Why Your Vagina Is itching

Itching of the vagina can be really bothering. It starts with a little itching, and starts tingling more and more, and in the end you’re just so frustrated to even not know what to do, and scratch under the table at work, or hiding in the bath. Wondering where that itch comes from? With the exception of the standard itching ahead of menstruation, and for example, it’s not the casewith you, then what is?

Bacterial vaginosis

It’s one of the most common reasons for vaginal itching and burning sensation, and bacterial vaginosis occurs when the composition of the vaginal florachange. Vaginosis is tricky because has symptoms such as malodorous vaginal discharge that smells fishy, ​​reminiscent of Candide. Bacterial vaginosis requires treatment with antibiotics, and various things causes it: hormonal imbalances, sexual activity, number of sexual partners, medications, tampons, aggressive soaps…

Fungal infections
Fungal infection caused by Candida follows intense itching, vaginal discharge, a burning sensation when urinating and during sexual intercourse. Candidiasis is a very common and not considered a sexually transmitted disease. Causes may be antibiotic therapy, pregnancy, diabetes…

Contact dermatitis
Most often, occurs as a reaction to an ingredient of a product, such as sanitary napkins, soap, fabric softener, condoms, lubricants, wet wipes … Contact dermatitis is very unpleasant, and beside itching and redness, one of the symptoms is swelling.
So if you are prone to vaginal problems, avoid using these products, or use non-allergenic. If you notice symptoms of dermatitis, see a doctor immediately.

Eczema or psoriasis
These disorders of the skin can cause itching of the genital region. There are products that can be purchased without a prescription and can calm the irritation of the skin. If you do not feel any improvement within a week, it is best to consult a gynaecologist if you have problems with this type of a skin disease.

Sexually transmitted diseases
Although we all know, it is worth repeating again, unprotected Sex is risky and can lead to various diseases, which always, seriously always you should use protection. In this way you can earn chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and trichomoniasis. So, if you feel itching or tingling sensation in the vagina, if your urine hasodour, if you have pain while having sex, or if you notice sores on the genitals, see a gynaecologist immediately.

Lichen sclerosis
This disease appears as white spots on the skin and should not be ignored. And, yes, it’s itching to pain. In case you notice something like this, does not treat on your own, letgynaecologist give you a diagnosis.

Hormones

Every time when your hormone levels are disturbed (during menstruation, menopause or pregnancy, due to the use of contraceptive pills) may cause itching of the vagina.Modified hormones can also cause vaginal dryness. If the symptoms persist, see your doctor.

How to Reduce Your Back Pain

Most people of lower back pain or lumbago now there most likely are not almost any essential reasons behind the rear problem. Backside pain can certainly happen on account of ruin, stress or perhaps infection with just about any portion of it is complex composition in the coccyx (tailbone) on the cervical bones (neck). This lower portion of a back corner categorized as the actual lumbar region or perhaps lumbar back bone is really a prevalent website connected with backside ache precisely as it is sometimes under regular difficulty coming from helping all the body weight previously mentioned.

It is also at risk of even more deterioration at times on account of rising heavy objects or maybe building rotating motions within lifestyle possibly inside the place of work as part of occupational schedule, or maybe spare-time activities in addition to hobbies such as gardening as well as golf. Ordinarily, again agony affected individuals heal totally, by avoiding additionally strain therefore to their spine.

Listed below are the particular four causes of lower back pain problems, although these people could possibly be the causes of alternative types of agony as well. These kinds of aches and pains may be pointed, dull or maybe throbbing. Utilizing agony meds, stretches or placing force against your important joints unnecessarily increase agony all through your current back. Trying to expand, take supplements or maybe move into uncomfortable opportunities will increase activity and not steadiness, and also it’s a deficit of firmness that is definitely triggering a person agony.

Have you been slouched within your car even though driving to be able to in addition to coming from job every single day? Fix these items by way of putting feet squarely looking at our bodies and also parenting top of your head towards the leading of your respective neck. Make sure you adjust your seat, steering wheel and also laptop or computers watch to let pertaining to plan upright seating problems.

