We are proposing that a novel approach to nutritional supplementation may be required to target the RDS role in alcoholism and glucose homeostasis 60. Certainly an added stress of attempting to eliminate alcohol usage is the drastic swings in blood sugar, which when occurring may stimulate a stronger desire to drink 62. Any natural means to balance blood sugar can therefore be of great cessation benefit to alcohol programs. The current evidence favors the safety of Kudzu root although some have questioned the potential build-up of acetaldehyde following its administration to humans 11,12. On the other side of the safety issue, Singh et al. 12 evaluated the protective effects of puerarin from kudzu root against alcohol-induced toxicities.
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While natural remedies like kudzu show promise, they are not a standalone solution. A comprehensive approach that includes medical supervision, counseling, and support is essential for addressing alcoholism effectively. Before embarking on a journey with kudzu as a potential remedy for alcoholism, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional.
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The absence of standardized dosages and recommended administration methods for kudzu necessitates expert guidance. Your healthcare provider can help determine the most suitable approach based on your unique circumstances. Before starting any new supplement, you should first discuss doing so with your doctor.
- There is some evidence that milk thistle aids in the regeneration of liver cells.
- The herb called kudzu is a high climbing, coarse textured twining and trailing type of perennial vine found in parts of Asia and naturalized elsewhere 1.
- Increased consecutive days of abstinence is a desirable outcome of an alcohol treatment program, especially during the initial phases of treatment (Washton and Zweben, 2006).
- While kudzu can help you cut back on your drinking, if you believe that you’re alcohol-dependent or you’re struggling with addiction, you should talk to a professional.
- It can be used to reduce fatigue, stress and anxiety, which may occur during alcohol withdrawal.
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Antioxidants help neutralize these molecules, reducing the risk of oxidative stress and related health problems. And while it did contain the isoflavones that are thought to be the active ingredients, our volunteers had to take five pills each to achieve the desired level of 500mg. Kudzu, whose scientific name is Pueraria mirfica, is a vine used in Chinese medicine for a variety of health promoting purposes.
Of course, it’s up to the individual to ensure that he or she doesn’t use this as an excuse to fall off the wagon. However, some people may experience mild side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headache. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kudzu, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions. As with any herbal supplement, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating kudzu into one’s regimen, especially if taking medications or dealing with specific health conditions. Research has found that kudzu can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, as well as improve sleep quality. This may be due to the isoflavones in kudzu, which can help regulate hormone levels.
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Because alcohol is an immunosuppressant, some people take vitamin C to combat some health risks of alcohol use. However, there is little support in clinical studies for using vitamin C for this reason. One animal study showed that ashwagandha helps control mood changes, anxiety and seizures from alcohol withdrawal, but this effect has not yet been studied in humans. L-glutamine can help during alcohol withdrawal by improving symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that can occur during the detox process. Experts think it might work by protecting the gut by preventing gut permeability from deteriorating.
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- Some research specifically on the kudzu species Pueraria mirifica suggests that doses of 50–100 mg per day appear to have a low risk of adverse side effects (18).
- In the first, kudzu extract was administered for 7 days and acute binge drinking was suppressed (Lukas et al., 2005).
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- In spite of the compelling preclinical and clinical evidence of its efficacy, the precise mechanism of action of kudzu in reducing alcohol consumption is not currently known.
- As an herbal plant extract, kudzu can be made available without a prescription.
- Interestingly, the BBC did its own little study and found that subjects who consumed the kudzu supplement prior to drinking actually consumed 20 percent less alcohol than usual.
Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) outside the range of 18–25 kg/m2 were also excluded. Because prescription medications are not universally used or have a perceived modest effect (Krystal et al., 2001; Mark et al., 2003), providing heavy drinkers with any type of intervention that yields even a modest reduction in drinking is desirable. Furthermore, there is a need to https://ecosoberhouse.com/ develop efficacious medicines from natural products that have a low incidence of side effects or toxicity (Xu et al., 2005). The ultimate role that natural preparations play will be complementary and might be useful in treating drug withdrawal and possibly relapse (Lu et al., 2009). There is some evidence that kudzu root dietary supplements may cause liver injury. One study in mice found that taking 10 mg per day of kudzu root extract for 4 weeks caused liver toxicity (15).
What are the recommended dosages of kudzu for alcoholism treatment?
Keung et al. 2 reported that Daidzin is a potent, kudzu to stop drinking selective, and reversible inhibitor of human mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and this natural compound suppresses free-choice ethanol intake by Syrian golden hamsters. The anti-craving effect of disulfiram may also be due to inhibition of dopamine beta hydroxylase thereby increasing neuronal dopamine 3. Additionally, eliminating hot flashes and night sweats, an upset stomach and inflammation are all benefits that you may find from eating kudzu root or taking it as a supplement or tea. Fifty-one percent of adults over the age of 18 and 56% of those age 18–44, are current regular drinkers (Schiller et al., 2012).
When our volunteers partied after having had a placebo they drank an average of seven units per person. When, however, they had taken the kudzu beforehand, they drank an average of 5.5 units, which meant that overall they had drunk about 20% less. Then we allowed them access to the bar for 90 minutes, during which time they could have their fill of beer, wine or spirits. We were, of course, closely but surreptitiously monitoring how much and how quickly they drank. Now, many of us make the resolution to cut back on alcohol, but like all good resolutions there is the danger of slippage.