Scientists are currently carefully studying beriberi disease, which is characterized by impaired motor function, blood circulation, sensitivity, decreased heart function and edema due to the accumulation of lactic acid. It is mainly found in subtropical and tropical countries (India, Australia, Japan), where people often consume rice, deprived of a silver shell (pericardium), which is rich in vitamin B1.
There are known cases of infection on other continents. Numerous studies of this pathology link the development of the disease with a lack of vitamin B1 in the diet . Once this serious disease affected entire villages. Nowadays, take-berry disease is practically not found. Doctors advise to closely monitor the diet and consume the required amount of thiamine.
The main causes of the development of pathology
Experts concluded that the main causes of its appearance are vitamin deficiency (B1), diabetes mellitus, uncontrolled vomiting (especially during pregnancy and during severe intoxication of the body), alcohol abuse and gastrointestinal upset. Some medications also help to reduce the mentioned vitamin in the body. For example, tobacco and products containing carbonic salts and citric acid interfere with the absorption of thiamine.
Everyone knows that with a lack of vitamin B1, a violation of carbohydrate and fat metabolism occurs. As a result, nerve endings are affected. The characteristic symptoms of beriberi disease at the onset of the disease are as follows: heart palpitations (arrhythmia), constipation, alternating with diarrhea, lack of appetite, weakness in the extremities (paralysis), pain in the abdomen. In addition, partial edema and sharp exhaustion are observed. Symptoms depend on the form of the disease and which organs have been affected.
Forms of pathology
There are two varieties of the disease: dry and wet. The first leads to a violation of the nervous system and often leads to complete exhaustion. The patient has: slurred speech, frequent movements of the eyeballs (uncontrolled), pain, loss of sensation. In addition, there is discomfort, tingling in the limbs, paralysis, impaired motor activity and coordination.
The wet form has a detrimental effect on cardiovascular activity. The patient complains of shortness of breath, arrhythmia, swelling in the legs, general fatigue and weakness. In both cases, the beriberi disease affects the nervous system. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency are accompanied in most cases by edema. Pathology can be transmitted to the baby through the milk of the mother, who suffers from a lack of vitamin B1. In a child, the basic functions of the brain are destroyed, which is very dangerous for health and life.
Clinical picture
As mentioned above, the symptomatology directly depends on the stage of the disease, but there are general manifestations that are characterized by atrophy of muscle tissue and weight loss. After minor prodromal phenomena (weakness, decreased sensitivity), a person feels pain in the caviar muscles. Pulse interruptions and mild swelling join in. This condition can be observed for a long time. After that, Beriberi disease passes into the dry stage, in which muscle atrophy occurs.
Therapies
When confirming the diagnosis, the doctor must prescribe intramuscular injections of thiamine, amidopyrine, nicotinic acid and a solution of proserin. In addition, physiotherapeutic procedures are prescribed (coniferous baths, massage, physiotherapy exercises, ultraviolet). If untreated, this can lead to dangerous complications: neurological and psychotic conditions, heart problems, loss of consciousness, and even coma.
Preventive measures
To prevent the development of pathology, it is necessary to include in the menu wheat and rye bread made from wholemeal flour. Vitamin B1 is found in nuts and beans, carrots, pork, offal and young veal, tomatoes, brewer's yeast and cabbage. And products such as legumes, egg yolks, crabs, corn will supply the body with thiamine.
Some herbs are also rich in this vital element: clover, hazel, oregano, wild rose, sea buckthorn, nettle, alfalfa. As a preventive goal, doctors recommend taking a herbal mixture containing sea buckthorn. It can be prepared independently from walnuts (300 grams) and sea buckthorn berries (500 grams). Products should be chopped in a meat grinder or blender, combined with a glass of honey and stored in the refrigerator. Use for five months, one large spoon. The vitaminized mixture will make up for the deficiency of thiamine, which will allow you not to catch a dangerous beriberi disease. Take care of your health, monitor your diet and regularly undergo a medical examination.