If you have ever had to live on using chronic small backside soreness, you are aware of precisely how bothersome it usually is. They may be to be able to penetrate and also have an impact on every single following of the evening – in addition to night! Fat loss be seated still devoid of sense them, fat loss navigate not having sense this right until you receive wholesome for a second time, lifestyle gets to be the torment. Luckily, lower back pains treatments DO happen to be as well as you’ve got found yourself in the proper position. There are many probable reasons. Previous to starting up any kind of house healing for severe returning comfort, make sure you view your nearby healthcare professional to make certain there isn’t like – degenerative disc disease , osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, scoliosis, sclerosis, sciatica, as well as one of several alternative nerve or spinal twine symptoms.

Back physical exercises for lower back pain might be categorized straight into a pair of key types people pertaining to a good suffering a loss back, in addition to the ones are made to reduce injuries. Lower back agony can be a serious dilemma, and huge numbers of people are afflicted by this yearly, in truth, as outlined by a piece of text upon “More in comparison with 40 mil Us residents manage serious agony, with a price tag associated with greater than $100 thousand yearly.”

The key dilemma could be that the spine. The lumbar region is actually in particular venerable to injuries. It’s the neighbourhood that may be tasked together with encouraging all of our body’s weight bearing pursuits. When the muscle groups are usually authorized to have fragile as well as stubborn, injury comes about. Starting up a program connected with returning workout routines to get spine pain should be some sort of priority to get many of us.

Lower back pain has become a common problem for almost everyone. If you are suffering from lower back pain, you can try the following steps:

• To begin with, you can change the way of your lifestyle. Even if it may sound quite easy, it is not actually. Most of the people would change for a temporary period. Once when the pain disappears, they would tend to get back to their old way of living, which has initially triggered the lower back pain
• Perform back exercises and stretching techniques that are appropriate for building your muscles
• Maintain good posture all the time. Distribute your weight evenly while standing. Keep the hips aligned with the ears. Switch feet every 5 to 10 minutes

While sitting, sit straight up with your feet placed on the ground. Keep your knees levelled with your hips. Do not cross your legs too much if you are not stretching.

7 Stretches in 7 Minutes To Eliminate Back Pain

For most people, back pain is simply part of life. Whether it happens at the end of a long day of work, after exercising, or after playing with your kids, you may have accepted back pain as part of the aging process.

However, you do not have to suffer through this debilitating condition. In just seven minutes, you can do seven stretches that completely relieve back pain and help you feel as good as new.

1. Knee to Chest Stretch
Lay on your back and stretch your legs out completely. Bend your right knee and place your hands on your calf. Gently pull your knee into your chest and hold for 30 seconds. Gently lower your right leg back to the floor. Repeat on the left side, holding the stretch for 30 seconds.

2. Hip Flexor Lunge
Surprisingly, back pain is often caused by tight hips. This lunge stretches out your hip flexors.

Step your right foot forward and lower your left knee to the floor in a lunge position. Make sure your left leg is pulled fairly far back. Hold for 30 seconds and return to a standing position. Repeat on the other side, holding for 30 seconds.

3. Figure Four Stretch
Return to a prone position on your back. Bend your right knee, keeping your right foot flat on the ground. Bring your left knee up to your chest and drape your ankle across the knee, letting your left knee fall out to the side. Hold for 30 seconds, switch sides, and hold for 30 seconds.

4. Hamstring Stretch

While still on your back, bend your right knee and press your right foot into the floor. Place your hands on the back of your leg, gripping just above your knee. Lift your left leg as high as you can. Hold for 30 seconds. Put your left leg down and repeat on the opposite side.

5. Supine Twist
This twist should feel fantastic on your back, particularly if you have intense lower back pain. Lay on your back with both of your knees bent and both of your knees on the floor. Cross the right leg over the left leg and drop both legs to the left side. Turn and look out to the right. Bring your legs back to neutral and repeat on the other side.

6. Forward Bend
If you carry extra tension in your back, this stretch may help you get rid of it. Place a chair that reaches your hip height in front of you. Place your hands on it and back up slightly. Bend over slowly, letting your head drop between your arms and allowing your back to angle down. Hold for one full minute.

