Addictions - Part 1

Often when we think of additions, drugs, cigarettes, and food come to mind. We are less aware that behaviors and thoughts are also extremely addictive, to the point that it interferes with free will. When I stopped to examine what my addictions were, I was surprised to discover how many destructive habits and thought patterns I held. These patterns exist within our subconscious psyche, and they create the reality of our lives, often without our even being aware of them. We all have habits that do not support us, yet we often find it difficult to change them.

Before we go into depth regarding the different types of addictions, it is important that we first address the mechanism and underlying factors that create addictions. It is also important to understand that many “emotional” issues, such as PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) or OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder) are just as physical in nature as they are psychological. We will discuss these two examples in depth at another time, however, the information in this article will also bring solutions to those dealing with issues such as these.

Often we may identify an event that has happened in the past as the cause for a particular addiction, however, the true cause behind the addiction is always more complex. Addictions have a very powerful physical component that is often overlooked, and this is what we will focus upon in this and the next article.

The roots of addiction

Behind each and every addiction stands two principal physical factors: Adrenalin surges and a glucose deficiency. Often we see these two factors working together, while often a third factor may also be present – heavy metal toxicity.

Glucose depletion

In order to understand the pathology of addictions, it is instrumental to understand the importance of glucose. Glucose is a sugar molecule found in fruit and starchy vegetables and honey. Each and every one of our cells needs glucose to function properly, including our brains. When we are lacking in glucose, we start to look for ways to obtain glucose – our lives depend on it. We’ll look for it in sweets, alcohol, bread or pasta. As soon as the glucose reserves within our body become depleted, we are set up for an addiction to adrenaline.

Adrenaline Addiction

When our glucose reserves are depleted, as a result of prolonged stress, skipping too many meals, poor nutrition and more, our adrenal glands begin to produce increased amounts of adrenaline to make up for the lack of glucose. Adrenaline is a hormone with corrosive qualities, and over time, high amounts of adrenaline begin to “eat away” at the cells in our bodies. Emotions such as fear, worry, anger, as well as poor nutrition and environmental toxins – all cause a rise in adrenaline. It is important to remember that when the amount of glucose in our cells falls, we will either do anything to produce sugar, like eating whatever is available, or we will increase the amount of adrenaline in the body, usually by using negative emotions. This is how an addiction is born. The combination of low levels of glucose and high levels of adrenaline leads to confusion, exhaustion, fogginess and hyperactivity.

The only way to avoid this condition, and heal addictions, is by supplying the body with a steady stream of good quality glucose and essential mineral salts, such as the sugars and mineral salts found in fruits and vegetables, which we need to be eating every two hours.

Food addictions

For many of us, food is a sensitive and complex subject. Some of us eat too much, others not enough. Many use food as a coping mechanism, or a principle source of pleasure. Behind all of this stand additional aspects that influence us, often existing without our awareness. It is important that we become aware of our relationship with food, especially our relationship with sugar, so that we can remedy destructive eating patterns.

Understanding the different types of sugar

Each time you feel like having a cup of coffee with milk or sugar, a piece of cheese, some bread or pasta, your body is looking for sugar. A need to drink alcohol, eat cookies, cake, candy, ice cream, soda and processed foods, are all an indication that your body is lacking in the right type of glucose. Only the glucose within fruits and starchy vegetables can truly remedy the situation. Other foods do not provide the type of sugar our bodies need.

The hidden dangers of a low-sugar diet

Some of us have heard of a low-sugar, high protein and fat diet. Any attempt to limit our intake of natural sugars can lead to an addiction to adrenaline. Anyone who tries a high protein and fat, low sugar diet may initially lose weight; however, over time this will cause a rise in adrenaline and can even harm the adrenal gland causing serious health issues and an addiction to unhealthy eating habits.

How to avoid the adrenaline rush

Any attempt to lower processed and unhealthy foods, without increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables, will lead to an adrenaline rush as soon as we even think about that next piece of cake, drink or candy. An adrenaline rush often feels like an inner tremor or accelerated heart beat, and often feels euphoric. In order to remedy and balance the high levels of adrenaline in the blood, we need to eat foods that contain natural sugars every hour or two. A continual stream of healthy sugars is instrumental in resolving all addictions; our bodies need the type of sugar found in dates, bananas, melon, grapes and lots of other fruits. In addition to the fruit that contains healthy sugars, we need to be eating lots of green vegetables, such as spinach, lettuce, kale, parsley and cilantro, which provide the mineral salts our bodies need.

It is possible that a glucose deficiency is responsible for 90% of all addictions. To remedy all addictions, we need to eat ample amounts of good quality glucose – whether the addiction is an addiction to alcohol, cigarettes, diet foods, anger or fear. However, we also need ample amounts of minerals that nourish our nervous system and support the body and mind. Foods that have a high mineral content are: spinach, kale, cranberries (not the dried ones), wild blueberries, blackberries, apples, tomatoes, cucumbers, dates and melons.

