Skip to content

Galway Independent

Home arrow Sections arrow Living arrow B1 (Thiamine)
B1 (Thiamine) E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Wednesday, 24 January 2007
B1 optimises cognitive and brain activity and has an effect on energy levels, growth and appetite, writes Dr Bhatti

The B vitamins work together as a group and generally should not be taken individually. Deficiency of any of the B vitamins can have a multitude of side effects, including some serious health disorders.

B1 (Thiamine) contributes to a healthy circulatory system and assists in blood formation, carbohydrate metabolism and the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is essential for maintaining healthy digestion. B1 also optimises cognitive and brain activity and has an effect on energy levels, growth and appetite. It is also required for good muscle tone of the intestines, stomach and heart. Vitamin B1 acts as an anti oxidant, protecting the body against the effects of aging, alcohol consumption and smoking.

Some people have B1 deficiency, especially the elderly. As we get older, all the B vitamins are not so easily absorbed. Very little B1 can be stored in the body, so it is possible to become depleted of this vitamin within 14 days unless adequate sources are taken daily. Symptoms associated with Vitamin B1 deficiency include: constipation, oedema, enlarged liver, fatigue, forgetfulness, gastrointestinal disturbances, heart changes, irritability, laboured breathing, loss of appetite, muscle damage, nervousness, numbness of the hands and feet, pain and sensitivity, poor coordination tingling sensations, weak and sore muscles. Although these symptoms may be due to a range of illnesses, if you are experiencing any of the above and basic medical conditions have been ruled out by your GP, a visit to a fully qualified nutritionist could quite simply and quickly remedy the problems. People who drink large amounts of alcohol are nearly always depleted of this vitamin. This is because the B family vitamins are water-soluble, which leads to them being leached out of the body when alcohol is consumed. This is because alcohol can act as a diuretic. People with alcohol withdrawal definitely require extra B1 as part of their recovery programme.

Foods rich in Vitamin B1 include: whole grains, wheat germ, rice bran, poultry, pork, peas, peanuts, liver, legumes, fish, egg yolks and brown rice. Also, eat plenty of asparagus, brewer's yeast, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, dulse, kelp, oatmeal, plums, dried prunes, raisins, spirulina and watercress. Remember when cooking vegetables to only lightly steam them otherwise essential nutrients may be lost in the cooking water. Herbs that contain B1 include cayenne, chamomile, nettle, oat straw, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sage and alfalfa. A high carbohydrate diet increases the need for Vitamin B1 and vegetarians may be deficient in this vitamin, so extra attention to diet is essential. Antibiotics and oral contraceptives may also decrease Vitamin B1 so a combined Vitamin B complex in some cases will be recommended by a nutritionist.

Always consult your GP before starting any new regime or self treatment. The contents of this article are for information purposes only and are not intended to prevent, diagnose or cure any medical conditions. Next week's topic continues in our series of vitamins. If you would like a topic covered, contact The Clinic of Complementary and Natural Medicine, Kiltartan House, Forster St., Galway on 091- 568804.


Comments (0) »		 feed
Show/Hide comment formtoggle


Write the displayed characters


busy
 
User Rating: / 0
PoorBest 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]


Custom Search
Visit our Games and puzzles section
How will you vote in Lisbon 2?
 
Find your ideal job in Galway using our Galway Jobs listings.