7. Quad Stretch
Your quads can shift tension to your back if they are not properly stretched. Lay on the ground on your right side. Bend your knee, keeping your knees touching. Reach back with your left hand and grab your left ankle, pulling up slightly to stretch your quad. Switch sides after 30 seconds and repeat.

6 Pain-Killing Foods to Replace Pain Medication

Back pain is possibly one of the worst types of pain you can experience. It affects how you use the rest of your body, makes it difficult to get the physical movement and activity you need, and can often lead to pain in your legs or other extremities.

However, there are quite a few side effects associated with using pharmaceutical pain relief methods. Instead, learn more about using natural foods that fight pain.

WHY FOOD IS SUPERIOR TO PHARMACEUTICAL TREATMENTS

If you are used to using pharmaceutical treatments for your back pain, you have likely seen what kind of side effects they can have. Over-the-counter treatments can cause nausea and other digestive problems.

Prescription pain medications are even worse. Not only can they cause digestive issues, you may become dependent on them and they can often lead to drowsiness or fatigue.

On the flip side, consider that food does not have side effects. Rather, consuming food for pain relief involves using natural vitamins and minerals in food to treat your pain.

FOODS YOU SHOULD EAT FOR NATURAL PAIN RELIEF

There are many different foods that can give you the benefits of pain relief without the side effects of pharmaceuticals. Next time you feel a backache coming on, reach for one of these foods instead of the pill bottle.

TART CHERRIES

Tart cherries are an excellent food for back pain relief. They are especially beneficial if your back hurts because of exercise or heavy lifting. To get the benefits of tart cherries, you can either eat them as they are or drink a glass of cherry juice. Make sure you stick to tart cherries, not the sweet varieties.

COFFEE

If you have a backache that’s killing you, pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit down, and relax. Research has shown that a cup of coffee works as well as conventional pain medications. You just need one cup to benefit from the caffeine found in coffee.

EVENING PRIMROSE

Back pain can come from lots of different sources. If you get back pain because of menstrual cramps, evening primrose should be in your medicine cabinet. The oil found in this flower can offset cramps and back pain.

SALMON

Omega-3s are an important part of an effective back pain relief routine. However, it is much better to get your nutrients from food than from supplements. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Next time your back pain starts flaring up, prepare yourself a serving of salmon.

ORANGES

Thanks to the high vitamin C levels of oranges, they are a natural choice for people dealing with back pain. Eating oranges can reduce inflammation that often causes back pain.

FOODS TO AVOID

Just as in some foods can improve back pain, some can worsen it. If you are prone to back pain, avoid carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, trans fats and fried foods, and food additives.

In general, sticking to fresh, whole foods can significantly improve your back pain. Processed, sweet, and carb-loaded foods can make it much worse.

Naturally Treat Insomnia

Insomnia is a sleep disorder which is characterized by the inability of a person to fall into sleep and or to stay asleep. Insomnia can affect people of all ages and the main symptoms include, difficulty in falling asleep, waking up during the night and difficulty in going back to sleep, waking up too early and feeling tired in the morning after waking up. Insomnia can be short term or long term. The main causes of insomnia are stress, illness, emotional or physical discomfort, environmental factors like sound, light, hot weather and some medications. The person may feel sleepy during the day and get irritated easily. They will have problems with concentration or memory.  It is necessary to treat the underlying conditions to get rid of chronic insomnia. You can try the natural home remedies or approaches to get rid of the problem of insomnia.

Best Natural Home Remedies For Insomnia

EAT CHICKEN

Eating chicken or turkey before going to bed can help you to get the sleep. Chicken and turkey contains the amino acid tryptophan which is necessary for the production of serotonin. Serotonin in the brain helps us to sleep.

• Have a slice of turkey or chicken before going to bed.

MILK

Milk is another home remedy which contains tryptophan and which help you to get good sleep.

• You can either take a glass of warm milk before heading bed or
• You can take warm milk with a spoonful of honey in it

EAT COOKIES

The carbohydrates in cookies help tryptophan to enter the brain and activate serotonin production. Any sugary food consumed 30 minutes before bedtime acts like a sedative.

