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Alcoholism: Foods That Harm and Foods That Heal

Foods That Can Harm and Heal in Alcoholism



Foods That Harm in Alcoholism:


  • Alcohol in any form


Foods That Heal in Alcoholism:


  • Kale

  • Spinach

  • Dairy products

  • Cabbage

  • Broccoli

  • Mushrooms

  • Nuts

  • Lean meat and poultry

  • Whole grain or fortified and enriched grain products

  • Legumes


Did you know?


Did you know that your gender and the amount of alcohol you drink can influence the likelihood of you becoming an alcoholic?


And if you are a male who drinks 15 or more drinks a week, a female who has 12 or more a week, or if you have five or more drinks in one sitting at least once a week, you are at risk for becoming alcohol dependent.


What is Alcoholism?


Alcoholism can be defined as chronic drinking that may hinder relationships with your family, career, or personal life. It is also important to know that an occasional drink is most likely not harmful, but alcohol in itself can still be easily abused.


Who is Affected?


  • About 17.6 million Americans and 4 to 5 million Canadians.

  • Children of alcoholics are two to seven times more likely to become alcohol dependent.

  • Lifetime alcohol dependency is greater among whites and males.


Factors


There are many varying factors that can foster alcoholism: Learned behavior, genetic predisposition, and childhood experiences, including abuse. The disease can progress and vary from one person to another. For most people alcoholism is a slow progression that happens through periodic social drinking to more frequent indulgence until a person is alcohol addicted. However, sadly for some people it can occur after having only one drink.


Chronic alcohol drinking can cause much damage to a person both physically and psychologically. Some alcoholics may not appear to be intoxicated, but their ability to work and function day-to-day becomes increasingly impaired.


Life Expectancy


Alcoholism can shorten life expectancy by increasing the risk of other life-threatening diseases, including cancer of the liver, esophagus, and pancreas.


Pregnant women who drink alcohol can born a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome and other birth defects.


Nutrition




People who suffer from alcholism tend to have poor diets which can lead to malnutrition. In addition, chronic drinking alters the digestion and metabolism of most nutrients that are vital to the body's human needs. While there is no "one" diet for all recovering alcoholics, these guidelines can help one to focus on their overall health and spiritual well-being.


Eat a Healthy and Well-balanced Diet


Try to include colorful fruits and vegetables on your plate each meal along with whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and whole wheat bread. In addition, enjoy lean protein such as fish and skinless chicken breast.


What Does the Word of God Say?


Although the Word of God does not forbid us to drink wine or alchohol, it does warn against drunkenness and of its negative effects (Ephesians 5:18). The Holy Bible also states: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your true and proper worship (Romans 12:1). We cannot possibly worship the Lord our God in Christ Jesus as living sacrifices if we are abusing our bodies with drunkedness and the overconsumption of alcohol.


If you are struggling with alcoholism or know someone who is, I strongly suggest that you pray to God about the matter and He will deliver you and heal you for the Bible says: "But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' delcares the Lord...(Jeremiah 30:17).


Seek God earnestly with a heart of repentance in Christ Jesus and He will not only hear your prayers, but He will answer them: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.'" (Mark 11:24-25).


May our Father in Heaven heal, protect, and guide you in all things and in all circumstances. In the name of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, I say "Amen".


"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies." ~ 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.




References


  1. Berkoff, F. G., & Schwarcz, J. (2018a). Foods that harm, foods that heal: What to eat to beat disease and live longer. Reader’s Digest.

  2. Access your bible from anywhere. BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 150 versions and 50 languages. (n.d.). https://www.biblegateway.com/

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