Supplements for Alcoholism

There are several supplements that may be helpful for adults in treatment for alcoholism.
(It is important that you consult your healthcare providers to which, if any, of the following
may be appropriate for you).

     – Thiamin or Vitamin B1
Alcohol reduces the absorption of the B-complex vitamin. This can lead to Wernicke-Korsakoff
syndrome, with symptoms such as loss of memory, loss of muscle coordination and vision
problems.

     – Magnesium
Alcohol impairs absorption of this mineral. Magnesium is important for smooth muscle
functioning as well as our nervous system.

     – Glutamine
This is an amino acid which serves as a food the cells lining the intestines (enterocytes)
which can reduce the intestinal damage that alcohol can create.

     – Milk thistle (silymarin)
This herb can stimulate liver regeneration by the formation of new liver cells (hepatocytes)
which can be helpful for alcohol-related liver damage.

Treatment for alcoholism also includes a support program,  sometimes medication, exercise,
a healthy diet, and limitations on sugar, caffeine, and nicotine.

For reference, Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database.

 

The Stress of the Times

The last year has been a particularly difficult time for many people in the United States.
Loss of jobs, and homes, and financial instability have created much stress and grief for
families. Children are highly affected by the stress their parents are feeling. The loss of
a home means the loss of community, friends, pets and a sense of stability and security.
More people may be struggling with anxiety and depression. For some, so much loss and
chronic stress can create post-traumatic stress disorder. Natural disasters, such as the
fires in California this week, are also traumatic for many people.

If you know people in this situation and want to be helpful the best type of support  you
can give initially is practical help with daily living. This can mean assistance with finding a job,
childcare, help with pets if the family needs to move, or any of the daily practical needs that
help people get through a difficult time. It helps when people do not feel alone with their
problems, and that they have helping hands that care about their needs.  The emotional
issues are best put off until the person, or family, is in a more stable and secure situation,
and when, and if, they bring it up.

The following article can also be helpful for some:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5322036_optimistic_bad_economy.html

 

The Story of the Stone Soup

I am relating this story, one that’s been around for a long time and has
several variations to it, because I think it is fitting for the times we live in.

                A stranger came riding into a town beset by famine. The residents
of the town tried to discourage the stranger from staying because they
feared that he would want them to feed him. So they tell him he must
leave because they do not have any food. The stranger explains that he
has not come to eat, but rather, he has come to make a soup that he is
going to share with everyone. The townspeople do not really believe him
but watch anyhow as he builds a fire and fills a large cauldron with water.
Then he takes a large stone from his bag and drops it into the pot of
boiling water. He stirs the water and occasionally sniffs it, proclaiming
how delicious it is. The townspeople watch with curiosity, and then he
mentions how much more delicious this soup can be with some tomatoes
in it. A townsperson brings out some tomatoes to put in the soup. Then
the stranger mentions that it would be even better with some onions in
it. Another townsperson brings out some onions. And this repeats itself
until the soup also has carrots, and celery, and cabbage, and rice. It is
a thick and healthy soup that feeds everyone in the village.

I hope this story inspires you to share what you have to give-ideas, love, time,
money, support-during this challenging time for so many people.

Book Recommendation

Growing Beyond Emotional Pain by John Preston, Ph.D. is a self-help book
that discusses what is emotional pain, how does it start, and what helps to
overcome it, whether it is anxiety, depression, trauma or grief.
I have been to several of Dr. Preston’s professional presentations, as well
as read his books, and I have always found his information very useful and
insightful. His writing style is engaging even when he discusses issues in
depth.