• Eat cookies half an hour before going to bed.
• You can also have cookies along with milk to get better results.

GO FOR EARLY DINNER

Take your dinner at least two hours before you go to sleep.  It will be difficult to sleep when your stomach is full.

• Have an early dinner and avoid spicy food at night, if you want to sleep better.
  

LIMIT CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL

Though alcohol makes you drowsy and put you to sleep, it causes you to get up in the middle of night with a headache, stomach ache etc and when the sedative effect of alcohol goes away it make difficult to get sleep again. Caffeine can stimulate your brain and make you remain awake.

PASSION FLOWER

Passion lower is another herb with mild sedative effect. It is necessary to consume 4,000 to 8,000 milligrams of dried passion flower capsule for effective sleep.

• Consume the capsules one hour before your bedtime.

LAVENDER

The smell of lavender acts as a mild tranquilizer. The aroma of lavender will soothe you to sleep.

• Dab a bit of lavender oil onto the temples and forehead before you hit the bed.

JASMINE

Studies have shown that people who slept in jasmine scented rooms had better sleep than people slept in non scented rooms or even lavender scented rooms.

• Apply a drop of jasmine essential oil on each wrist before you go to bed.
• You can also keep a cotton ball with one or two drops of essential oil of jasmine added to it in your bedroom.

MAKE YOUR ROOM COMFORTABLE

It is necessary to make your bedroom as comfortable as possible to have a good night’s sleep.

• Close your bedroom doors to avoid unwanted noises.
• Running the fan will help to drown other noises
• Keep the room temperature comfortable
• Do not keep computer or TV in your bedroom
• Avoid any lights and keep your room dark.

TAKE A HOT BATH

A hot bath can relax your body and mind and can ready you for a good sleep.

• Take a hot bath at least two hours before bedtime.
• You can add two cups of Epsom salt to a hot bath to relax the muscles.

MILK AND HONEY

• Take a glass of milk and add 1 tea spoon of honey.
• Mixed well and drink this every night before going to sleep.

DO NOT TAKE NAPS DURING THE DAY

If you have insomnia, try to avoid daytime nap. The afternoon nap can disrupt your body clock.

• No matter however tired you are do not nap during the day.
• This will help you to get good sleep at night.

ANISEED AND WATER

ADD 1 TEA SPOON OF ANISEED (ALSO KNOWN AS CHOTI SAUNF) TO HALF LITRE OF WATER.

• Heat the mixture for for 15min and strain the liquid.
• Drink this liquid either hot or warm.
• Take this after-meal or before going to bed.

Gum Disease, The Silent Killer: 7 Simple Home Remedies To Cure It Naturally

Healthy nutrition may be key to helping fight gum disease, which is not only important to oral health, but also to general health and well being. Eighty-five percent of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease, and 50 percent have moderate to severe periodontitis. Of those diagnosed, only 3 percent seek treatment, putting the rest at risk for a number of serious health issues—so the odds are that you have it … and you just don’t know it.

7 HOME REMEDIES TO TREAT IT NATURALLY

Baking Soda
Mix plain baking soda with enough water to create a paste, and rub it along your gum-line with your fingers.

Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also be featured in several remedies for swollen and bleeding gums. Simply rub the gel of aloe vera on the gums and let it sit. Do this repeatedly until the problem subsides.

Lemon Juice

The anti inflammatory properties contained in lemon juice could be very useful in the healing treatment of gum infections. Furthermore, lemons contain vitamin C, and that may empower your gums to fight off the disease. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and add a bit of salt to it. Combine the salt and lemon juice well until it turns into a paste of sorts. Apply this paste on to your own teeth and leave it on for several minutes before gargling with water.

Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is really an exceptionally effective antiseptic that nature provides. Rub a little bit of tea tree oil in the gums to stop gum disease and also to help alleviate symptoms. You can even locate a toothpaste that includes tea tree oil to help fight bacteria when brushing.

Clove Oil
Clove oil is really a typical ingredient in quite a few natural treatment options for bleeding gums. Some national health practitioners propose rubbing clove oil to the affected gums, but warns that one might experience a burning sensation in the beginning. If burning continues then consult to your doctor.

