“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Berry berry, also known as beriberi, is a nutritional deficiency disease caused by a deficiency of thiamine (also known as vitamin B1). Thiamine is essential for the body to metabolize carbohydrates and produce energy, and a lack of thiamine can lead to a range of symptoms.
There are two main types of beriberi: wet beriberi and dry beriberi. Wet beriberi affects the cardiovascular system and can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and swelling in the legs. Dry beriberi affects the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and difficulty walking.
Beriberi is most commonly seen in people who consume a diet that is low in thiamine, such as those who rely heavily on polished rice as a staple food. Alcoholism and chronic diarrhea can also increase the risk of developing beriberi, as they can interfere with the body's ability to absorb and use thiamine.
Treatment for beriberi typically involves supplementing the diet with thiamine-rich foods or taking thiamine supplements. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to receive thiamine injections. It is important to seek medical attention if you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of beriberi, as the condition can be life-threatening if left untreated.