Role of Nutrition in Alcoholic Myopathy
Upon reviewing the research on the treatments and the causes of alcoholic myopathy, there is an obvious relationship between malnutrition and alcoholic myopathy yet little can be found regarding specific nutritional recommendations in the treatment of chronic alcoholic myopathy for those interested in addressing this important factor.
As there is a need for more studies on this sparsely researched topic, it is difficult to predict what specific effects on alcoholic myopathy may be expected from nutritional interventions. However, to get this dysfunction in the first place, one must drink alcohol excessively; and since heavy or chronic drinking leads to malnutrition, it is wise to consider nutritional therapy regardless of whether it will have a definite effect on the myopathy itself. Nonetheless, in determining a nutritional approach it makes sense to first consider the known deficiencies associated with myopathy…
Protein, Amino Acids in Alcoholic Myopathy Treatment
Since protein deficiency has been directly linked to myopathy, it is a good place to start. A nutritionist or health coach may be able to guide you in evaluating your protein intake to ensure you are getting the proper support of that key macronutrient involved in muscle health. While protein deficiency might have been a contributing factor to the myopathy, adequate protein intake is certainly necessary in the recovery from muscle atrophy.
Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which is synthesized to build muscle. Some suggest that supplementing with amino acids may help accelerate the repair of muscle damage in myopathy.
Alcohol use disrupts the production of growth hormone, which also plays a major role in muscle development. Research suggests that decreased levels of growth hormone may also contribute to the myopathy of skeletal muscles, as with alcoholic myopathy. Certain amino acids stimulate the pituitary gland to produce and release growth hormone.
Prime™ Ultra Secretagogue is an excellent amino acids supplement recommended by many doctors to naturally and safely stimulate the body’s natural production of human growth hormone. It helps build protein to build lean muscle, in addition to offering a multitude of other health benefits. Be sure to scroll down when you check out the Prime™ Ultra Secretagogue page to learn more about the research, ingredients and benefits.
Antioxidants in Alcoholic Myopathy Treatment
There is evidence that suggests free radical damage in the pathogenesis of alcoholic myopathy. Free radicals are unpaired electrons, aka reactive oxygen species, which cause a chain reaction of damage of cells as they attempt to steal their missing electron from any nearby source. Antioxidants are able to replenish the unpaired electrons thus ending the cycle of damage. However, without sufficient antioxidants to combat the abundance of free radicals, the damaging process continues - and can affect any area of the body, including muscle tissue. Free radicals are caused by many factors including environmental toxins, alcohol, smoking, and physical and emotional stress to name a few.
Active and recovering alcoholics arguably have even more oxidative stress (free radicals) than the average person, and thus would benefit from antioxidant supplementation regardless of the potential benefit in the treatment of myopathy. Specific antioxidants called OPCs are awesome free radical fighters that also are known to help maintain normal muscle and nerve function – OPCs are potentially beneficial not only for myopathies but neuropathies as well; and some research suggests peripheral neuropathy may co-occur with alcoholic myopathy in 72% of cases!).
We also know that alcohol promotes inflammation in the body. Regardless of the type of myopathy, an effective antioxidant can address any inflammatory issues likely present in the recovering alcoholic (and definitely present in the active alcoholic!). Certain OPCs can act as a natural anti-inflammatory agent and are also known for a multitude of other health benefits. Read more about the amazing benefits and science behind a highly absorbable and powerful OPC supplement ideal for recovering alcoholics.
Calcium and Alcoholic Myopathy Treatment
Research suggests chronic hypocalcemia (deficiency in calcium) may contribute to the increase in muscle damage in alcoholic myopathy. Everyone knows calcium is important in bone health, but it is also crucial in muscle function. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, crucial to many health functions. All muscle fibers use calcium. Alcohol impairs the absorption of calcium!
Some other factors affecting your calcium levels…
Myth: “I drink milk, so I get plenty of calcium”. Fact: the calcium in most dairy products we consume is not bioavailable (we don’t absorb it!). You are better off skipping the pro-inflammatory dairy products, and increasing your green vegetables which have calcium that you will actually absorb.
Smokers – studies have shown that smoking interferes with efficient calcium absorbtion. Soda drinking (regardless if caffeinated or not, diet or regular) depletes calcium. Coffee and caffeine deplete calcium.
