hypoglycemia in fast and slow oxidizers.  The cause for hypoglycemia are different in fast and slow oxidizers.  One can also have a combination of the two.  Here is a brief summary of the causes:

              Fast oxidizer or reactive hypoglycemia.  The body must have fat with every meal to keep the blood sugar stable.  Fat contains more calories and has a stabilizing, calming effect on those in fast oxidation.

              Meanwhile, eating sugars, fruit, starches or other carbohydrates or alcohol raises the blood sugar level.  In response, the pancreas begins to secrete insulin to lower the blood sugar.  Normally, this should return the blood sugar level to its original value.
            However, in people with hypoglycemia, the pancreas overreacts and within several hours the blood sugar level declines too much.  This can cause weakness, confusion, depression, irritability and intense cravings as the brain begins to starve for fuel.
            At this point, the adrenal glands often kick in to raise the sugar level.  The adrenalin reaction can cause extreme anxiety, nervousness, cold sweats and other symptoms.  Drinking more alcohol or eating more sugar can alleviate some of the symptoms and becomes very attractive. 
            As this cycle continues over time, the pancreas and the adrenals become exhausted, which only makes the problem worse.  Persistent fatigue and depression may set in.  Even if one stops drinking, the cravings, irritability and fatigue continue.

            Hypoglycemia in slow oxidizers.  These people tend to have a low blood sugar level at all times due to weak adrenal and weak thyroid glands.  They can crave sugars and even alcohol because having some raises the blood sugar, albeit temporarily, and makes them feel better.  However, the effect can wear off in a few hours, and the cravings return.

            Deficiencies of zinc, manganese, chromium, selenium, iodine and perhaps other vital minerals can also contribute to hypoglycemia.  These minerals are needed for proper sugar metabolism and alcohol metabolism.               

            All alcoholics tend toward hypoglycemia to some degree.  While this is a general statement, it is usually true.  It means most have difficulty regulating their blood sugar level.  When it drops too low, it causes strong cravings for sugar – and alcohol.
            Alcohol can serve as a way to regulate the glucose level in the blood, although it is an unhealthy method.  This is another fact not to be overlooked when one is to conquer an alcoholic habit or even just an alcoholic tendency.

            Diet is important to overcome low blood sugar. The typical diets eaten by most people just do not provide enough nutrients today.  This includes fast foods, most restaurant fare and even a lot of frozen meals or microwave meals.  Refined grains such as white flour, white rice and white sugar as well should be totally avoided. 

              A proper diet is a key to overcoming and compensating for hypoglycemia.  Everyone needs about 70% of the diet as cooked vegetables, in my experience.  Everyone should also avoid all fruit, all fruit juices and all other sweets.

            Fast oxidizers need about two tablespoons of added fat or oil (besides that which is in their food) with every meal, and rarely even more often.  Slow oxidizers must have protein with each meal, in many cases.
            This must continue for perhaps a number of years until the body can regain the ability to regulate blood sugar normally.  Deeper correction also requires a complete development program, or one will not really get well.  This program includes more about the diet, supplementary nutrients, plenty of rest and sleep, and the detoxification procedures.  Several years or more are required to fully restore proper blood sugar regulation.  For more, read Introduction To Development on this site.

            Click here for a much longer article on Hypoglycemia.

NEGATIVE THINKING AND ANGER

            Everyone who suffers from alcoholism or other addictions has come to some negative conclusions about life.  These beliefs may be very subtle, but they permeate and affect one’s activities and habits at many levels.
            Any method to help reverse this negative conclusion about the meaning and importance of one’s life is helpful.  Reading inspiring books can be helpful.  Uplifting biographies are excellent for some.  Becoming interested in positive spiritual thinking can be extremely good. 

            For example, see the article on this website entitled, The World Is Perfect.  Counseling helps some, while recreational activities, good friends, healthy relationship, and meaningful work help others.      

DRY-DRUNK SYNDROMES

            We recognize two dry-drunk syndromes.  Mental health professionals use the term ‘dry-drunk’ to describe a group of symptoms with which recovering alcoholics often contend.  They believe the cause is unresolved psychological issues. 

There is another type of dry drunk syndrome that occurs even in people who have never drank any alcohol.  For details, read Dry Drunk Syndromes and for the diet we suggest, read Food For Daily Use.

GENETIC OR CONGENITAL

            Studies indicate there are differences in the way alcoholics process sugars.  However, familial aspects of alcoholism are not always genetic. 

