Does Taurine really help for Alcoholism?!
Question: Does Taurine really help for Alcoholism.?
Somebody told me this, is it true.? A lot of energy drinks ie. Red Bull, Red Devil, Kick, Tiger etc contain Taurine, if I drink these instead of alcohol will I be cured.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
Heavy consumption of alcohol causes the body to lose its ability to utilize taurine properly, and so can lead to a functional deficiency [of taurine]. Taurine supplementation has been shown to reduce the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. However, taurine alone is not going to be of much benefit because alcohol depletes the body of so many nutrients. Someone who wishes to support the body's recovery from alcoholism (or heavy drinking) would benefit from a comprehensive program of healthy diet, detoxification support and a well rounded supplement regime.
You would do better to take a free-form amino acid complex (500mg three times a day) along with additional N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (start with 500mg a day, gradually increase to 1000mg daily). This will replace taurine, as well as provide other amino acids that become deficient from heavy drinking. An amino acid complex aids in withdrawal; it's needed for brain and liver function, and necessary for regenration of liver cells (to repair damage to liver from heavy drinking).
Other ESSENTIAL nutrients...
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) (750mg 1-2 times daily) plus inositol (as directed on label) and niacinamide (500mg 1-2 times daily)...to calm the body and prevent anxiety and stress.
Glutathione (3000mg daily on an empty stomach) and L-methionine (1000mg daily on an empty stomach; do not take with milk). These protect the liver and reduce the craving for alcohol.
Take 50mg B6 and 100mg vitamin C to help the body absorb all the above nutrients.
Pantothenic acid (B5) (100mg three times daily) aids the body in alcohol detoxification; also needed to counteract stress.
Vitamin B complex...at least a B100 timed release pill... to correct deficiencies caused by alcohol. Additional B12 (in sublingual form, up to 3000 mcg daily) is helpful to relieve anxiety, fear, and tension associated with the recovery process.
Additional nutrients that help the body clean out the toxins that accumulate from alcohol consumption, and are very important in the recovery process...
Alpha-lipoic acid (100mg two times a day) aids in protecting liver and pancreas from alcohol damage, helps body to detox.
Calcium (2000mg daily at bedtime) (a vital mineral that has a sedative effect) and magnesium (1000mg daily at bedtime)(works with calcium; magnesium is depleted with alcohol use).
A good enzyme formula to aid digestion and assimilation of protein and other nutrients (both from your food and from supplements).
Primrose oil (1000mg three times a day, with meals) a good source of essential fatty acids; may help reduce withdrawal symptoms).
A really good antioxidant formula...there are lots out there. You want lots of vitamin C, along with vitamins A and E and selenium...lots of healing potential.
As for the energy drinks...they are not a good idea for long term use. They may give you an energy boost right up front, but over time they will exhaust your endocrine system (especially the adrenal glands) and so will actually cause you to become more fatigued. Yes, many do contain taurine. I reiterate...taurine is but one amino acid the body is deficient in. The best cure for any inbalance in the body is to eat a healthy diet along with appropriate supplements...that will allow the body to restore its natural balance. A single isolated nutrient is only going to throw the body further out of balance.
It is always good when trying to overcome any addiction to seek support from a professional in the field or from a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Best of luck to you.Health Question & Answer
you can also try LACHESIS there is good data to show it works.NNUX VOMICA helps to reduce the craving for alcohol. ZINC is sometimes missing from you body you will crave it in the form of alcohol.you can get zinc from eggs, milk,whole grain, legumes, raw nuts,seed particularly pumpkin seed.Health Question & Answer
These drinks are better than alcohol, but of course cure nothing! There have been continued concerns about their risks to health, mainly with regard to the potential for cardio-toxicity due to the high caffeine levels.Health Question & Answer
NO. if it could there wouldn't be Alcoholics. Health Question & Answer