Also, those deficient in vitamin D are at risk for calcium deficiency as well because vitamin D is necessary for absorption of calcium… and many myopathy sufferers have been found to be deficient in vitamin D!
There are a lot of poor calcium supplements on the shelves. Many contain the wrong form, wrong amounts, and/or not the correct additional ingredients necessary for calcium absorption (ie vitamin D3 and magnesium) in the proper amounts. Individuals with alcoholism in particular have done damage to their digestive systems, so it is imperative to take the most absorbable form of a high quality calcium supplement. Get more information on the best calcium supplement we have found (see label).
Vitamin D in Alcoholic Myopathy Treatment
Research has concluded that low vitamin D levels are related to muscle fiber atrophy, and vitamin D deficiency itself may induce myopathy. Low vitamin D levels are frequent in alcoholics. Studies show that vitamin D stimulates growth of muscle fibers. Regardless of whether the vitamin D deficiency caused the myopathy, vitamin D is helpful in recovery from the muscle atrophy. Experts estimate that most of the population is deficient in vitamin D. If in doubt, ask your physician for a blood test to evaluate your 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels; levels should be above 50 ng/ml (125 nmol/L) year-round. Read more about the research, benefits, and FAQ on a high quality vitamin D supplement.
In conclusion, hopefully more will be revealed in the future on this topic of nutritional supplementation in the treatment of alcoholic myopathy sufferers. In the meantime, as individuals seek to integrate a nutritional approach to treatment of alcoholic myopathy, a few important supplements to consider include: Prime™ Ultra Secretagogue, OPC-3, Calcium Complete, and Vitamin D.
PAWS is not some cute AA acronym that stands for something like Please Act Wisely Sober; PAWS is actually a diagnostic term for a set of symptoms called Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome that can occur for a long time after you put down the alcohol or other addictive drugs. Research has suggested that up to 95% of recovering alcoholics and addicts when tested show the presence of brain dysfunction.
Essentially, that is PAWS – symptoms from a dysfunction in the nervous system after quitting booze and drugs. Not to be confused with Wet Brain Syndrome, PAWS is a temporary condition. Do not panic, this too shall pass! However, you can take positive action to help get through it faster and with more ease!
Symptoms of PAWS
When you first detox off alcohol and/or drugs, acute withdrawal is experienced. After a week or two of continuous abstinence from alcohol and drugs, Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome may be experienced and can last for 3 months to 2 years into sobriety. For most people, PAWS is regenerative - meaning over time and with proper care the symptoms will diminish and damage can be repaired.
Symptoms of PAWS can include difficulty solving simple problems, reacting either overemotionally or having emotional numbness, sleep disturbances, memory problems, inability to think clearly at times, difficulty managing stress, and sometimes problems with physical coordination may present as well.
The cognitive symptoms can lead to diminished self-esteem as well. Note, not all of these symptoms may occur and each does not happen constantly but rather periodically. The severity and length of occurrence of PAWS varies individually; it does not look the same for everyone.
What Causes PAWS
Damage to nervous system from the alcohol and/or drugs causes the physiological nature of PAWS, in combination with the other component of PAWS which is the emotional stress of having to deal with life without the old coping mechanism of drugs or alcohol. How much brain dysfunction your addiction has caused + how much psychosocial stress you experience in sobriety = the severity of PAWS. With proper care, it can be reversed.
Taking Action Against PAWS
“… and courage to change the things I can.” This is one of those things you can take positive action to help get through it more rapidly and in a healthier manner. PAWS causes symptoms that are not particularly conducive to your sobriety. In fact, recent research supports the belief that PAWS can contribute to incidents of relapse.
As part of a relapse prevention strategy, it is important to address the physical aspects of your alcoholism which includes taking proactive steps to treat PAWS. Your first couple years sober are difficult enough without the added challenges of PAWS symptoms like sleep disturbances and trouble thinking clearly.
Education is always a good start (Education leads to proper Action which leads to Results!). Getting a better understanding about PAWS can ease some of the anxiety and confusion, and help prevent self-esteem problems that can result in the absence of such awareness.
Next, find healthy ways to manage your stress. Stress can be caused by PAWS and also stress exacerbates the symptoms of PAWS so stress management is key. Working the 12 steps with a sponsor is not only the best method for relapse prevention in general, but also a great component to stress management. Meditation is highly recommended. Find what works for you, it can be as simple as setting time for deep breathing daily. Specific nutritional recommendations can really give you the edge on managing stress as well.
