Do you also have these symptoms? Let's learn exactly about scurvy!

Do you feel tired all the time and have no energy? Do your gums bleed sometimes, or do you have bruises all over your body? These could be signs that your body is low in vitamin C. Today, we will talk about scurvy, a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Don't worry, if you know about it, you can easily protect yourself from it and cure it if it occurs.

What exactly is Scurvy?

Simply put, scurvy is a serious deficiency that occurs when our body does not get enough vitamin C, a nutrient called ascorbic acid. This condition occurs when we do not get enough vitamin C from the food we eat. In the past, it was said to be common among sailors, because they did not get fresh fruits and vegetables when they were at sea for months. But nowadays, especially in our countries, most people get enough vitamin C from food, so scurvy is very rare. However, it is still a problem among people suffering from malnutrition in some countries of the world.

Why is vitamin C so important to us?

Vitamin C is essential for our body's health. Just think about how much work it does inside our bodies:

• Skin, Bones, and Connective Tissue Growth and Healing: Vitamin C helps keep our skin beautiful, our bones strong, and wounds heal quickly. Just like cement is needed to build a house, vitamin C is essential for the growth of these tissues in our body.
• Keep blood vessels healthy: Vitamin C also helps blood vessels, which are like tiny tubes that carry blood throughout our bodies, function properly.
• For the health of teeth and gums: Vitamin C is very important for healthy, strong teeth and gums.
• Helps the body absorb iron: Vitamin C helps the body absorb the iron in the foods we eat. Iron is essential for making red blood cells.
• Heal burns and wounds: Vitamin C also helps to heal a burn or other wound quickly.
• Acts as an antioxidant: Now you may be wondering what an ``antioxidant'' is. Simply put, when the cells in our body do various things, sometimes harmful things called ``free radicals'' are formed. These are like little enemies that can damage our cells. An ``antioxidant'' like vitamin C protects our cells from those enemies. It's like little bodyguards.

Who is more likely to develop scurvy?

Usually, people who eat well do not get scurvy. But some people are at a higher risk. Here are some of them:

• People who cannot eat fresh fruits and vegetables: Sometimes, due to economic difficulties or the environment in which they live, people who have difficulty finding fresh fruits and vegetables are at risk.
• People who have lost their appetite due to certain illnesses or treatments and eat very little: For example, people who eat very little due to treatments such as chemotherapy for cancer patients, or mental health conditions such as anorexia, may be deficient in vitamin C.
• Smokers: When we smoke, our body absorbs less vitamin C from the foods we eat. Therefore, they need more vitamin C.
• People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol and don't care about food or drink.
• Mothers who do not eat a nutritious diet during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• People who restrict many foods and do not eat a balanced diet due to allergies to certain foods or other reasons.
• People with certain other medical conditions: For example, people with intestinal diseases such as type 1 diabetes or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also develop vitamin C deficiencies.

What are the symptoms of Scurvy?

The symptoms of scurvy begin to appear after a few months of vitamin C deficiency. The initial symptoms can be very common:

• Feeling tired all the time, feeling sluggish
• Feeling upset, easily angered
• Joint pain

If these early symptoms are not treated, the condition can worsen and symptoms such as:

• Anemia, or blood deficiency, develops.
• The gums become swollen, bleed, and sometimes turn purple, making them look like a sponge.
• The teeth are starting to loosen and may even fall out.
• Bleeding under the skin (skin hemorrhages). Sometimes red or blue spots may appear on the skin, resembling a "scurvy rash."
• The body bruises easily.
• The skin becomes very rough and scaly.
• Legs swell.
• Wounds that previously healed well can recur. New wounds take a long time to heal.
• The hair becomes dry, brittle, and curls like the wire of a corkscrew (corkscrew hair).

Scurvy in young babies and children may cause symptoms such as:

• Always crying, very restless.
• When I move my body, I cry out in pain.
• I have no desire to eat.
• Body weight does not increase.
• Anemia.

Imagine, a small child doesn't understand what's going on when you talk to him. So as parents, we need to be very careful about these symptoms.