Mustard Oil
Mustard oil is found in every home. It is extensively used as a cooking medium for its health benefits. It is rich in vitamins and has antioxidant properties. Take half teaspoon of pure mustard oil in the palm of your hand. With your clean finger rub the oil all over the gums using a gentle circular motion. Rinse with warm water. This will increase the blood circulation, stimulate the gums and soothe the pain. For strong gums use this application daily.

TurmericTurmeric is another common ingredient to be found in every home. Its potency to reduce inflammation and fight infection is well known. Take one teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix it with honey to form a thick smooth paste. Apply gently all over the gums and teeth. Leave for three minutes. Rinse with water. The gums will be soothed and feel less tender. Do it every night before going to bed.

Recipe With Apple Cider Vinegar to Treat Arthritis and Joint Pain Naturally

Whenever you have pain in your joints it is really difficult to accomplish anything. There are some people who have joint pain after a long day at work. This type of joint pain may go away after a day of rest. However, some people experience chronic joint pain or may even have arthritis. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. There are many different forms of arthritis and it may affect any area of the body from the neck down to your feet.

If you suffer from joint pain you may find that there is very little relief offered from conventional medicines. One of the best ways to relieve joint pain and the symptoms of arthritis is by making a few lifestyle changes including changing your dietary habits.

If you suffer from arthritis and joint pain and find that over the counter medications are not working for you or you simply want a more natural way to cure your aching joints, there is an answer. It comes in the form of apple cider vinegar.

How to use it:

One of the best ways to use apple cider vinegar to relieve your joint pain is to create a soak with it.

• Mix the apple cider vinegar with six cups of warm water.
• You can then soak your hands or feet in this bath. If you suffer from neck pain you can soak a rag in the mixture and place it on your neck or other area of the body that may be hurting you.

Another option for topical treatment of your joint pain is to mix apple cider vinegar with olive oil or coconut oil. Use 2 tbs. of apple cider vinegar per one tbs. of oil.

• Mix it well and then apply the mixture to the joints that are affected.
• Make sure to rub the mixture in and leave it on in order to gain some relief from the pain.
• If you do this regularly you will notice a big difference in the amount of pain that you have in your joints.

Apple cider vinegar can also be drunk to help prevent arthritis. Mix between one and three tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water or with any type of fruit juice.

Cherry juice is a good choice to mix it with as it will provide you with even more health benefits. Try to drink three times a day, preferably before each meal. You can also apply the water/cider mixture directly to your inflamed joints to help relieve the pain and discomfort. Apple cider vinegar is a great choice for relieving joint pain, but it has many other uses as well. it is a powerful antioxidant that can help flush the body of toxins. The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are numerous and are something everyone should consider adding to their daily diet.

BEST TIMES TO EAT

Health Benefits of Vitamin A or Retinol

Vitamin A is a very important nutrient. Retinal and retinol are referred to as preformed Vitamin A. It helps in increasing the body’s immunity to fight infections and keeps your eyes and skin moist.

Vitamin A or retinol is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in ensuring healthy eyes and bone development. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common cause of blindness among children. Vitamin A can prevent night blindness and dry eyes, while also ensuring clear vision.

Important Sources of vitamin A

Fish liver oils, cream, egg yolk, beef liver, cheddar cheese, fortified milk, and butter products are rich sources of Vitamin A. Yellow or orange-colored fruits and vegetables that contain the pigment carotene are also top sources. Be sure to include food items such as sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, spinach, mango, pumpkin, tomato, oatmeal, apricot, peach, peas, papaya and collard greens in your daily diet to ensure a regular supply of vitamin A.

Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms

Some of the major deficiency symptoms of Vitamin A include keratinization of the skin, night blindness, a burning sensation or itching in the eyes, inflammation of the eyelids, xerophthalmia (dryness of the conjunctiva), dull lusterless hair dandruff, brittle nails that break easily, sexual disorders, and precancerous changes in the body tissues. A deficiency of Vitamin A might also result in fatigue, insomnia and depression.

Health Benefits of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is essential for a healthy body and it has many beneficial properties, including those listed below.