Last but not least, get educated about ways to improve your physical health most specifically in terms of your nervous system. If you do just one thing physically to support your nervous system, supplement with a high quality B vitamin Complex. Bill Wilson, A.A. founder, was a big proponent of supplementing with B vitamins to support recovery!
You are not powerless against PAWS. Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome can be treated by applying the recommended actions listed above, and you can enjoy a long healthier life sober!
Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, alcoholic encephalopathy (brain damage), Korsakoff psychosis, Wernicke’s disease… all these names refer to what is most commonly called by people in recovery as “Wet Brain”. What’s the real story with Wet Brain Syndrome?
You have probably heard the scary stories about the dangers of LSD - people who dropped acid one too many times or had a bad trip just once who would then suffer random hallucinations and psychotic episodes the rest of their life despite never doing acid again. Perhaps the closest thing to that phenomenon of acid flashbacks for alcoholics would be Wet Brain Syndrome since it involves neurological damage and symptoms that can last long after putting the plug in the jug.
When “partying” back in the active days, despite maybe a few jokes about killing brain cells, rarely do heavy drinkers think the alcohol could slowly cause such very serious neurological impairment as is the case with Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. And much like the disease of alcoholism itself, wet brain can sneak up on the heavy drinker, as it develops gradually.
Symptoms of Wet Brain
In reality a much better comparison of Wet Brain would be to Alzheimer’s. Dementia, short term memory loss, and confabulation (false memories) characterize wet brain syndrome. Also, Wet Brain aka Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, typically includes problems related to eye movements, balance and gait, and loss of coordination.
Some of these symptoms resemble drunkenness; like with the acid flashbacks, despite absence of the drug, the neurological effects can prevail long after the initial damage was inflicted. Other signs include fatigue, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Late stage Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome can even result in coma and death.
If you are in early in sobriety, sometimes concerns of Wet Brain are confused with actually suffering from PAWS. PAWS stands for Post Acute Withdrawl Syndrome which can include symptoms such as inability to think clearly, memory problems, sleep disturbances, emotional overreactions or numbness, sensitivity to stress, and problems with coordination.
PAWS is temporary, whereas Wet Brain is typically more permanent. Experts suggest PAWS starts a week or two after abstaining from alcohol and can last for 3 months to 2 years into sobriety!
What Causes Wet Brain
Wet brain is caused by gradual brain damage from thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency. For alcoholics, this syndrome technically known as Wernicke-Korsakoff, develops gradually as a result of a deficiency of thiamin which leads to brain function decline and even neuron death. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption leads to a multitude of vitamin deficiencies, including that of vitamin B1 a.k.a. thiamin.
Thiamin plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, and anything that inhibits the crucial creation of glucose (which the brain relies on to function) can thus cause the brain to rapidly decline in function. Active alcoholics typically have a poor diet which contributes to vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however even with healthy eating habits the heavy drinking will interfere with absorption of thiamin.
Can Non-Alcoholics Get Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
While wet brain is mainly associated with alcoholism, sometimes non-drinkers can develop Wernicke’s disease as well. There are other ways to become thiamin deficient and therefore susceptible to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, as with the following conditions: severe malnourishment, Chron’s disease, stomach surgery (gastric bypass or stapling), eating disorders involving starvation or vomiting, and even side-effects of chemotherapy.
Can Wet Brain Be Treated
The successful treatment of wet brain depends mainly on the stage of its progression. Early onset of wet brain can be treated and often reversed entirely if caught in time. Anyone exhibiting signs of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome should be given thiamin immediately. Doctors typically administer thiamin intravenously at first.
For those looking to supplement on their own, the closest thing to IV is taking a supplement in an isotonic form (for 90-95% absorption, versus 100% with IV, and as little as 20-30% with tablet supplements). In this case, it is recommended to take a B complex supplement rather than choose an individual B vitamin as the various Bs work synergistically together.
Late stage wet brain may be referred to as “Korsakoff psychosis” due to the serious permanent nature of its symptoms. Unfortunately, in its later stages the disease is not reversible.
Patients with Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome are sometimes treated with medications used for Alzheimer’s disease when thiamine treatments are ineffective. For those seeking a natural approach to support their cognitive health may check out Cognitin, a cognitive support formula.
