Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (78 page)

Cigarettes, which can upset bloodsugar levels.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Kudzu is a white root from the wild kudzu plant. Very few people have ever heard of it, but it is invaluable because it can slow down the liver enzymes responsible for breaking down alcohol.
You may feel quite uncomfortable and experience nausea, swelling, and redness if you attempt to drink any alcohol after eating kudzu. You can buy it in health-food stores.

Green superfoods—spirulina, algae, wheat grass—mix them into smoothies for easier nutrient assimilation.

Dandelion-root coffee—this can wean you from regular coffee and aid liver function.

Chamomile tea—chamomile has a calming effect and can reduce feelings of anxiety that often arise during withdrawal.

Fish oil and evening primrose oil supplements may be useful.

Milk thistle extract, which has been shown to aid the repair and regeneration of damaged livers. But make sure that it is an alcohol-free tincture, otherwise you would be better off with capsules.

Take an amino acid complex—amino acids have been shown to reduce withdrawal symptoms and to aid recovery from alcohol abuse.

Take a good multivitamin with all the Bs and minerals—alcoholics are generally deficient in many nutrients. It has been found that the B vitamin niacin can help immensely in the early days.

I also urge you to add extra zinc and magnesium.

EXTRA TIPS

Find a support group near you—there are various organizations offering support such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-anon. Look in your local telephone directory or ask your GP about this. If you are drinking to bury emotional pain, you will need counseling and help.

Avoid circumstances that trigger drinking—this may include people, places, and activities. So, if you go to a bar to hang out with friends, it will be like self-torture and you will probably end up drinking. Find other things to do with your time that you enjoy. Try sports, hobbies, or learning new skills.