BERI BERI : VITAMIN B DEFICIENCY

Beri beri is a disease which is caused by the deficiency of vitamin B ( Thiamine ) .  It may be wet or dry . Wet beri beri affects the cardiovascular system whereas dry beri beri affects the nervous system . It may be seen in the infants of 2-4 months of age where it is called infantile beri beri .

 

CAUSES

Deficiency of vitamin B in diet which may occur during pregnancy or breastfeeding

 Liver disease

Alcoholism

Goiter

Eating over cooked food

Eating stale fruits and vegetables

SIGNS / SYMPTOMS

Anorexia

Pain in abdomen

Nausea

Irritability

Loss of sensations in the hands and feet

Joint pains

Muscular pains                                        

Fatigue

Shortness of breadth

Increased heart rate

Paralysis of the limbs

PREVENTION

Eating fruits , meat , fish and green vegetables

Intake of milk

Use of wheat and rice

Use of balanced diet

 

ARE YOU OBESE

Yes you are obese if your body mass index is more than 25 .  Body mass index is also known as BMI . BMI is an indicator of obesity . It is independent of age and is same for both sexes . It is actually the ratio of weight in kg over height in meter square .

Obesity is defined as abnormal growth of adipose tissue due to enlargement of the fat cells . It is prevalent in both developed as well as developing countries . It affects children as well as adults . It is one of the most significant contributors to ill health .

CAUSES  OF  OBESITY

Obesity can be due to genetic causes .

Sedentary lifestyle and sedentary occupations predispose to obesity . Physical inactivity may cause obesity which inturn restricts activity . So this is a vicous circle .

It is closely related to the socio economic status .

Diet plays an important role . Eating sweets and refined foods are closely related to obesity .

Overeating may also be the cause . Overeating may be due to psychological reasons .

 

RISKS OF OBESITY

Hypertension

Hyperlipidemia

Glucose intolerance

Coronary heart disease

Diabetes

Renal failure

PREVENTION

Weight control can be achieved by taking simple steps

CONTROL YOUR DIET 

You should be only taking the amount of calories which are required  and should refrain from overeating . Try to avoid sweets and fats .

INCREASE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

It is as important as diet control . Those people who stay in home or have sedentary professions should take a regular walk .