recovery and nutrition

[sassafras]

Hello All-

I have followed your discussions and suggestions from afar for quite some time. I decided to step out of the shadows and finally join the online raw foods community. My question is this...

I decided to quit drinking 8 months ago due to some problematic and alarming patterns- I had intended to just do a 30 day "detox" so-to-speak, but after getting off the sauce and having a much clearer perspective, i recognized that alcohol was a problem in my life I could do without. Long story short, I have been sober for 8 months.

I know there are many nutritional deficiencies that plaque alcoholics and hard drinkers. Firstly, are there any specific raw foods you guys would recommend to help in repairing the damage I have more than likely caused my body through 10 years of heavy drinking? Secondly, are there any supplements you would recommend? I understand that it is better to consume vitamins and minerals through the natural phyto-nutrients found in pure raw foods, but I am wondering if there is anything I could add temporarily to restore any immediate deficiencies.

My primary care doctor advised me to "take a multi-vitamin and eat lean meats and complex carbs" (Sigh... when will they ever learn?) Lately I have been having intense sugar cravings (I never had a sweet tooth before in my life) which turn into alcohol cravings if I don't consume sugar. My guess is that I may have hypoglycemia from years of alcohol being used as a primary fuel. Also, I am hungry all the time. I get the feeling this may also be caused by nutritional deficiencies.

You guys are a wealth of knowledge. Any insight or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

[damaru]

sass

my honest opinion. GOOD JOB being sober for 8 months!!!!!!!:woohoo:

You don't need to worry about vitamins, minerals, blah blah blah. You get that from raw food. Eat raw fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. And only that. You'll be good. You will detox, so there will be times you may not feel so hot. But just remember it is leaving your body, not going back in. So you can try and feel happy inside even when your body is giving you the foggy headed tired and achy run-around.

Good luck on your raw journey!!

[JonnyBoy]

I'd also add make sure you drink LOTS of water all the time, it can decrease a lot of cravings.. at least for me.

[sassafras]

Thank you guys for the support and reassurance that I am on the right path! Raw foods feels absolutely amazing; even on my worst detox days I still feel bounds and heaps better than those SAD and hung over days of the past. I look forward to all the universe has in store for me on this journey. You guys RAWK!

[modernmonkey]

Bloody well done on being 8 months sober. That is incredible.:encore:

Fruit and more fruit. You'll get the vitamins and the the sugar you so badly need.

[RawSar]

I'd be most concern about the liver. I know I was when I quit drinking after I realized there's more to life than getting completely hammered every weekend. The liver has a multitude of important and complex functions. Some of these functions are to:

* Manufacture (synthesize) proteins, including albumin (to help maintain the volume of blood) and blood clotting factors

* Synthesize, store, and process (metabolize) fats, including fatty acids (used for energy) and cholesterol

* Metabolize and store carbohydrates, which are used as the source for the sugar (glucose) in blood that red blood cells and the brain use

* Form and secrete bile that contains bile acids to aid in the intestinal absorption (taking in) of fats and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

* Eliminate, by metabolizing and/or secreting, the potentially harmful biochemical products produced by the body, such as bilirubin from the breakdown of old red blood cells and ammonia from the breakdown of proteins

* Detoxify, by metabolizing and/or secreting, drugs, alcohol, and environmental toxins

Various nutrients are required in order for the liver detoxification to be carried out successfully. An adequate supply of key antioxidants is essential to prevent further liver damage. Milk thistle, vitamin C, selenium, beta carotene, vitamin E, and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) are all powerful antioxidants which are helpful in liver detoxification. Beetroot especially powerful.

The amino acid SAM-E plays an important role in liver health, in addition to helping with depression. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and cabbage in the diet have been shown to enhance liver detoxification. I use those regularly when vegetable juicing.

The B vitamins, including riboflavin and niacin, also aid in liver detoxification.

I would also take chlorella tablets or if you can handle it in powder form. here's a little info on it:
Chlorella provides all of the dietary-essential amino acids in excellent ratios. It is also a reliable source of essential fatty acids that are required for many important biochemical functions, including hormone balance. Chlorella also contains high levels of chlorophyll, beta-carotene and RNA/DNA. More than 20 vitamins and minerals are found in chlorella, including iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, pro-vitamin A, vitamins C, B1, B2, B2, B5, B6, B12, E and K, biotin, inositol, folic acid, plus vitamins C, E and K.

Hope this helps. :hug