Beating Addictions

1. Balance brain chemicals

After addiction the brain chemicals are out of balance and need to be corrected. Biochemical imbalances can also cause mental problems.

To identify your imbalances, complete the Food for the Brain Questionnaire at the following web address www.foodforthebrain.org. Imbalances can differ from person to person and genetic makeup and type of drug used can influence brain chemicals. Interventions are nutritionally based.

2. Rectify nutritional deficiencies to support withdrawal symptoms

Once a patient has stopped using drugs, a number of symptoms may remain like:

• Drug cravings

• Sugar and carbohydrate cravings

• Salt cravings

• Depression

• Internal shakiness

• Trembling

• Restlessness

• Impulsitivity

• Inability to concentrate

• Lack of energy/fatigue

• Hypersensitvity to noise, pain and/or stress

• Irritability

• Sleep problems

• Negative self-talk

• Sense of emptiness

The above symptoms can lead back to addiction. By adding a nutrition-based program most of the symptoms disappear and lay a foundation for the patient to lead a normal life and be integrated into society.

3. Test for Leaky Gut Syndrome

Drugs are very toxic to the body and really disrupt the digestive system. Our drinking water can contain small amounts of toxins like anti-inflammatories, cocaine, caffeine and we know that these toxins can have a profound effect even at very low doses. Common symptoms can range from heartburn, bloating, constipation, leaky gut, food allergies and chronic inflammation.

Symptoms associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome

• Fatigue and malaise

• Arthralgia

• Myalgia

• Fevers of unknown origin

• Food intolerances

• Abdominal pain

• Abdominal distention

• Diarrhoea

• Skin rashes

• Toxic feelings

• Cognitive and memory deficits

• Shortness of breath

• Poor exercise tolerance

Diseases associated with Leaky Gut Syndrome

• Hepatic dysfunction

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Chronic arthritis

• Celiac disease

• Dermatitis herpetiformis

• Autism

• Hyperactivity

• Infectious enterocolitis

• Spondylo-arthropathies

• Acne

• Eczema

• Psoriasis

• Urticaria

• HIV

• Cystic fibrosis

• Pancreatic insufficiency

• AIDS

• Alcoholism

• Neoplasia treated with cytotoxic drugs