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Social media is flooded with content about foods to eat and avoid; we are bombarded with posts about superfoods for every organ and body part of ours. We are obsessed with gummies and oral thin strips but are still suffering from nutritional deficiencies, and Beriberi is one among them.
Although it's rare in developed countries, beriberi continues to affect populations in regions with limited access to balanced nutrition, especially where polished rice is a staple. Understanding this condition is key to ensuring it doesn’t sneak up on us or our loved ones. It will also give you an insight to reconsider your plate and fill it with more nutrients that our body requires. This blog is a compilation of all the information regarding Beri-Beri disease, so keep scrolling!
Synopsis
What is beriberi?
Beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, also known as thiamine. Thiamine plays a critical role in converting food into energy and is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, muscles, and heart. When your body lacks this essential vitamin, it can lead to a range of debilitating symptoms, depending on the severity and type.
Types of Beriberi
There are two major forms of the disease:
1. Dry Beriberi.
Affects the nervous system and is often seen in individuals with chronic thiamine deficiency.
Symptoms include:
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Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
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Muscle weakness or paralysis.
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Difficulty walking or coordination issues.
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Mental confusion or memory problems.
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Loss of reflexes.
2. Wet Beriberi.
Affects the cardiovascular system and is often more severe.Symptoms include:
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Rapid heart rate.
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Swelling in the legs (oedema)
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Enlarged heart,
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Congestive heart failure in extreme cases
There’s also a third variant known as Infantile Beriberi, seen in breastfed infants whose mothers are thiamine-deficient.
What Causes Beriberi?
The primary cause is a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). This can occur due to:
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Poor diet, especially where polished white rice is a staple and thiamine-rich foods are lacking.
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Chronic alcoholism, which interferes with thiamine absorption.
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Eating raw or fermented fish, which contain enzymes that destroy thiamine.
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Certain medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, AIDS, or long-term dialysis.
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Malabsorption disorders (e.g., Crohn's disease)
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding, which increase nutritional demands.
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Post-bariatric surgery complications.
Who is at Risk?
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People with poor or unbalanced diets.
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Alcohol-dependent individuals.
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Patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
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Individuals undergoing dialysis or parenteral nutrition.
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Infants born to thiamine-deficient mothers.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves clinical examination, a review of dietary habits, and blood/urine tests to assess thiamine levels. In many cases, a quick response to thiamine supplementation confirms the diagnosis.
Treatment includes:
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Oral or intravenous thiamine supplements.
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Correcting dietary deficiencies.
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Monitoring for improvement of heart, nerve, or muscle symptoms.
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In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required for supportive care.
How to Prevent Beriberi?
The good news is that the medical condition can be cured easily with a few dietary and lifestyle changes. Being mindful about what you are eating can resolve not just beriberi, but a lot of medical issues, because what we put inside reflects in our health! Become a picky eater who chooses healthy stuff over junk, and this change will transform your body in ways you have never imagined.
With respect to Beriberi following are some things that you can adopt:
Include Thiamine-Rich Foods in Your Diet which are:
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Whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat)
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Nuts and seeds.
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Legumes (lentils, beans)
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Eggs.
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Pork and other lean meats.
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Green leafy vegetables.
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Fortified cereals and bread.
Avoid Overconsumption of Processed Carbs:
- Polished rice and refined flour can strip essential vitamins from your diet.
Limit Alcohol Intake:
- Chronic drinking can impair thiamine absorption and utilisation.
Supplement When Needed:
- Especially important for high-risk groups such as pregnant women, alcoholics, and people on restricted diets.
Conclusion
Beriberi may sound like an ancient disease, but it’s very much a modern health concern in areas with poor nutrition and lifestyle disorders. By paying attention to your diet, lifestyle, and symptoms, you can safeguard yourself and your family from this preventable yet potentially dangerous condition. If you experience any of the signs mentioned, especially persistent fatigue or nerve pain, consult our nutritionist or the internal medicine expert in Jaipur for a nutritional assessment or advice on supplements. Your health is in your hands—and sometimes, prevention is just a vitamin away. Book an appointment now!
FAQ's
Beriberi is a medical condition wherein the body has a deficiency of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Poor diet, alcohol addiction or any medical condition can be the cause of beriberi.
Diagnosis is often confirmed by clinical assessment of the physical symptoms, blood and urine tests, medical history and your diet.
Yes, it can be reversed completely by making some diet and lifestyle changes. Vitamin B1 is often given orally or through IV.
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Eat a balanced diet with thiamine-rich foods (whole grains, legumes, nuts, meats)
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Avoid excessive consumption of refined carbs (like white rice)
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Limit alcohol intake
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Use thiamine supplements if you're at risk or have absorption issues
If left untreated, Beriberi can lead to permanent nerve damage, heart failure, or even death. Early detection and treatment are crucial to avoid long-term complications.
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