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A surge of health consciousness has swept the globe, inspiring people to prioritise their well-being like never before. Amidst this health revolution, a crucial yet often overlooked factor is thiamine or vitamin B1. While much of the buzz focuses on vitamin B12, thiamine's role in maintaining a robust immune system and overall health is equally vital.
So, what happens when your body lacks this essential nutrient? Thiamine deficiency can manifest in surprising and alarming ways, from fatigue and confusion to muscle weakness. Understanding these symptoms can be your first step toward regaining vibrant health.
Vitamins and Minerals: Building Blocks of Health
Vitamins and minerals are essential elements human bodies need to maintain optimal functioning. A lack of crucial vitamins or minerals, including B12 deficiencies, can weaken the immune system, weakness, and other health complications. The easiest way is to eat a balanced diet and go for regular health check-ups.
Since childhood, people have been taught the importance of a balanced diet and the need to maintain sufficient doses of essential vitamins and minerals. However, amid the chaos of life and the rush of daily tasks, people may often miss out on one or more vitamins. Over time, this may lead to health issues. This article will discuss B12 deficiencies, their symptoms, and when you need to consult a doctor. So, continue reading to learn more.
What is Thiamine?
Also known as B1, thiamin is an essential vitamin your body needs. It is required to maintain the functioning, growth, and development of the body and cellular growth. A lack of thiamine can lead to a health condition known as beriberi thiamine deficiency. You must maintain the required levels of thiamine in your body to avoid the health complications of beriberi.
There are various sources of thiamine from which you can easily maintain your thiamine level in your body. Many foods you regularly eat contain Thiamine, including commercial bread, trout, pork, white rice, black beans, corn, and yoghurt. It is also crucial to note that thiamine is water-soluble, so it doesn't stay longer in your body.
Once you have consumed thiamine, it can only be stored in your body for 20 days. So, it is crucial to maintain a regular intake of thiamine. A lack of vitamin B1 deficiency can show symptoms within three weeks, and the person may suffer from health challenges like weak immunity and heart health complications. Although thiamine deficiency is uncommon, contact your doctor immediately if you experience B1 deficiency symptoms.
What Causes B1 Deficiency?
When thiamine is present in most of the food you eat, why does thiamine deficiency occur? There could be many reasons that may cause beriberi (thiamine deficiency disease). Not having sufficient thiamine-rich food is one reason.
People suffering from specific health ailments are at high risk of thiamine deficiency. These include diabetes, AIDS, hyperthyroidism, malnutrition, and kidney dialysis. Beriberi may also be genetic, where the body cannot properly utilise thiamine. Misusing alcohol can also contribute to B1 deficiency. Apart from these, women experiencing extreme vomiting and nausea during pregnancy may also suffer from a deficiency of B1 vitamin.
Thiamine Deficiency: Symptoms to Watch Out For
What if your body does not get enough thiamine? The common symptoms of thiamine deficiency may show within three weeks of deficiency. In such a condition, seeking your doctor's consultation at the earliest opportunity is best advised. Some of the common B1 deficiency symptoms are:
Appetite Loss
One of the first symptoms of thiamine deficiency is appetite loss. If your body has insufficient thiamine, you may end up eating less than usual since you may feel a loss of appetite. In such a situation, you further lose out on other essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Eating less may also lead to unintentional weight loss and weakness.
Blurred Vision
Optical nerves that maintain the optimal functioning of the eyes may also be affected by B1 deficiency. The nerves get damaged, and if left untreated, they may affect a person's vision and even lead to vision loss. Although this is rare, ignoring the problem can become a threat.
Nausea
Lack of enough thiamine can make you dizzy and nauseous. It may also lead to vomiting, further loss of vitamins and minerals, and increased weakness. Nausea and vomiting can occur in people with thiamine deficiency, and such side effects of thiamine are also seen in mild cases!
Delirium
Delirium is a severe condition in which a person may become mentally inactive. It affects the ability to think clearly and understand the environment around them, creating confusion. A lack of enough thiamine can cause B1 deficiency diseases like Delirium.
Paresthesia
Paresthesia is when a person feels tingling in the arms and legs, including pins and needles. It is one of the symptoms of thiamine deficiency. Paresthesia usually occurs in severe cases of thiamine deficiency because the nerves do not get sufficient thiamine for optimal functioning.
Nerve Damage
The body requires thiamine for nerve functioning. In cases of severe thiamine deficiency, the nerves may get damaged. One of the thiamine deficiency diseases is beriberi. There are two types of beriberi: dry and wet. Wet beriberi cases can lead to death within days if the condition is not treated as soon as possible.
Fatigue and Bad mood
Fatigue is one of the common symptoms when there is a lack of any vitamin or mineral in the body. So, in case of thiamine deficiency, the person may feel fatigued all the time and irritated most of the time. Lack of proper diet and sound sleep can make you irritated and affect your mood and the will to perform even the essential tasks of your routine. So, it is best not to avoid such a situation but to seek medical attention immediately.
Thiamine-rich Food That Should be on Your Plate
Thiamine is found in a range of food items. The readily available food items that ensure optimal thiamine content in your body are:
- Legumes
- Porks
- White rice
- Lentils
- Green peas
- Beans
- Yoghurt
- Fish, etc.
Over To You
Are you doubtful of experiencing one or more B1 deficiency symptoms? If so, there may be better choices than neglecting the condition. Seeking medical advice can help you find the best solution to the underlying condition. You may also go for vitamins and minerals tests once in a while to know your health status. It helps you avoid vitamin and mineral deficiency and related diseases and immediately makes you available for thiamine deficiency treatment. Care Health Insurance ensures a comprehensive health insurance plan that also covers your diagnostic expenses. Choose your ideal insurance plan today and avail health services without compromise!
>> Also Read: How to deal with Vitamin C Deficiency?
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