Improves Immunity: Vitamin A enhances the body’s immunity against infections by increasing the lymphocytic responses against disease-causing antigens. It keeps the mucus membranes moist to ensure better immunity and also enhances the activity of white blood cells. It not only prevents the germs from entering your body, but also helps to fight the infections once the germs gain entry into the body system, thereby ensuring a double core of protection.

Ensures Healthy Eyes: Vitamin A can aid in improving vision. It enables your eyes to adjust to light changes, keeps the eyes moist, and also improves night vision. It can prevent many conditions like dry eyes as well. Vitamin A helps in the formation of visual purple in the eyes, which can improve the vision of weak eyes. Vitamin A ensures a healthy retina and also prevents night blindness by increasing the adaptability of the human eye to both bright light and darkness. It can also significantly cut down the risks of cataracts and macular degeneration, which is commonly associated with aging. It ensures healthy and beautiful eyes. It is also thought to be beneficial for people suffering from glaucoma.

Ensures Soft and Supple Skin: Vitamin A helps to keep your body free from free radicals and toxins, which might cause damage to your skin. It helps to keep the skin soft and supple by ensuring moisture retention, thereby preventing dryness, keratinization and skin conditions like psoriasis.

Strong Bones and Teeth: This essential vitamin also strengthens the bones and teeth. Vitamin A helps in the formation of dentin, a layer of hard material just below the surface of the teeth, thereby enhancing its strength.

Prevents Urinary Stones: Vitamin A prevents the formation of urinary calculi due to the formation of calcium phosphate. It also helps to keep the lining of the urinary tract in shape, thereby reducing the recurring chance of stones.

Prevents Muscular Dystrophy: By keeping the bones healthy and by retaining their shape, Vitamin A plays an essential role in ensuring proper muscle growth in children and growing teens, thereby preventing the chances of developing muscular dystrophy.

Prevents Acne: Vitamin A helps to cut down excess sebum production, thereby reducing the risk of acne. It also reinforces the protective tissues of the skin, thereby enhancing the overall health and vitality of the skin surface. Vitamin A is essential for the proper maintenance of the skin tissues and mucus membranes. It flushes out the toxins from your body and cleanses the system by virtue of its antioxidant properties.

Prevents Certain Cancers: Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant, which can prevent certain forms of cancer.

Repair and Replacement of Old Tissues: Vitamin A plays an important role in replacing old and worn out tissues with new ones, as well as in keeping your bones and teeth strong.

Slows the Aging Process: Vitamin A is famous for its wrinkle-eliminating properties, which can reduce age spots and fine lines. It can slow down the aging process by enhancing the overall health of the skin.

Lowers Cholesterol: It lowers blood cholesterol levels, thereby protecting you against the serious risks of heart disease and stroke.

Healthy Reproductive System: This Vitamin is widely known for aiding the health and functionality of the reproductive system.

A Few Words of Caution: Vitamin A is required only in trace amounts and any excess quantity will be expelled by the body unabsorbed. Make sure to ensure a regular supply of the requisite quantity for best results. Vitamin A overdose can have detrimental symptoms such as blurred vision and nausea. Severe symptoms might include growth retardation, and an enlarged spleen and liver, among others.

Health Benefits of Vitamin B1 or Thiamine

Vitamin B1 is a vital human nutrient that belongs to the Vitamin B complex. It plays an important role in maintaining a healthy nervous system and improving the cardiovascular functioning of the body.

Vitamin B1 is one of the eight water-soluble vitamins in the B complex family. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose, which in turn is used to produce energy for carrying out various bodily functions. Vitamin B1 is also required for the breakdown of fats and protein.

In addition to these health benefits, it maintain the muscle tone along the walls of the digestive tract and promotes the health of the nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, and liver. It also improves the body’s ability to withstand stress and is often called the “anti-stress” vitamin.

Important Sources of Vitamin B1

Yeast and liver are the richest sources of Vitamin B1. Pork, whole-grain cereals, rye, wheat germ and kidney beans are also important sources of this vitamin. The list also includes asparagus, potatoes, mushrooms, romaine lettuce, spinach, tuna, green peas, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and eggplant. Adding these to your diet will ensure a healthy level of B1 vitamin. Unfortunately, overcooking and long term refrigeration can destroy Vitamin B1.

