Scurvy is already a practically forgotten disease that occurs due to severe vitamin deficiency. Now you can’t meet this ailment in the Russian Federation , but in the past it killed thousands of people, mostly sailors, warriors and travelers. The danger has not completely passed, these days, although rarely, they make this terrible diagnosis, so it is very important that people know what the causes of sciatica such as scurvy are. And they were aware of what preventive measures exist. In this case, the phrase: "warned - means armed."
Why does a person have scurvy?
The answer to this question is simple. The disease occurs when the elements of the connective tissue are destroyed, which leads to the fact that the walls of the blood vessels become fragile. Bones and cartilage also lose their strength, and bone marrow function is disrupted. Scurvy develops with a lack of vitamin C, which is its main reason for the appearance. It happens that the vitamin enters the body, but for certain reasons it is not absorbed. Many will doubt, is it really possible to get sick and die due to a lack of one vitamin ?! It is possible, if we are talking about ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is involved in hormone production processes in the thyroid gland. It contributes to the normal absorption of glucose by cells, the formation of collagen protein. Vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant that destroys free radicals and toxins in the body, increasing the protective function of the immune system, which is involved in the absorption of iron.
The first mention of scurvy
This disease was first discussed in the 13th century. The sailors who sailed off the coast of Spain and headed for California were not at all prepared for the fact that for many this was the last voyage. Having exhausted the reserves of fruits and vegetables that were on the ship, people very quickly fell ill with scurvy. Their skin became unhealthy, covered with ulcers, purple-red spots. Most lost their teeth, began to hurt and become brittle bones, breathing was difficult. In the end, the ship lost its crew in full force.
James Cook later found the answer to the question of why a person has scurvy. It took him many years to figure out, but he nevertheless came to the conclusion that freshly squeezed lime juice is the best cure for this infection. That is why subsequently the British sailors received the nickname "limes". If this discovery had been made earlier, then the Spanish sailors would not have died on the high seas, but successfully moored to the shores of California
Symptoms of scurvy
If you do not eat foods containing vitamin C for a month, then you can get scurvy. Symptoms that appear early on are as follows:
- weakness, increased fatigue, general "fatigue";
- fever, chills;
- drawing, aching pains in joints and muscles;
- nausea, vomiting;
- diarrhea.
If not for the last two signs, then scurvy can be confused with an ordinary cold. But you need to be more attentive to your body, as further symptoms appear on an increasing basis.
Due to the cessation of the production of collagen protein, which is responsible for the health of the skin, bones, muscles and blood vessels, the gums soften and inflame, teeth become loose and loose, internal bleeding occurs inside the muscles and joints, bruising appears on the body, and the skin turns red-brown , becomes dry and flakes. Outwardly, it is easy to recognize a person who has scurvy.
The photo clearly shows the visual changes.
The processes of iron absorption due to a lack of vitamin C stop, causing anemia, arthritis, diseases associated with the liver and heart are manifested. Intoxication of the body is observed in the form of incessant vomiting and diarrhea.
Heart failure develops, the body is depleted, increased fatigue is manifested, malignant tumors begin to grow. All this happens due to the lack of natural antioxidants in the body.
The lack of vitamin C reduces the functioning of the immune system, so a person becomes lethargic and vulnerable to other infectious diseases.
Diagnosis and treatment
Having found out why a person is sick with scurvy, you need to find out what analyzes can timely reveal its origin in the body. As a rule, a general blood test is enough. White blood cells show whether they have a deficiency in vitamin C or not. It should be noted that the risk group includes older people, whose body is more sensitive to a lack of ascorbic acid. Residents of poor countries cannot provide themselves with a full menu with all the necessary vitamins, therefore, too, more often than others they may find such an ailment as scurvy.
The photo captured the main products, which contain the greatest amount of vitamin C. The treatment is quite simple. You need to eat the fruits shown in the picture to increase the body's low level of vitamins. The duration of treatment is from one to three weeks.
Preventative measures
Some experts, answering the question of why a person has scurvy, call 2 reasons: not only a lack, but also an excess of ascorbic acid, so it is important to know the required daily dose. For an adult, it is 50 mg, for athletes - 80-100 mg. Children under 7 years old need no more than 30 mg, and older - 50-70 mg. Freshly squeezed juices from citrus fruits, radishes, currants, sorrel and cabbage are most useful for consumption; dried fruits, fresh vegetables and fruits with minimal heat treatment; pine beer.
When the raspberry season comes, you can consume it up to 600 g per day in 3-4 doses.
Prevention of not only scurvy, but also many other diseases - balanced proper nutrition, which gives the body all the necessary vitamins and minerals.