What are the causes of scurvy?

The main reason is that your body has not been getting enough vitamin C from your diet for at least three months. Not eating fresh fruits and vegetables is the main reason. Also, when we cook food, sometimes the amount of vitamin C in food can decrease.

In addition, there are times when our body needs more vitamin C than usual. If we don't get enough vitamin C at such times, a deficiency may occur. Let's take a look at what those situations are:

• Pregnancy period
• Breastfeeding time
• Illnesses with high fever (e.g. dengue)
• Increased activity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Persistent diarrhea
• Recent surgeries
• Burns
• Tobacco use (smoking, chewing tobacco)

Is scurvy contagious?

No, not at all. Scurvy is not a contagious disease. It only occurs when your body is severely deficient in vitamin C. It is not contagious from one person to another.

How do you know if you have scurvy?

If you have symptoms of scurvy, see a doctor. He or she will ask about your symptoms, do a physical exam, and see if you have any risk factors for developing scurvy.

In addition, you can also do tests like these:

• Blood test: This can measure the amount of vitamin C in your blood.
• Dermoscopy: Sometimes, a small sample (biopsy) of the affected skin or hair may be taken and examined under a microscope.

How is scurvy treated?

The good news is that scurvy is a condition that can be easily treated and cured. The main thing is to get more vitamin C into the body.

• Dietary changes: You should add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Your doctor may tell you to take one or two times the recommended daily amount of vitamin C.
• Vitamin C Supplements: Your doctor may recommend that you take vitamin C supplements until you feel better. Typically, a child with scurvy is recommended to take up to 300 milligrams (mg) per day, and an adult is recommended to take between 500 and 1,000 milligrams (mg).

How soon will I feel better after starting treatment?

Most people start to feel better within 48 hours of starting treatment. You may be almost completely cured within two weeks. However, some symptoms, such as gum problems, may take longer to fully improve. Sometimes, depending on the cause of your condition, your doctor may refer you to another specialist.

How to prevent scurvy?

It's very simple! The best way to prevent scurvy is to get the daily amount of vitamin C our bodies need from food. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best sources for this.

Some foods rich in vitamin C:

• Citrus fruits: oranges, narangs, lemons, limes, and grapefruits.
• Tomato
• Potatoes
• Broccoli
• Strawberries
• Chili peppers (especially red and yellow ones)
• Fruits common in our country like guava, nectarine, custard apple, and kamaranka are also rich in vitamin C.

The most important thing is to talk to your doctor before you start taking a vitamin C supplement. It's not a good idea to just take vitamin pills on your own.

How much vitamin C do we need per day?

The amount of vitamin C we need each day varies depending on age, gender, and a few other factors. For example, an adult male needs about 90 milligrams (mg) per day, and an adult female needs about 75 milligrams (mg). Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers need a little more.

Important: If you are a smoker, you need about 35 more milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per day than others.

These amounts are just general recommendations. It's best to consult a doctor or nutritionist about exactly how much you need and what your diet should look like.

What happens if you get scurvy? Things you need to know.

If treated promptly, the symptoms of scurvy will begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours. Some symptoms, especially severe gum disease and corkscrew hair, may take weeks or months to completely resolve. If the gums are severely damaged, it may even be permanent.

Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Not everyone will develop scurvy just because they eat a diet low in vitamin C. However, you don't want to take any risks. Therefore, don't forget to include fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Not only things like oranges and tangerines, but also things like tomatoes, potatoes, and strawberries are also good sources of this nutrient. If you feel like you have symptoms of scurvy, see a doctor immediately.

Remember as a summary

• Scurvy is a disease caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin C.
• Scurvy can be prevented by eating fresh fruits and vegetables.
• If you experience symptoms such as constant fatigue, bleeding gums, and bruising, seek medical advice.
• Scurvy is a condition that can be cured quickly with treatment.
• A balanced, nutritious diet is essential for a healthy life.

I hope you find this information useful. Stay healthy!

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