Alcohol addiction, aka, alcoholism, is a condition that not only affects your health but may also ruin your family life and social status. While alcohol consumption is not frowned upon in the modern world, if you go well over the limits, it can cause damage beyond repair.
How Alcohol Addiction Affects You
Those who consume alcohol can be broadly classified as social drinkers, alcohol abusers, and alcohol addicts. While social drinkers drink on occasions and can also do without alcohol, alcohol abusers consume alcohol more frequently. However, they do not depend on alcohol and can cut back whenever they feel it necessary. Alcohol addicts, on the contrary are compulsive drinkers who can never go without alcohol, even for a day. Here are some of the ill effects of alcohol addiction.
- Ulcer
- Vision problem
- Liver disease
- Heart conditions
- Bone loss
- Low immunity
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Emotional withdrawal
Curing Alcohol Addiction Naturally
Though alcohol addiction costs you your health, relationships, job and social life, quitting alcohol needs more than self-realisation and will power. To quit alcohol, you need all the support you can find, and that includes natural remedies. Here are 5 natural ways to cure alcohol addiction.
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Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is one of the most popular medicinal herbs that address a wide range of medical conditions. Silymarin in milk thistle is a natural flavonoid and a potent antioxidant. It helps to repair damaged liver cells and improves its function. It protects liver from damage caused by alcohol. Being a potent antioxidant, milk thistle inhibits harmful toxins and also expels toxins in liver.
You can add a few drops of diluted milk thistle tincture to a glass of water. You can also add stalks of milk thistle to your salad. If you are looking for some flavor, you may crush milk thistle seeds and add them to fresh fruit juice.
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Kudzu
Kudzu is yet another ancient herb that has been used for centuries to treat alcohol addiction. Harvard University confirms effects of kudzu on binge drinkers. The herb reduces cravings for alcohol and it also slows down the drinking speed. It boosts the detoxifying capacity of liver and promotes liver function. It contains puerarin, which improves brain flow and helps with alcohol addiction.
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Diet
Following a balanced diet that comprises of essential nutrients and vitamins, along with foods that reduce cravings and repair damages caused by alcohol, may help you out of alcohol addiction. Go for foods rich in vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, and glutamine. Supplements may help you get your share of vitamins and minerals.
Include fruits and vegetables that aid in curing alcohol addiction. An apple a day not only keeps the doctor away, but also the liquor away. Apple reduces cravings for alcohol, while also helping to remove toxins.
Grapes have a natural place in treating alcohol addiction. Containing alcohol in its purest form, grapes reduce alcohol cravings.
Bitter gourd juice is effective in treating alcohol addiction. Taking the juice in the morning helps to reverse damage caused to the liver by alcohol.
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Ibogaine Treatment
Ibogaine, an extract of the root bark of African shrub, plays an important role in treating alcohol addiction. The naturally occurring psychoactive obtained from the bark of iboga plant has been effectively used in treating various addictions. Ibogaine treats dependence on alcohol, drugs, and nicotine and is also effective for depression. It develops self-awareness and aids in spiritual growth. Many people who have undergone Ibogaine treatment feel that it was a life-changing event. The treatment addresses both physical and psychological causes of addiction and hence the cure is more effective and longer lasting.
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Yoga
Yoga, the ancient art, offers a long list of health benefits to promote physical and mental health. Practicing yoga can help you to be relieved of alcohol addiction, as it creates bodily awareness and elevates your mind to a higher plane where addictions have no place. Yoga builds your physical strength and makes you mentally stronger. It promotes liver health and detoxifies the body thereby promoting overall health. Yoga practice is a great way to treat stress and mood swings that are common in those who are recovering from alcohol addiction.
Sources:
http://www.alcademics.com/2010/07/the-safety-of-milk-thistle.html
http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/2005/05.19/09-kudzu.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22578529
https://ncadd.org/in-the-news/432-addiction-recovery-how-yoga-can-help
http://www.findhomeremedy.com/natural-treatment-for-alcoholism/
