Recently I’ve received several questions from people asking if there are there any special considerations or, in fact, would it just be a waste of time for someone who is a heavy drinker who wants to do the liver cleanse. Are there any special precautions or would it be a waste of time? And what happens if they start drinking again right after the detox is done — or if they drink during the detox?
Interesting questions, these.
In fact, there are no particular cautions other than highly recommending the gallstone softening program before doing the detox. Just be aware the detox reaction may be stronger — more headaches, etc.. As to being a waste of time, not at all. In fact, it’s even more important. The detox can help repair much of the damage that has been inflicted on the liver by heavy drinking. Obviously, going back to drinking after the detox is completed starts the damage again — but from a “higher” point.
As to drinking during the detox. If someone can’t refrain from drinking during the detox, they probably don’t have enough self-control to do the detox in the first place. In which case, regular use of a milk thistle supplement will help to deflect some of the damage. In fact for regular drinkers, a highly recommend protocol to use on a daily basis would include:
- A milk thistle supplement.
- Alpha lipoic acid(or R-lipoic acid), proteolytic enzymes, and Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce liver inflammation.
- Vitamin (particularly the B vitamins), mineral, and trace mineral supplementation to replace those lost from regular consumption of alcohol.
- A good full spectrum antioxidant — especially for the water soluble antioxidants which are lost because of the drinking.
- And drink lots of clean water during the day. Alcohol dehydrates the body — big time.
Good info, Jon. Milk Thistle has long been one of my favorites after reading years ago that it was approved by the German E Commission as being effective at both protecting and regenerating the liver.
I would also add selenium (and I do) since selenium, alpha lipoic acid and milk thistle (silymarin) were the three anti-oxidants used in the Berkson Clinical Study where only those three anti-oxidants. along with healthy changes in lifestyle and diet, helped rebuild and normal the liver functions of four women who had were facing either transplants or horrible chemo due to advanced Hepatitis-C.
Since I seem to have a fondness for an occasional partaking of a fermented and distilled product based on the blue agave cactus :- ), I follow most of the advice you gave and also add the selenium.
Live long, live healthy, live happy!
Hi I just got over being on heavy narcotics with the help of AA. I am detoxing right now from alcohol and I want to thank you for the tips on detoxing with alchohol cause the shakes are no fun. Thank u, Mary
Well… About the way that alcohol affects the liver, i want to tell you that it really is a disaster. My brother was addicted to alcohol and he almost finished his liver…in the end, we talked and he went to a dehab centre drug rehab program and he finally got rid of his bad habit…but the consequences were already big…so he has to stay on diet for the rest of his life
This is a comprehensive addiction portal focusing on topics of alcohol and drug abuse. http://www.alcoholaddiction.org
Many people in the world are addicted to drugs. Some people don’t know about the harmful disorders that can be caused by the use of drugs/alcohol. There is great need for providing free education to people about the harms that can be caused by the illegal use of drugs or alcohol.
Actually natural supplements and water would play a big part for conditioning the liver during detox process. It is highly advisable for the patient not to drink alcohol before and even after the treatment, in order not to disrupt the process of cleansing the liver.