Scurvy is a pathology in which there is a lack of vitamin C, that is, insufficient and prolonged consumption of ascorbic acid with food. This nutrient is essential for the body since it is a necessary component for the correct synthesis of collagen in humans.
Since vitamin C is essential for the body since it significantly helps protect and defend against numerous disorders, it is necessary to maintain a balanced diet under the supervision of a professional. This is because the body cannot synthesize vitamin C, so this nutrient must be acquired through foods that are consumed regularly.
This is why it is essential to be aware of the diet followed since it can cause different diseases. If you want to know some examples, FastlyHealwe provides all the information about Scurvy: symptoms and causes.
Table of Contents
Main symptoms of Scurvy
The initial symptoms in children suffering from Scurvy are:
- Changes in your mood
- Irritability
- Pain when moving
- Difficulty gaining weight
- They reduce food intake because they lose their appetite
The little ones are a little more developed:
- The bones lose thickness
- Joints may stick out or look prominent.
A prevalent symptom is that bleeding appears around the teeth and under the tissue that cares for the bones, which often causes bruises to appear. In adults, bleeding also occurs under the skin, mainly around the hair follicles, that is, the hair, inside the joints, and under the nails.
On the other hand, people with Scurvy often feel tired, weak, and depressed. They have irregular blood pressure and heartbeat, and, in some cases, teeth can fall out and heal poorly.
Causes of Scurvy
Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the body, that is, a poorly balanced diet with a lack of essential nutrients. That you do not eat fruits and vegetables constantly can be one of the reasons you are experiencing a shortage of ascorbic acid and, consequently, you develop Scurvy. However, it can also be a consequence of unlimited alcohol consumption, significant periods of stress, and nervousness.
This is why you must have a balanced diet of nutrients. On the other hand, vitamin C deficiency can lead to other significant disorders, such as not being able to properly maintain the body’s structures and the recovery of different tissues after an injury such as a burn.
If you are suffering from this disease due to insufficient ascorbic acid in the body, you must consult a specialist about the correct way to recover this component since if a high dose of it is ingested and then it is interrupted, the pathology can get back.
Treatment to cure Scurvy
If you know or suspect that you have Scurvy, you must visit a doctor so that he can offer you the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Generally, it is based on the consumption of different products that can provide large amounts of vitamin C to the body. In addition, it can be accompanied by additional vitamin supplements, food supplements, and some tablets.
On the other hand, you mustn’t consume any alcohol during the treatment. If you are experiencing a lot of fatigue, you can resort to different natural methods, such as products with ginseng. After the treatment ends, the doctor will give you further guidelines, among which it is likely that they will advise you not to consume large amounts of vitamin C, but you should not stop its constant intake either.
Can Scurvy be prevented?
The development of Scurvy and its related symptoms can be prevented by following some simple recommendations, mainly:
- Eat a balanced diet that includes consuming different foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, melon, tomatoes, and mandarin.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will likely recommend increasing your vitamin C intake.
- Do not consume vitamin C in excess.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, or at least control your intake.
- Try to control stress and nerves, maintain a more balanced emotional life, or practice relaxation methods.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Scurvy: symptoms and causes , we recommend that you enter our Well-being category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.