Beriberi

Definition

Beriberi is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (supplement B1), which in turn causes neurological, mental, and cardiovascular difficulties.

Symptoms

The signs of beriberi range from mild to severe.

Moderate symptoms include fatigue, irritation, slow learning and cognition problems, poor cold tolerance, nausea, vomiting, and whiteheads (pimples) on the face or upper torso.

Serious symptoms include memory loss, weight loss, abdominal and heart distress, poor digestion, gas, diarrhea, constipation, severe fatigue, moodiness, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), heart failure and if left untreated, death can occur.

Trigger

Parasites, intestinal or liver disease, food allergies, or severe stress can all be causes or triggers of beriberi.

Beriberi is divided into 2 classifications – primary beriberi and supplementary beriberi.

Primary beriberi can be attributed to the inadequate consumption of supplement B1. It most commonly occurs in people who consume a diet high in processed and prepared foods. It is particularly common though in individuals who subsist on white rice because B1 is lost in the milling process.

Secondary beriberi is also related to an inadequate amount of B1 in the body, however it is typically attributed to gastrointestinal problems, alcoholism or substance abuse, pregnancy, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), breast-feeding, fever, and stress (emotional and physical). However, some people are afflicted with secondary beriberi because they cannot properly absorb B1. This can be a genetic issue or it can be caused by parasites, lack of intestinal bacteria food allergies, celiac disease, or drugs and alcohol

Natural Remedies

Note: When the cause of beriberi is properly addressed, the condition usually starts to resolve itself within 7 days. Actual healing time depends on the severity of the B1 deficiency.

Diet: Eat meals rich in thiamine such as brown rice, whole grains, and raw fruits and vegetables. In particular, consume green leafy vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, and yogurt. Drinking excessive liquids (more than one glass) with meals may rinse away thiamine along with other B nutritional vitamins. Drink only the necessary amount when eating.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy® for generalized stress (4 drops in a half-glass of water). Sip frequently. Single flower essences are useful to ease discomfort and stress.

Homeopathy: Sulfur might help ease the actual symptoms of beriberi.

Nutritional Supplementation: For cases with moderate symptoms, consider taking a thiamine supplement. For severe cases, take thiamine along with vitamin B complex, a multivitamin, and ascorbic acid.

Visit a physician immediately if you are experiencing symptoms associated with severe beriberi.

Alternative Expert Care

If your symptoms continue despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified health professional. These professional treatment therapies have proven to be useful for dealing with and relieving the symptoms of beriberi: Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, and traditional Chinese Medicine. (See Glossary for descriptions of these alternative treatments.)