Many people think of scurvy as a disease that sailors used to get back in the 18h century, caused by a lack of vitamin C due to long voyages without any access to citrus fruits. However, you might be very surprised to know that scurvy is more popular in modern times that you would think.
Due to a terrible diet or an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, there has been a recent surge of scurvy among teens. Also, people who are alcoholic, take excessive medication or have very poor diets can also suffer from this disease.
Scurvy is a manifestation of a very low pH in the body and this disease causes fatigue, lethargy, reduced bone and muscle strength and a stifled immune system. The problem is that while other animals can create their own vitamin C, humans don’t have the gene for internal vitamin C processing. We need to obtain it elsewhere, or else we become very ill.
Scurvy is a manifestation of a very low pH in the body and this disease causes fatigue, lethargy, reduced bone and muscle strength and a stifled immune system. The problem is that while other animals can create their own vitamin C, humans don’t have the gene for internal vitamin C processing. We need to obtain it elsewhere, or else we become very ill.
Signs that You Might be Vitamin C Deficient
So how can you tell when you are deficient in vitamin C? Here are some of the early warning signs that you need to increase your vitamin C intake:
- You always feel tired and like you have no energy. Even your bone strength is affected, making you feel weak.
- You start to feel depressed and listless all the time. You don’t have the enthusiasm you once did.
- You experience gingivitis, loose teeth, bleeding gums or other such issues. Vitamin C is vital for collagen production in the body, which is needed to build and maintain tissue.
- You start to experience rapid mood changes, a short temper and an irritable mood.
- You bruise easily and the bruises last for a very long time. This can be an early indication of vitamin C deficiency.
- Your hair feels dry and brittle and easily breaks.
- You have been experiencing chronic joint or limb pain. If your vitamin C deficiency is getting quite severe, you can get to a point where bleeding will occur within your joints, which causes serious pain.
- If you find yourself being knocked ill by every flu or cold that comes your way, you might be experiencing a vitamin C deficiency. A lack of vitamin C can affect your immune system.
These are just a few of the symptoms that you might notice if you are suffering from a lack of vitamin C. If more than a few of these symptoms apply to you, it is very important to consult your doctor so that you can get started on the right treatment to replenish the vitamin C in your body, through both diet and supplements.
