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The significance of Lent has become diluted among an ever-evolving society, but even in Modern Ireland the imprint of the Catholic tradition of Lent remains ingrained in our psyche. Lent is a time of reflection, sacrifice, penance and preparation for the celebration of Easter in the Christian religious calendar. Religion aside, this is probably the most lean time of the year in Nature as Winter stores are waning and Spring hasn’t quite sprung yet. Of course, a glance around the supermarket does not reflect Nature’s dwindling supplies and the idea of “giving up something for Lent” may not seem like such a sacrifice with so much choice and alternatives at the ready! Nowadays, Lenten sacrifices reflect the times we live in and many “give up” sweets, treats, booze and the fags. Even so, the mass intention among our society to ditch a vice for Lent whether it is for religious reasons or otherwise can only be a good thing. Not to take away from the sacrifice and self-denial of Lent, the following tips are to help you make it through the next 40 days and 40 nights!
Sweets, chocolate, biscuits, cakes - whatever way you take your sugar - abstaining from it can be challenging. Unlike other vices such as nicotine and alcohol, our bodies actually need sugar (or glucose) to survive. When cutting out sugary and refined foods from your diet it is important to provide a steady stream of glucose, in the form of complex carbohydrates - whole fruit, whole vegetables and whole grains. Cravings arise when our blood sugar levels drop as a result of long gaps between meals or skipping meals. The physical craving for sugar is the body’s way of screaming “feed me” but for many this call is answered by sugar and little else. Too much sugar, insulin takes control and removes sugar from the blood leaving you craving for more sugar - and so it goes on, the merry dance of sugar and insulin! Keep blood sugars on an even note throughout the day to avoid cravings. Always have breakfast, avoid long gaps between meals and eat unrefined carbohydrates as close to their natural state as possible. Supplements such as Chromium, Cinnamon, Jerusalem Artichoke and B vitamins are useful for sugar cravings but only as an addition to a natural, wholesome diet.
It is easy to assume that cravings for alcohol are a result of withdrawal and addiction. This is most likely true as alcohol serves no beneficial purpose to the body. There is, however, a large body of evidence that some nutritional supplements offer support during periods of alcohol withdrawal. Most studies point towards B - complex vitamins although all major vitamins (A,C,D and E) in addition to B-complex have been found to play a role. Alcohol consumption is linked with the depletion of all B vitamins and in particularly B1 (Thiamin) - needed for the brain and nervous system. Supplementing with B-complex with extra B1 can help lessen the desire to drink. Studies also suggest that supplementing with the amino acid L-glutamine can reduce cravings and the anxiety linked to alcohol withdrawal. From a food perspective, lessening cravings for alcohol is helped by reducing sugar and caffeine in the diet. Milk Thistle is a herb which supports detoxification and promotes the regeneration of liver cells. All detoxification pathways will benefit from a clean, green diet and plenty of fluids as water and herbal teas.
Withdrawal from nicotine can also be supported through a clean, wholesome diet. Many fear the weight gain associated with giving up cigarettes. This is most likely due to nicotine being an appetite suppressant and also that people tend to replace their habitual cigarette for food. Avoid falling into this trap by cleaning up the diet at the same time as giving up cigarettes. It might seem like too much to do but you will feel the health benefits of both actions sooner than either one on its own. Supplements helpful during the first few nicotine-free weeks include antioxidant support from vitamins A,C and E and Selenium and Zinc. Again, the B-vitamins are very useful especially when paired with super-antioxidant glutathione in the form of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). NAC is used therapeutically for addictions and compulsive behaviour and is shown to work well with B-complex vitamins especially B5. Respiratory support can come from simple herbal infusions of thyme, elecampane and elderberry extract.
The addictive properties of sugar, alcohol and nicotine makes it more challenging to give them the boot. Nutritional support is certainly a step in the right direction but sometimes the emotional dependency keeps us anchored to our bad habits. If Lent provides the impetus and the spiritual support to banish these demons the rewards will be great for both the body and soul!
Irene Ní Fhlannúra, Nutritional Therapist at Ré Nua Nutrition Clinic & Health Food Shop, Dingle 086 1662562 - Website: www.renuanaturalhealth.com
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