The disease that once literally decimated sailors on long voyages has also appeared in 2024 and can very easily become an unpleasant threat for some individuals! It is not advisable to mess with the scarecrow of the past called scurvy.
Scurvy or Möller’s Barlow’s disease is a disease caused by a long-term lack of vitamin C in the diet. At present, it occurred only exceptionally in developed society, rather it occasionally appeared only in very poor areas of the so-called the third world. However, the situation is starting to change! Which individuals are currently most at risk of this disease and how can you effectively protect yourself from it?
The industrial revolution and scurvy as a disease of sailors at the time. Do you want to learn more about the then serious and insidious disease? Watch this interesting YouTube video on the Tereza Dragounová channel:
Source: Youtube
History of scurvy
Scurvy began to appear among sailors mainly in the 15th century, when they began to undertake long expeditions across the Atlantic towards America or around Africa. The men were dependent only on a poor diet consisting mostly of dried beef and crackers, which soon began to affect their health. Scurvy had a large number of victims at that time. Doctors did not know how to deal with this disease for a long time. It wasn’t until 1772 that the Scottish physician James Lind published his work, where he stated that a daily ration of a drink that contained vinegar, sea water and the juice of two oranges and one lemon was able to cure even severe cases of scurvy, and many sailors stood up again after 6 days of treatment on the feet. However, he made the discovery already in 1747.
Symptoms of scurvy
One of the first symptoms is general fatigue, joint and muscle pain and loss of energy. There is also an inflammatory disease of the gums, which bleed even with a light touch, and spontaneous loss of teeth also occurs. Due to weakened immunity, even small minor wounds heal slowly. Anemia and the appearance of bruises and bleeding spots on the skin are also a symptom.
Australian patient
Unfortunately, even in modern times, the door to this insidious disease is opened by bad eating habits and a lack of vitamin C. For example, in Perth, Australia, doctors accepted a patient who was diagnosed with scurvy. He could not afford a healthy diet, and sometimes even skipped meals altogether. Doctors are of the opinion that the current high cost of living, unfortunately also together with risk factors such as obesity, may bring the eradicated disease back when it may be current on a large scale.
The word of an expert
“Scurvy is still considered a disease of the past, especially in developed countries. However, isolated cases of scurvy occur mainly in the elderly, patients with alcoholism and children with psychiatric or developmental problems. Scurvy is re-emerging as the cost of living rises. They can manifest themselves after a month of poor nutrition with a lack of vitamin C,” warned Dr. Andrew Dermawan from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth, Australia, who also published an expert study on this topic.
Which groups of people may be at risk
Although it may seem that scurvy is just a disease from the past currently occurring only occasionally, experts have a slightly different opinion. This disease can very easily threaten certain groups of the population. Which one is it specifically? These are elderly individuals whose body’s ability to absorb vitamin C decreases. This includes people with limited food intake. Low food intake often means a lack of vitamins and minerals.
A risk group is also people with certain diseases, such as oncological diseases or chronic kidney diseases, which negatively affect the absorption of “céček”. The same applies to individuals with eating disorders. Anorexia or bulimia can lead to severe malnutrition and excessive lack of necessary vitamins. Vegetarians and vegans who do not have a carefully prepared menu should also be careful.
Prevention of scurvy
The best prevention of this dangerous and unpleasant disease is a varied and balanced diet, which is rich in fruits and vegetables. Citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberries, peppers, broccoli and cauliflower are especially important. Try to eat at least 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Pay attention to a varied menu, thanks to a varied diet you will ensure the intake of all necessary vitamins and minerals. Limit your consumption of processed foods, which are often devoid of nutrients and contain large amounts of sugar and salt.
Resources: www.nypost.com, www.cs.wikipedia.cz, www.echo24.cz, www.idnes.cz
