Supplements and Nutrition

Yes, the kudzu issue has been a confusing one. Let me provide some history:

By the time I developed this program (intended only for me), I had done significant research on kudzu. I had been following the animal studies here in the US and informal human trials in the UK. I had read dozens of articles about Traditional Chinese Medicine's application of kudzu as a 'drunkenness dispeller.' I was convinced this important herb would be a critical nutritional component of the therapy. But when it came time to select a product I faced similar confusion when comparing brands, dosages, etc.

To be honest, I used two different dosages of kudzu as I experimented with this program--they ranged from 450 mg. per day of kudzu extract as recommended in the book to a higher dosage of 1,500 mg. per day using a blended formula. Frankly, they both seemed to work equally well in reducing my cravings. However, it was difficult to isolate because I had started taking the All One with its amino acids, as well as the other supplements; had begun the hypnotherapy, exercise, medication, etc.

When I wrote the book I felt compelled to err on the side of safety and I worked with a highly regarded and published nutritionist who also believed it was prudent to recommend the lower 450 mg. dose. Believe it or not, this was one of the most difficult decisions I made before going to press. Many people consider all herbs "safe" because they are natural. Clearly, that isn't always the case and I felt a tremendous responsibility when recommending the program to so many other people.

Shortly after my book was published, a groundbreaking human study demonstrated kudzu's powerful ability to reduce cravings for alcohol. An Associated Press article with a brief overview is here and more detailed information can be found in our research area.

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7884540/

In the double blind study, participants given kudzu took two 500-mg. capsules three times daily over a one week period. Those on kudzu drank half as much as the placebo group and reported feeling more satisfied with fewer drinks.

Given such compelling results, I felt it was appropriate to increase the recommendations for kudzu, particularly as we learned that many individuals in the MWO program wanted to opt out of taking any medication. In addition, the study reported no adverse side effects or changes to blood chemistry, liver function and urinalysis--both during the trial and four weeks later. The health care advisers and herbalists with whom I worked agreed the increase in dosage was appropriate.

For that reason, we have since increased our recommendations for short term use of kudzu to 1,000 to 3,000 mg per day but urge individuals to assess their specific health status. Information here outlines special considerations for diabetics, women with hormone-dependent conditions, men with prostate cancer, or anyone with a heart condition.

www.drugdigest.org/DD/Pri...62,00.html

So, how much kudzu to take? Again, it depends on your situation. You may wish to start with a higher dose when you begin the program and reduce the amount after the initial six week period. Our new product, Kudzu Rescue (which matches the same compound levels of puerarin, dadizin and daidzein as the clinical trial) will be available in 300 mg. capsules and we recommend taking one to three capsules three times per day. The highest dose approximates those levels used in the clinical trial. Lower doses (or no dose) may be more prudent for others.

We'll be unveiling our new website soon at www.mywayout.org and it will contain a navigation link with all program updates and recommendations. This includes information about L-Glutamine and other amino acids. We feel this will be really useful until we're able to tackle a new book release.

As always, talk with your health care provider before starting this program or taking any new medications and herbal products.

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mwojewell

If you look at the "trading addictions" thread, you'll see that RJ has noted that a precise recommendation for l-glutamine supplements hasn't yet been established for the program, however, (outside of this program) ranges of 6,000-9,000 mg. per day are being used for alcohol recovery.

Personally, I'm taking 3,000 mg. per day (1,500 mg. when I wake up and an additional 1,500 mg. approximately 1 hour after lunch). (Remember as well, there are just shy of 1,500 mg. of l-glutamine in the original formula of All One.)

In researching l-glutamine I did discover something important. In order for l-glutamine to be converted in your bloodstream, it typically needs the presence of vitamin B6 (in the form of pyridoxal 5' phosphate). The Solgar version I am taking says "Long chains of molecularly bonded individual amino acids from protein. The body must first break these molecular (peptide) bonds for amino acid absorption to take place. Solgar's free form amino acids are already in their simplest form (no peptide bonds) and can be readily absorbed into the bloodstream." If I am interpreting this correctly, it means that (unlike some other brands of l-glutamine), B6 is not required to be taken with the product to be absorbed. This may be more information than you want, but I found it useful.

I have found that the afternoon dose of l-glutamine is helping counteract the sleepiness I was getting in the first few days of being on Topa (since l-glutamine provides energy). As my Topa doses increase, I may increase my intake of l-glutamine if necessary.

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HadEnough

It is so great to hear from you and that you are doing well.
I'm just about at 4 months. As most of you know, I've chosen abstinence for now. (Someday, maybe moderation. But not now) Anyway, I'm doing just with supps- no meds. I started with All-One original, extra Vit-B, l-glut, Kudzu. Those have been my staples.
In January, I had a near slip and here's why. I had run out of All-One and had some multi-vits in my pantry. I figured I would take those until they ran out and get more All-One later.
I noticed the change right away. I started having the, "I'm all better now, I can drink in moderation" talks with myself. They became so powerful that I found myself circling the liquor dept at the grocery store. I don't know how I found the strength to get myself the hell out of the store before I bought wine, but I did. I struggled for days, thinking that I simply couldn't beat this thing and I would have its noose around my neck forever. I hadn't even had 1 drink and I was beating myself up over my failure. Or the failure that I was sure was coming.
Anyway, I got myself to the health food store and bought 2 canisters of All-One and within 2 days my mood was evened out, my strength to say no was back and the thought of needing to drink is completely gone. I honestly think it is my natural version of Topa or Campral. It is also sooooo much easier than taking a handful of vitamins. Yuck!

As far as the taste goes, here's what I do. (I tried the V-8 juice and Cranberry juice as mixers and Yuck-O. Bleccchh, cough, cough.- sorry RJ) I drink a powered chocolate protein shake for breakfast and I've added it to that. I put it all in the blender with 2 cups of milk and sometimes a banana and blend away for about 30 seconds. While it is not to die for, it is very smooth and drinkable and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I've been on it solid for a month and a half and I feel wonderful. Mainly I feel like I have the strength and power to manage my life.

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AtlantaJJ