L-Glutamine and Alcohol in early recovery
Recovering alcoholics do well when taking supplements in early sobriety, particularly L-Glutamine, which is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body. This amino acid is also found in foods that are rich in protein like chicken, beef, fish and vegetables like spinach and cabbage, along with nuts like almonds and pistachios. However, there are instances where the body doesn’t produce enough L-Glutamine. People with stressful jobs as well as individuals who are recovering from serious illnesses can have this happen.
People who are struggling with alcohol addiction don’t produce adequate amounts of L-Glutamine either. Heavy consumption of alcohol inhibits the way the body synthesizes L-Glutamine and stops the absorption of the amino acid. This is why supplementation of L-Glutamine may be beneficial in helping alcoholics to overcome alcohol addiction. L-Glutamine helps to boost the mood, which has a significant hand in breaking the cycle of addiction.
According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about one-third of people who have suffered from depression have also been addicted to alcohol. A number of people who go through a traumatic event in life often turn to drinking as a way to cope with the pain. Many people are not aware that alcohol is a depressant and if you are already depressed, you will slide further into that black hole of depression if you keep drinking alcohol to soothe your shattered spirits.
L-Glutamine can alleviate the symptoms of depression and regulate the way that a person thinks. This will reduce the chances that a person responds negatively to stress or traumatic situations, and will reduce the individual’s tendency to turn to alcohol. In addition to L-Glutamine’s ability to reduce the craving for alcohol, this amino acid can provide a number of health improvements that everyone can benefit from, especially those who are recovering from alcoholism.
L-Glutamine can also aid in weight loss efforts, since it lessens the craving for carbohydrates. Taking this supplement with a meal can also provide a feeling of fullness to prevent overeating. L-Glutamine also builds up the muscles and increases strength and endurance. It can also boost the immune system, and people who have been suffering from alcoholism definitely have a compromised immune system, especially if they have been abusing alcohol for quite some time.
Relaxation exercises like meditation and acupuncture can also help a person to overcome addiction. Taking L-Glutamine, which reduces depression symptoms, will make meditation and acupuncture sessions much more fulfilling. The patient will have the ability to think clearly during meditation, and to explore the deep-seated reasons for addiction, in order to completely overcome alcohol dependence.
Those who are recovering from alcohol addiction on their own are encouraged to take small amounts of L-Glutamine to get their bodies accustomed to the amino acid before increasing the dosage. Addicts who are working with addiction counsellors should take L-Glutamine at the discretion of a therapist to ensure that the results are positive. The amino acid can be taken regularly as part of a healthy regimen.
This amino acid is also required for phase two detoxification in the liver and is required in increased amounts by those who consume excessive alcohol. It is able to reduce the craving for alcohol.
L-Glutamine supplementation is also helpful for intestinal disorders such as peptic ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut is the term used to describe an inflamed condition of the lining of the bowel, which makes the bowel too permeable, so that toxins and incompletely digested food particles can be absorbed from the bowels directly into the liver. This increases the workload of the liver and may cause many health problems. L-Glutamine is essential for the white cells to fight viruses such as hepatitis B and C. Glutamine is converted in the body into glutamic acid, which, along with the amino acids N-Acetyl-Cysteine and glycine, is converted into the powerful liver protector glutathione. Glutathione is essential for liver phase two conjugation reactions used during detoxification of drugs and toxic chemicals.
LivaTone is a natural liver tonic containing the liver herbs St Mary’s Thistle, Globe Artichoke and Dandelion, combined with the amino acid Taurine, and Lecithin. It also contains natural sources of Chlorophyll, Carotenoids and fibre. It is available in both capsule and powder form. The liver is the main fat burning organ in the body and regulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism. A healthy liver will take fat in the form of cholesterol and pump it via the bile into the intestines where it will be carried away in the bowel actions provided the diet is high in fibre.
Tyrosine Mood Food - Tyrosine is a natural amino acid - one of the building blocks of protein. It is required for the manufacture of the brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) dopamine and noradrenaline. These neurotransmitters are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood.
Magnesium – the great relaxer. Magnesium plays an essential role in maintaining and promoting efficient muscle function and nerve transmission. Magnesium is a vital mineral for hundreds of cellular enzymes involved in the body's energy production and metabolism. It is required by the nervous system to regulate the function of nerves and muscles. Magnesium may also assist in the reduction of stress, nervous tension, anxiety and sleeplessness.
The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.
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Can I take L-Glutamine in the evening with dinner? That's when I get the strongest craving for Alchohol.
Taking Glutamine well before dinner is a good idea, so that it can help to extinguish the cravings you get at dinner time. After 40 years of alcohol consumption your liver may be stressed and we recommend you also begin taking Livatone Plus – 2 capsules twice daily.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
He's at the begining of trying to stop drinking and is really struggling.
As the article states it is best to begin with a small dose (¼ teaspoon) of Glutamine only twice during each day to allow his body to become adjusted to the amino acid.
As his body becomes accustomed to it, he may increase the dose gradually till his body is able to cope with 1 teaspoon two to three times daily.
The article also suggested other supplements to take to boost the healing of his whole body.
Livatone – 1 to 2 capsules twice daily
Tyrosine – again begin with low doses of 1 tablet and gradually increase to 2 tablets twice daily and on an empty stomach where possible.
To cope with stress begin taking Magnesium powder or tablets – at least 400mg elemental daily in divided doses.
Most people with an alcohol dependence often also have a poor diet high in carbohydrates and/or processed foods and it may be that he is also experiencing withdrawals from sugars and to begin taking Glicemic Balance – 2 capsules two to three times daily 15 minutes before meals until cravings subside.
Dietary changes to include more protein and good fats, with low carb vegetables and without grains may make his journey easier.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Dr Cabot does not produce a glutamine tablet so we are not able to make any comment on directives with this product.
Our product is a powder and also has Immune boosting colostrum as a co-ingredient.
We would never recommend using dry powder orally or under the tongue because of the chance of inhalation into the lungs.
Rather, dissolve a teaspoon in a small amount of water and hold this under the tongue to curb any cravings.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Will it interact with any other medications that I am taking?
How much should be taken daily?
How long can you take it?
Are there any side effects of taking L-Glutamine?
We do not expect glutamine to interact with your medications, it is an amino acid that is abundantly found in most foods.
We recommend it as a supplement to be able to have glutamine cool, heal, and calm the lining of the digestive tract without the potential for inflammatory effects of other components in foods.
The only side effect we have had people report is intestinal griping when a large dose is taken so start with ¼ teaspoon once or twice daily for 3 to 4 days and then gradually increase to 1 full teaspoon twice daily.
It is a substance that can be taken long term by most people except those with bowel cancer.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Glutamine is well indicated to reduce alcohol cravings so it is a great place to start with his present drinking.
Stress can also cause increased drinking and this indicates that Magnesium is likely to be low in his body.
If he also has thoughts that enough is never enough, he may be able to reverse this thinking with https://www.liverdoctor.com//tyrosine-mood-food-500mg-100-tablets.html" rel="nofollow">Tyrosine.
Kind regards
Victoria
Naturopath for Dr Sandra Cabot MD
Thanks so much for sharing, that's great news.
All the best :)
Louise
Leaky gut is recognised in this scholarly article:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313445/
Kind regards,
Jessah Robinson
Nutritionist for Liverdoctor.com