To understand the importance of salts and minerals, we need to understand how the brain works. The neurons in our brains need an ample supply of sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and glucose in order to transmit impulses from one neuron to another. When we are under pressure these chemicals get used up quickly, and the electrical pulse begins to heat up, creating a “short circuit”. If this happens often enough, it can cause brain fog, confusion, exhaustion and an increased appetite that can lead to a food addiction. Glucose and mineral salts are what is needed to cool these neurons down. Incorporating the heavy metal detox daily is also an important part of healing from addictions.

Salt addiction

If you find yourself looking for salty food, most likely you are lacking the right type of sodium in your body. The adrenal glands and neurotransmitters in the brain need an ample supply of mineral salts. This could be a sign of adrenal exhaustion, which can cause a lack of salt in the body. The type of salt our body needs is found in vegetables and certain fruits. These salts behave very differently in the body from table salt, or even good quality salt such as Himalayan salt. The type of salt we need to support the adrenal glands and nervous system, and recover from addictions, are found in celery, spinach, and green leafy vegetables. This doesn’t mean we should stop consuming good quality salt; however, it is important to support the body with the foods rich in mineral salts.

Sugar addiction and the role of fat

When the liver and other organs are depleted of their glucose reserves, the body, in its search for sugar, will often be attracted to unhealthy sugars. When these sugars are accompanied by fat, usually an addiction will ensue. A good example of this is addiction to ice cream that has a high sugar and fat content. The fat in animal products prevents the sugar from reaching its destination – the cells, muscles, heart, liver and brain. In contrast to these foods, when we eat healthy sugar found in dates, organic dried apricots, apples and raw honey, the brain receives the glucose it desperately needs. If we create a steady supply of health glucose to the body, the addiction to bad sugars dwindles and eventually disappears.

In regards to fat in general: it is important to limit your fat intake. An overload of fat interferes with the restoration of glycogen deposits in the brain and liver. It is important to eat omega 3 fats, however, it is extremely important you receive these healthy fats from the right source – plant based only. You can get all the omega 3 you need from watermelon seeds, hemp seeds, butter leaf lettuce, blackberry seeds, sesame seeds and tomato seeds. The omega 3 in fish oil is usually highly contaminated due to the processing of the oil, which makes the mercury in the oil particularly potent. It is important to remember, our bodies run on glucose, and we need only a small amount of healthy oils. A lack of glucose is behind addictions and many other diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other unwanted health problems.

Healing foods and supplements

There are a variety of supportive supplements to consider incorporating when working to overcome an addiction.

• Pharma GABA and 5HTP – support neurotransmitter chemical support
• Lemon balm - calms the nerves and brain
• California poppy – an important addition in overcoming addictions
• Inositol – is a vital cofactor for the brain’s major neurotransmitters
• Vitamin C – Liposomal C and Ester C support the adrenals and help heal nerves. Use an ample amount
• Passionflower, elderflower and ginger tea – support the nervous system
• B12 with adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin
• B complex – its important to use a high quality complex
• Valerian – best in powder form. Not recommended for someone with a sensitive stomach or sensitive nerves, yet others find it helpful
• Barley grass juice powder and Hawaiian spirulina help support neurotransmitter chemicals as well as help to remove heavy metals from the body and brain
• Fennel and celery juice are rich in mineral salts, supporting the body in many ways
• Wild blueberries are an amazing addition to any diet, especial where there are deficiencies

How can we move forward?

Life is not always easy. We live in challenging times, and the human psyche tends to prefer that which is familiar, and hold on to it with all its might. Yet we also live in a very unique period of time, a time of great change and potential. The world around us is changing at a pace never seen before in all of human history. This affects us all, spurring us on to the next level of evolution, changing our beliefs and habits, whether we like it or not. This opens a window of opportunity for change, and the more we learn to be aware of the forces that motivate us within, the easier it becomes to free ourselves from addictions. As we become more aware of internal motivating forces and the implications of remaining in addiction, it becomes easier to make new choices. This allows us to move from victimization into empowerment.

At times we often feel alone and separate from the comprehensive whole. This feeling of isolation makes it even more difficult to overcome addictions. It is important to remember, we are never really alone, and today, more than ever before, there are many gifted healers, doctors, therapists, and even angels, willing and able to assist us. It is important to remember – in order to receive help, we need to ask for help, and be willing to receive the outstretched hand. There are many possible paths for healing, and all is possible. It is important to recognize that by reading this article, you have taken an important step towards healing.

All is well, and all is possible,

Beth

Information in this article is based on Anthony William’s work http://www.medicalmedium.com/

For more on spiritual support and healing http://www.cosmic-university.com/