What is Beriberi:
Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B-1). It affects the heart and nervous system and can lead to serious health complications and even death if left untreated. Despite its serious nature, beriberi can be prevented and treated with proper nutrition and medical care.
What is beriberi?
Beriberi is a disorder caused by a deficiency of thiamine, a vital nutrient that helps the body convert food into energy. Thiamine is important for the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. When the body lacks thiamine, it cannot process carbohydrates properly, leading to an accumulation of pyruvic acid in the bloodstream, which in turn can cause a variety of symptoms.
Who is affected and why?
Beriberi can affect anyone who does not get enough thiamine in their diet. However, certain groups are at greater risk:
- Infants: Especially those breastfed by mothers with thiamine deficiency.
- Chronic alcoholics: Alcohol impairs the absorption and use of thiamine.
- People with chronic illnesses: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease or anorexia can interfere with nutrient absorption.
- Populations with poor diets: In areas where polished rice is the staple food, a deficiency of thiamine-rich foods can result in beriberi.
Types of beriberi
- Wet beriberi: This affects the cardiovascular system and can cause heart attack and edema (swelling due to fluid retention).
- Dry beriberi: Affects the nervous system, causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and neurological problems.
- Infantile Beriberi: This disease occurs in infants breastfed by mothers with thiamine deficiency and can cause heart failure, aphonia (loss of voice), and severe respiratory problems.
Symptoms of beriberi (Beriberi symptoms)
Beriberi symptoms vary depending on the type of beriberi:
- Wet beriberi: shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, swelling in the lower legs, and congestive heart failure.
- Dry beriberi: Difficulty walking, loss of sensation in the arms and legs, paralysis, muscle wasting, and confusion.
- Infantile beriberi: vomiting, diarrhoea, cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen) and heart failure.
Causes of beriberi
The main cause of beriberi is a lack of thiamine in the diet. Factors that contribute to thiamine deficiency include: Beriberi causes
- Alcoholism: Reduces the absorption and storage of thiamine.
- Dietary deficiencies: High intake of polished white rice or highly processed foods with low thiamine content.
- Malabsorption conditions: Diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn’s disease, can interfere with thiamine absorption.
- Genetic disorders: Certain genetic conditions can affect thiamine metabolism.
Sources of Thiamine (Vitamin B-1)
To prevent beriberi, it is essential to include thiamine-rich foods in your diet. Some of the best sources of thiamine include:
- Whole grains (brown rice, oats, and barley)
- Legumes (lentils, beans and peas)
- Nuts and seeds (sunflower seeds and flax seeds)
- Pork and liver
- Fish (trout and tuna)
- Eggs
- Vegetables (asparagus, potatoes, and cauliflower)
- Dairy products (milk and yogurt)
Beriberi Treatment and Prevention
Treatment:
- Thiamine supplementation: Administered orally or intravenously depending on severity.
- Dietary changes: Adding thiamine-rich foods to the diet.
- Addressing underlying causes: Treating conditions such as alcohol addiction or gastrointestinal disorders that contribute to thiamine deficiency.
Prevention:
- Balanced diet: Ensure a diet rich in thiamine-rich foods.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Limiting alcohol consumption can help prevent absorption problems.
- Fortified foods: Eat foods fortified with thiamine, such as cereals and breads.
Yoga and Workout
Although yoga and exercise do not directly treat beriberi, they can aid overall health and recovery by improving blood circulation and muscle strength. Some beneficial exercises include:
- Yoga postures: Postures such as Tadasana (mountain pose), Vrksasana (tree pose) and Sukhasana (easy pose) can help improve balance, coordination and muscle strength.
- Breathing exercises: Pranayama techniques such as anulom vilom (alternate nostril breathing) and bhramari (bee breathing) can help improve oxygenation and reduce stress.
Moderate exercise: Light activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling can boost heart health and overall well-being.
Do's and don'ts
Do’s:
- Eat a balanced diet: Make sure your diet includes a variety of thiamine-rich foods.
- Seek medical advice: If you experience symptoms of beriberi, consult a healthcare provider immediately.
- Monitor alcohol consumption: Limit alcohol consumption to prevent problems with thiamine absorption.
- Take supplements: If you’re at risk or have been diagnosed with thiamine deficiency, follow your doctor’s advice regarding supplements.
what not to do:
- Ignore the symptoms: Early symptoms like fatigue and irritability can be easy to overlook; don’t ignore them.
- Relying entirely on processed foods: Highly processed foods often lack essential nutrients like thiamine.
- Self-medication: Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement.
Conclusion
Beriberi is a serious condition that results from a thiamine deficiency, but it is completely preventable and treatable with proper nutrition and medical care. By understanding the importance of thiamine, recognizing the symptoms, and making informed dietary choices, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing beriberi. Regular medical checkups, a balanced diet, and a healthy lifestyle are important for maintaining optimal health and preventing nutrient deficiencies. You also read the common diseases in USA.
