How to identify and treat Beriberi

Beriberi is a disease that can cause symptoms throughout the body such as muscle cramps, double vision and mental confusion, being caused by the lack of vitamin B1 in the body, also known as thiamine, which is responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates in the body and production power.

This disease occurs mainly due to overconsumption of alcohol or simple carbohydrates, such as cassava, rice and refined wheat flour, so it can also occur in people who are overweight or obese.

Symptoms

Vitamin B1 deficiency occurs after 2 or 3 months of insufficient intake of this nutrient, causing the symptoms of beriberi, which are:

• Lack of appetite;
• Weakness and irritability;
• Muscle cramps;
• Heart palpitations;
• General malaise;
• Constipation;
• Memory problems;
• Fluid retention and swelling in the legs;

In children, symptoms of cramps, vomiting, restlessness, and shortness of breath may also appear. It is also important to remember that this disease can also occur in overweight or obese people, who appear to be well nourished.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of beriberi is made primarily from the observation of symptoms, and can be confirmed from a blood test that evaluates the amount of vitamin B1 in the body.

Treatment of the disease is done with the use of supplements of this vitamin, which must be taken for at least 6 months, in addition to changes in diet and elimination of alcohol consumption.

Thus, to help with the treatment, one should increase the consumption of foods rich in this vitamin, such as oat flakes, sunflower seeds or brewer's yeast, giving preference to whole foods rather than refined ones such as rice, flour and pasta. See the full list of foods rich in vitamin B1.

Juice against Beriberi

A good home remedy to treat Beriberi is to take carrot juice, beetroot and brewer's yeast daily.

Make a glass or 250 ml of combined juice of carrot, beet, and brewer's yeast. For every 250ml of juice add a tablespoon of brewer's yeast or take two tablets together.

To make the juice add in the centrifuge 1 medium carrot and half of a medium-sized beet and beer yeast. This juice should be taken 3 times a week for 3 months initially to restore the body from lack of vitamins.

Complications

If beriberi is not treated properly, it can cause complications of enlarged heart and liver, pulmonary edema, heart failure, reduced sensitivity and muscle strength, double vision and neurological problems, including delusions and memory loss.

In addition, it is important to remember that in more advanced cases the treatment is not enough to cure muscle and neurological changes, but it should be done to prevent the worsening of the disease.

Causes

The main causes of lack of vitamin B1 in the body are:

• Consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates, as it increases the need for this vitamin in the body;
• Alcoholism;
• Natural increase of need, such as during pregnancy, breastfeeding or intense practice of physical activity;
• Presence of diseases such as cancer, hyperthyroidism and liver problems;
• Hemodialysis and use of diuretic medications.

Because it is soluble in water, most of vitamin B1 is lost during cooking, especially when cooking water is discarded.