Alcoholism and Depression - Both Have Similar Roots

The conditions known as alcoholism and depression have very similar roots. A lot of people seem to blame the use of alcohol as being the cause depression. A closer look reveals that neither one causes the other. In fact, both conditions have basically the same underlying problems. This is why most alcoholics complain about and suffer from depression - they often fail to address the physical root problem.

Recent studies are growing in popularity that support the fact that alcoholism is mostly a biochemical problem. It is a metabolic disorder created by a variety of things such as overconsumption of sugars, a diet poor in nutrition, and a wide variety of other things. Alcoholism is not a disease of the mind but often seems like it is.

To understand the problem of alcoholism and depression, it is important to look at everything that might be causing these conditions. It is true that negative and traumatic life events can lead to stress that can be a factor in alcohol abuse and depression. The more common causes, however, relate to physical problems within the body and the brain.

One of the most common factors behind these disorders is neurotransmitter depletion. Neurotransmitters in the brain are critical to the proper function of the brain and healthy emotions. These naturally occurring chemicals help facilitate communication among and between brain cells. Alcohol, processed foods, sugar, and chemicals destroy the essential precursor amino acids. Without adequate amino acid conversion, these neurotransmitters aren't produced in sufficient amounts. This contributes to the emotional symptoms such as depression. They also are one of the main causes of alcoholism.

The way to fight this particular problem related to alcoholism and depression is through nourishing the body. One of the key amino acids involved in this process is called tryptophan. Tryptophan is necessary for the production of serotonin. Serotonin levels in the brain control our moods, sex drive, appetites, sleep and many other things. When serotonin is created in the brain with the help of tryptophan, the results are impressive. Depression starts to lift, insomnia ends, alcohol cravings reduce, and mood and attitude gets brighter.

In order for tryptophan to work right, it needs to be taken on an empty stomach. Normally, it's best to take in the evenings before bed so that it also works in concert with the sleep cycle. But, tryptophan must be taken in conjunction with other nutritional supplements to be effective. The additional nutrients needed to help the tryptophan to produce serotonin are vitami
C, vitami
B6, and inositol. These work best when taken on a full stomach in the mornings. Following this protocol over time will help the body produce the serotonin it needs to function properly.

A good dose of tryptophan to get started with is anywhere from 500 to 2000 milligrams per day. It is recommended to only take pharmaceutical grade tryptophan and avoid the inexpensive stuff to assure the best quality.

Be careful when taking tryptophan. It shouldn't be taken if you are currently on a MAO (monoamine oxidase). It also should not be taken if you have got a severe liver disease - a damaged liver cannot adequately metabolize tryptophan.

The bottom line here is that both alcoholism and depression can be at least partially caused by a lack of serotonin. This is just one of the common problems that are at the root of both conditions. Other factors are things such as hypoglycemia, vitamin and mineral deficiency, hypothyroidism, food and chemical allergies, and Candida related issues. Note that these are all physical, not mental problems.

The natural cure for alcoholism addresses all of these important factors through the diet and nutritional protocols that are used. This is why this method works so well. The natural approach addresses the underlying cause of alcoholism and depression and actually can reverses it. The result is someone who has no craving for alcohol and is also not depressed. This is a great combination for anyone in recovery and I can say from experience that the nutritional approach works for both alcoholism and depression.