Scurvy Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Prevention

To understand the essence of Scurvy, it is critical to define this term professionally. It is not possible to remain completely healthy without the proper amount of vitamin C in the organism. It is an integral part of our body (a.k.a. protein). If the person lacks this type of protein, he or she must be ready to face such problems as the gums that bleed without a good reason, time-consuming recovery from traumas, and easy bruising. Besides, the connective tissue simply falls apart.

The initial symptoms mostly deal with the eating behaviors: they may change suddenly. It will result in the changes in weight as well as extreme exhaustion and annoyance. As one month or three months pass by, more symptoms show up (anemia, bone ache, tiny red spots, bleeding, swelling, issues with gum and mouth hygiene, breathlessness, behavioral fluctuations, and problems with hair). In rare cases, the persons may experience the ruination of red blood cells (RBC), excessive bleeding of different organs, high fever, and even convulsions.

Why may Scurvy happen? Thanks to the improved level of living and progress, which allows taking care of the personal hygiene, the disease is almost gone. Thus, the US population barely suffers from this health condition. Besides, people are taking better care of their daily rations now. Those who still underestimate the importance of vitamin C are under threat. Various food supplements can fix the minimum lack of vitamin C. fruits and vegetables also possess a high level of vitamin C. When the vitamin is almost absent, the consequences may be fatal.

There are many signs that help to identify this health condition. Doctors believe that blood examination is the best and most accurate approach to defining Scurvy. While you attend your doctor, he or she will take a blood sample from the vein. It is necessary to find out your level of the corresponding vitamin. It is also called an ascorbic acid, by the way. They sell special candies aimed to reduce the problem of the lack of vitamin C both white and red blood cells are analyzed to make a conclusion. The second ones may even tell whether the person suffers from anemia.

The first thing to mention about the risk factors is the fact people cannot synthesize the required vitamin. The ascorbic acid is gathered from several outside sources. Those are certain fruits and vegetables. You may also try fortified meals if you lack vitamin C. Several reasons explain why some people keep losing vitamin C in large amounts. That is a badly planned diet. For instance, a person focuses on consuming protein-rich products only, forgetting to include vitamin C-based goods on the daily list.

Countries with low income have higher rates of Scurvy. The deficit is present in people with anorexia. Different mental health problems can also reduce the number of vitamin C in the body. Other risk factors contain aging, allergies, alcohol abuse, and suspicious drugs. The infants who were not fed properly may face the problem as well.

People who suffer from Crohn’s disease or used to go through the chemotherapy may be challenged too. The wisest decision may be to quit smoking and drinking as well as consuming unhealthy food.

Are there any ways to prevent Scurvy? Yes, there are several ways to avoid this trouble, and they are pretty easy. As it was mentioned above, the person should not consume an excessive amount of alcohol. It is better to quit smoking and taking certain drugs. Start eating more fruits and vegetables with the high levels of vitamins, especially vitamin C.

These goods may serve as the tools used to support a preventive diet. The immune system development plays a great role. Without its improvement, no diet would be effective enough. Except for eating, let’s say, pickled vegetables, try practicing more: physical activities like walking or swimming would be a great addition to your health regime.