The liver metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde and it is this that can damage the liver, heart and brain. The liver needs to work overtime to eliminate alcohol from the body when alcohol is excessively drunk, this causes fatty degeneration. The liver enlarges due to unprocessed dietary fatty acids because the liver enzymes are too busy metabolize the alcohol. As the liver metabolizes the alcohol, large amount of damaging free radicals are produced within the liver cells. This combined with the enlargement of the liver and the fatty globules deposits eventually turns the liver yellow. If high consumption of alcohol continues then cirrhosis of the liver will occur.

If you are worried about alcohol related illnesses then the first step is to stop drinking. To help with the alcohol withdrawal symptoms of upset stomach, headaches, shakes, anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia it is best to keep to a whole food diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and wheat germ. Try to consume lots of mineral water, at least a litre a day. Cut out all junk food, caffeine beverages such as coffee, sugar and dairy products.

Milk thistle extract has been shown in trials to protect the liver and it is even been suggested that it may even help the liver to regenerate cells. In the case of cirrhosis of the liver, improvement in liver function has been reported when milk thistle extract is taken. It has also been reported that the Chinese root kudzu can decrease alcohol cravings.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Alcohol related problems.

Antioxidant complex
Bone mineral complex
Milk Thistle
Multivitamin and multiminerals
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Zinc