Cognitin contains the antioxidants acetyl L-Carnitine and alpha lipoic acid (both very beneficial to brain function), and contains vinpocetine (derived from periwinkle extract) which has been used for decades around the world to treat Alzheimer’s and dementia, and is becoming more widely used for general cognitive support.
Do All Recovering Alcoholics Have Some Brain Damage?
On a more subtle level, it is probable that all recovering alcoholics have suffered various degrees of cognitive impairment over the course of active drinking years. With this in mind, even the younger and seemingly healthier recovering alcoholics who have no fear of wet brain can benefit from supplementing with a quality vitamin B complex in sobriety (see related article). In fact, researchers have found that supplementing with thiamin (part of B Complex) can also help prevent the development of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome a.k.a. Wet Brain in heavy drinkers.
Two new studies in the British Medical Journal report research that suggests even a small amount of daily drinking (as little as a third or half a drink a day!) plus obesity increases the risk of liver disease in men and women.
Drinking + Obesity = Double Trouble for your Liver
So you’ve put down the drink. Maybe it’s been a matter of days, or years. Either way, that is awesome. Just by stopping the daily or binge drinking episodes, you have already decreased your risk for liver disease. Let’s take it a step further. Now that you are sober, have you ever given your liver some support, via healthy dietary changes and/or nutritional supplementation? If not, you can read more about how to be proactive in this way at our previous article on Liver Health & Nutrition.
Having removed the first half of the equation, let’s look at the other factor: obesity. The American Obesity Association utilizes Body Mass Index (BMI) to evaluate your degree of risk based on excess weight. Here are the risk parameters:
- BMI > 25 defines overweight and marks the point where the risk of disease increases from excess weight.
- BMI > 30 defines obesity and marks the point where the risk of death increases from excess weight.
- Waist circumference of > 40 inches in men and > 35 inches in women increases disease risk.
You can quickly have your BMI calculated by clicking here.
If you are ready to improve your body composition to lose fat and preserve lean muscle, a lifestyle change is what you need… not a diet! Diets don’t really work, in fact they contribute to the obesity problem overall. Start by educating yourself on the correct healthy way to lose weight. Check out this highly recommended Health Guide to learn the essentials. Keep coming back for future articles with more information on liver health and other health issues pertaining to recovering alcoholics and addicts.
Alcohol use affects the health of your liver, as everyone knows. Both quantity and frequency of alcohol use can have a serious impact on your health, especially the liver - a vital organ. If you are a recovering alcoholic, perhaps you have wondered how your drinking days have affected your liver. Whether you were a weekend warrior binge drinker or a daily drinker, your liver had to process your excessive alcohol intake.
Binge Drinking vs. Daily Drinking Effects on Liver
Obviously, binge drinking is harmful to your liver- in addition to other areas of your body. Researchers have also investigated the impact of daily drinking on liver health. A recent study found that long-term daily drinking, rather than weekly binge drinking, is by far the biggest risk factor in serious liver disease. Generally, patients with alcoholic cirrhosis have been drinking heavily for 10 to 20 years.
Alcoholic liver disease is one of the most serious medical consequences of chronic alcohol use. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause fatty liver, cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. Alcohol is a leading cause of liver cancer in the western world. Among heavy drinkers, up to 100% show evidence of fatty liver, an estimated 10-35% develop alcoholic hepatitis, and 10-20% develop cirrhosis.
For those who have been fortunate enough to escape liver disease, chances are you still did some damage during your active alcoholism/addiction.
Normal Liver Function
First, consider the fact that normal liver function is essential to life. It filters blood, removes and destroys toxic substances; helps digest and absorb fats; and it is involved in many of the metabolic systems of the body. The liver stores vitamins; synthesizes cholesterol; metabolizes or stores sugars; processes fats; and assembles amino acids into various proteins, some for use within the liver and some for export. The liver controls blood fluidity and regulates blood-clotting mechanisms. It also converts the products of protein metabolism into urea for excretion by the kidneys.
How Exactly Does Alcohol Damage the Liver
There are many mechanisms by which alcohol injures the liver. The most advanced form of alcoholic liver injury is alcoholic cirrhosis. Before the 1970's, the cause of alcoholic cirrhosis was believed to be nutritional deficiencies from heavy drinking. Overwhelming evidence subsequently proved that alcohol itself is toxic to the liver. It is now believed that nutritional effects and direct alcohol toxicity interact in such complex ways that the influence of the two cannot be separated. Other Factors include: genetics, free radicals & acetaldehyde, liver metabolism, gender (women may be more susceptible), and environmental factors (i.e. medications, exposure to pollution).
