Understanding Enzymes and Addiction

Enzymes are vital to life, and maintaining a nutritious diet can significantly aid in combating addiction.

The premise is straightforward: recovering from alcoholism necessitates a diet rich in nutrients, which is undoubtedly true. Another perspective suggests that addiction stems from neurotransmitter imbalances, a theory that holds merit as well. While our bodies can produce their own neurotransmitters, the lack of essential components for digestion and absorption hinders our ability to cultivate a healthy mind and body, possibly even affecting our spirit.

Why is this important? Because we are not merely defined by what we consume; rather, we are shaped by what we absorb.

Enzymes serve as catalysts for life. My hypothesis is clear: the rise in addictions in contemporary society correlates with the deterioration of our diet—characterized by processed, unhealthy foods.

Reflecting on my personal journey with addiction, I noticed that each time I returned to my primarily raw food diet, my cravings for alcohol—often driven by a need for quick energy—diminished, along with my desire for caffeine. For much of my life, I sought rapid solutions. Being a fast metabolizer, I operated at a swift pace. I did not encounter alcoholism until my late thirties or early forties, a period marked by intense stress. My digestive issues emerged concurrently with a depletion of enzymes.

Throughout my life, I have managed to overcome various health challenges by refocusing on my diet. When I revert to consuming raw foods, the enzymes present begin to restore my neurotransmitter function, and my addiction subsides dramatically.

It feels like a weight has been lifted, similar to how sunlight brightens a room, as there is a vital energy in living foods—perhaps even photons.

Last year, I authored a book detailing my journey to conquer alcohol addiction, a struggle that has led to numerous hospital visits and strained family relationships. I have since learned that I come from a lineage of alcoholics and addicts. Born to a mother who was dependent on Valium during her pregnancy, I discovered that my family history is riddled with addiction. My grandmother, whom I never met, succumbed to lung and lymphatic cancer at the age of 52, while my grandfather reportedly consumed a bottle of brandy daily. My mother, aside from her addiction to benzodiazepines, also faced significant drinking issues.

Unfortunately, I lack an enzyme needed to process alcohol, which results in severe withdrawal symptoms even after consuming moderate amounts.

The cycle continues; my cousin drinks two bottles of wine daily, and my uncle died of a heart attack at just 56.

I consider myself fortunate for having recognized these problematic patterns and receiving exceptional care from the NHS, for which I am deeply grateful. As I navigate recovery from this persistent affliction, I must reflect on the causes of relapse and the strategies I employ at home.

The medical community has often deemed me a lost cause, unworthy of treatment.

Identifying the triggers of relapse is crucial, as they often arise from fatigue, overstimulation, and the consumption of cooked foods, particularly when combined with late nights—essentially captured by the acronym HALT: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and Tired.

When I began to view these elements as triggers, rather than solely psychological issues—as I explored in my previous work—I started to investigate what precisely transpires during a relapse.

I examined the roles of adrenal function, neurotransmitter levels, ATP, energy, and diet, scrutinizing my life for periods of stability and tranquility regarding my addiction.

The common threads in these experiences inspired my exploration of catalysts, particularly enzymes. This investigation was particularly intriguing given my use of NAD+—a co-enzyme—in my efforts to combat alcohol dependency.

Further research suggested that rather than a true addiction to alcohol, I was likely reacting adversely to acetaldehyde as it accumulated in my system, which led to withdrawal-like symptoms. However, I seemed to recover within a span of 3 to 5 days, indicating it might be more akin to a severe hangover.

What other co-factors might I have overlooked? Did my dietary choices and various life stages hold the answers? Additionally, did my mother's prenatal use of benzodiazepines predispose me to addiction?

This forthcoming book encapsulates the findings of that inquiry.

Sabrina Vallis 2024 All Rights Reserved.