========================================================================================Vitamin B1 Deficiency Symptoms

Some of the early symptoms of deficiency might include lethargy, irritability, loss of memory, loss of sleep or appetite, weight loss, indigestion or constipation, and calf muscle tenderness. If left untreated these initial symptoms might lead to a more severe form of thiamin deficiency, known as beriberi. This condition is characterized by nerve, heart, and brain abnormalities, but the symptoms might vary in every person and depends on a number of factors. Some more examples are explained below.

Dry Beriberi: This condition might involve nerve and muscle abnormalities, a prickling sensation in the toes, a burning sensation in the feet at night, leg cramps and muscle atrophy.

Wet Beriberi: Common symptoms might include abnormally fast heart beat, fluid retention in the legs, pulmonary edema, and hypotension, which might result in shock and even death.

Brain Abnormalities: In alcoholics, thiamin deficiency might result in brain abnormalities such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Some of its common symptoms include haziness, involuntary eye movements, difficulty in walking and partial paralysis of the eyes among other debilitating symptoms. If ignored, these symptoms could become fatal. Some of the common symptoms of Korsakoff’s psychosis include loss of memory, incoherence and confabulation.

Infantile Beriberi: This variety is commonly seen in newborn children of women already suffering from thiamin deficiency who contract this condition from the mother’s milk. Heart failure, loss of reflexes and aphonia are some of the common symptoms, so be sure to have sufficient levels of vitamin B1 if you are pregnant.

Health Benefits of Vitamin B1

Vitamin B1 helps in many important bodily functions and its benefits include the following.

Involved in Energy Production: Sugar is the principal source of energy in our body where it is oxidized to form a usable form of energy due to the presence of vitamin B1. It is part of a complex enzyme system called the pyruvate dehydrogenase system, which helps in the oxidation of sugar. Vitamin B1 is required for the functioning of this enzyme system, which releases energy for a variety of normal functions in the body.

Development of Myelin Sheaths: Vitamin B1 helps in the proper development of myelin sheaths around nerves. A deficiency of Vitamin B1 might result in the degeneration of these coverings, which can result in nerve death and damage.

Proper Cardiac Function: This vitamin helps in the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is used to relay messages between the nerves and muscles and to ensure proper cardiac function. Vitamin B1 deficiency can therefore result in irregular cardiac functions. People suffering from congestive heart failure, when given vitamin B1 intravenously for seven days, showed considerable improvements in their echocardiograms, which proves that vitamin B1 can prevent heart disease.

Prevents Cataracts: When used along with other essential nutrients, Vitamin B1 can delay or prevent the occurrence of cataracts.

Anti-Aging Properties: Vitamin B1 works as a powerful antioxidant, which helps you protect your body from the signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, and other age-related conditions that regularly affect the organ systems.

Ensures Proper Digestion: This vitamin also helps in the secretion of hydrochloric acid, which is essential for the complete digestion of food particles.

Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease: Vitamin B1 is thought to slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. People suffering from this disease have benefited when treated with vitamin B1 supplements of 100 mg per day. There are placebo-controlled trial studies that are ongoing to determine more about the mechanism by which this occurs.

Improves Memory: Vitamin B1 can improve your memory and powers of concentration. It is also used in the management of many nervous disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Bell’s palsy.

Vitamin B1 is better known as a “morale vitamin” for its positive impact on the nervous system and a healthy mental attitude.

Red Blood Cell Production: Vitamin B1 plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, which in turn keeps people healthy, active, and energized.

Alcoholism: Vitamin B1 can fend off the deficiencies caused by cirrhosis, infections, hyperthyroidism, and the other effects of alcoholism.

Improves Appetite: This vitamin can also significantly improve appetite and mental alertness.

Note: Vitamin B1 is a water soluble vitamin, and will be expelled through urine. Therefore, make sure to maintain a well balanced diet that can resupply the necessary amounts of vitamin B1 regularly.