            Some of the familial connection is congenital. This means present at birth, but not in the genes.   For example, if one’s mother is deficient in zinc due to alcoholism or any other cause, her child will be born deficient in zinc.  This is not a genetic defect, but simply a nutritional imbalance passed on from mother to child.
            Similarly, if the mother’s body contains excessive copper, lead or cadmium, these toxins are passed directly through the placenta to the child.  The child will then exhibit symptoms related to these nutritional imbalances.  Fortunately, most congenital imbalances can be corrected.
            This may seem unusual, but the father’s nutritional condition and biochemical balance also affects the unborn child.  This occurs in several ways.  Some imbalances are passed on in the sperm cells, which form the basis for all of the fetuses’ body cells.  In addition, just the presence of the father in the home affects an unborn child.
            Children brought up in alcoholic homes may develop nutritional deficiencies at an early age simply because they are not fed properly.  These symptoms may appear to be genetically caused.  In fact, they are due to the environment in which the children live.
            Congenital and environmentally-caused imbalances are often ignored because they often cannot be measured by standard blood tests.  However, tissue mineral analysis can sometimes identify these imbalances in young children or even in infants, when they can be corrected before problems arise.

            Genetic testing for alcoholism may be deceptive.  Be wary of genetic testing because it does not just test genetics of DNA.  Doctors often do not tell you that it also reflects RNA metabolism and protein synthesis.  The latter are controlled completely by nutrients and inhibited by toxic metals.  For more on this topic, please read Genetic Testing on this site. 

IV. CORRECTION OF ALCOHOL ADDICTION – A COMBINATION APPROACH

            To overcome alcoholism we suggest a combination of a development program and counseling or a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.

            The development program will get rid of a number of biochemical imbalances that can cause or be effects of alcoholism.

            Each program is individualized based on the results of a hair tissue mineral test.  This gives us vital information that is not found on blood tests to help set up and monitor the development program.  For more details development programs, read Introduction To Development Programs.

            NOTE: In addition to the standard program, if a hair analysis reveals a four lows pattern or fast oxidation, one needs to take at least 1 Megapan tablet daily to supply extra B complex vitamins.   

            Extra support.  With alcohol-related health conditions, we always suggest counseling and joining a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous along with a development program for extra support.

TESTING

            We offer two programs.  The basic program does not require testing.  The complete program requires a hair mineral test to guide the correction of body chemistry.

            We do not send people for a glucose tolerance test because:

            1. Symptoms are often a better guide to the presence of hypoglycemia than the glucose tolerance test.  (The test can be normal and one can still have serious hypoglycemia because the test only measures the blood, whereas the hypoglycemia can be at a cellular level.) 

            2. We assume that all alcoholics have abnormal blood sugar regulation.  A complete development program will slowly correct this imbalance.

V. OTHER TOPICS

A.A. AND NUTRITION        

            Alcoholics Anonymous or AA is an excellent organization founded by Mr. Bill Wilson in the mid-twentieth century.  Unfortunately, this organization does not teach excellent nutrition, and many people suffer as a result.

            Many people do not know that Bill Wilson learned about the role of nutrition in alcoholism near the end of his life.  His wife, Lois, wrote about it in a pamphlet entitled, The Vitamin B3 Therapy: A Third Communication to AA’s physicians.  Unfortunately, this knowledge has not yet been incorporated into most A.A. groups.  She wrote:

            “Aldous Huxley, a great admirer of A.A., introduced Bill to two psychiatrists who were researching the biochemistry of alcoholism.  He was convinced of the truth of their findings and realized he could again help his beloved alcoholics by telling them about the physical (nutritional) component of alcoholism.”

HAIR MINERAL ANALYSIS AND ALCOHOL USE

            We have not found a particular hair analysis indicator for alcohol craving.  However, alcohol use will reduce calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium and this may be revealed on hair mineral tests.

            The exact imbalances depends on which alcoholic beverages one ingests, and how much. 

            Spiritual defensive pattern.  Unless alcoholism is very severe, it does not cause a spiritual defensive pattern on a hair mineral analysis.  This is unusual because using other drugs, such as marijuana, usually does cause the pattern, even mild use of it.

References

1.       Crook, W., The Yeast Connection, Professional Books, Jackson, TN, 1983.

2.       Larson, J.M., Seven Weeks to Sobriety, Ballantine/Wellspring, New York, 1997.

3.       Milam, J, Under the Influence, Madrona Press, Seattle, 1981.

4.       Phelps, J., The Hidden Addiction, Little Brown and Company, Boston, 1986.

5.       Williams, R., Prevention of Alcoholism Through Nutrition, Bantam Books, New York, 1981.

6.       Wilson, L., Nutritional Balancing And Hair Mineral Analysis, 2010, 2014, or 2016 editions.

 

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