Other Ways we Damage the Liver
In addition to alcohol use, you may have also used other recreational drugs; perhaps you are currently taking over-the-counter or prescription medication, or have been on medications in the past; currently or previously engaged in unhealthy eating habits, or have been obese. All of these factors further tax the liver and contribute to your need for a liver cleanse and nutritional supplementation.
Vitamin Deficiencies from Liver Damage
Once liver function is compromised, your body's ability to use vitamins is significantly reduced. The liver is no longer able to process, store or utilize many of the water-soluble vitamins such as thiamin, B6 and folate, and your body is no longer able to use fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E.
Remember also that your liver is also crucial in the transportation of minerals throughout your body. If it is damaged, the minerals can't get out of the liver. This can result in mineral deficiency throughout your body, as well as a potentially toxic buildup of minerals in the liver.
Help Your Liver Recover
Recovering alcoholics & addicts, you have already detoxed off of alcohol & drugs. Whether it was days or years ago, you should absolutely give your liver its own detoxification cleanse! Use this simple 7-day system to cleanse your liver. This particular system not only cleanses and detoxifies the liver but also cleanses the digestive system and colon at the same time. It is recommended to cleanse first, then follow up with a liver support protocol that will be better absorbed and utilized due to cleansing first.
For a superior daily multivitamin/mineral formula that is easily absorbed, click here. *Note: choose the without iron version unless you know you are anemic.
For ongoing support of normal liver detoxification activity and overall liver health, two great supplements are Curcumin and Hepatocleanse. Curcumin has multiple health benefits in addition to liver support, including promoting neurological health, cognitive health, and a strong immune system to name a few. Hepatocleanse contains milk thistle and other safe natural herbs that help to detoxify the liver and blood, supports a healthy liver and gallbladder, and helps excrete the toxins that accumulate over time. Use the links provided to read more about the research and benefits of the best supplements that support liver health and may be especially beneficial for active and recovering alcoholics.
You can also lower your chance for liver disease with healthy eating habits. For liver health and overall health, eat foods that are high in fiber and low glycemic. To get a complete education for life on how to incorporate the healthiest eating plan, check out this great health guide and journal. With these simple yet advanced strategies, you can take charge of your liver health and nutrition to continue to truly recover in BODY, as well as mind and spirit.
What are the best supplements to support liver health for alcoholics in recovery? It is well known that alcohol is toxic to the liver, and normal liver function is essential to life! Whether you have been a weekend binge drinker or a daily drinker, your liver has been affected by excessive alcohol consumption. In addition to drinking, many alcoholics have also used recreational drugs, and have been or currently take medications which also stress the liver and further contribute to the potential need for nutritional cleanse and supplementation to support liver detoxification and health.
Click here to read about a recommended 7-day cleanse that is extremely easy to follow and gentle (it should not disturb your normal daily activities!). This particular system not only cleanses and detoxifies the liver but also cleanses the digestive system and colon at the same time. It is recommended to cleanse first, then follow up with a liver support protocol that will be better absorbed and utilized due to cleansing first.
For ongoing support of normal liver detoxification activity and overall liver health, two great supplements are Curcumin and Hepatocleanse.
Curcumin has multiple health benefits in addition to liver support, including promoting neurological health, cognitive health, and a strong immune system to name a few.
Hepatocleanse contains milk thistle and other safe natural herbs that help to detoxify the liver and blood, supports a healthy liver and gallbladder, and helps excrete the toxins that accumulate over time. Use the links provided to read more about the research and benefits of the best supplements that support liver health and may be especially beneficial for active and recovering alcoholics.
Active and recovering alcoholics arguably have even more oxidative stress (free radicals) than the average person, and thus would benefit from antioxidant supplementation regardless of the potential benefit in the treatment of myopathy. Specific antioxidants called OPCs are awesome free radical fighters that also are known to help maintain normal muscle and nerve function – OPCs are potentially beneficial not only for myopathies but neuropathies as well; and some research suggests peripheral neuropathy may co-occur with alcoholic myopathy in 72% of cases!). 
