Scurvy is a condition caused by a severe deficiency in vitamin C. An essential nutrient to health, vitamin C can only be obtained
Scurvy is defined as having an extreme vitamin C deficiency for at least 3 straight months. Scurvy is often associated with sailors, who used to be away on long trips and didn’t have enough foods with vitamin C content. As a result, they developed scurvy due to their nutritional deficiency.1
What Causes Scurvy?
The only cause of scurvy is a severe lack of vitamin C over a long period of time. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for maintaining and developing healthy bones, teeth, skin, tissues and blood vessels. In order to absorb iron and produce collagen, the body needs a certain amount of vitamin C to metabolize these functions. Without enough vitamin C, the body cannot maintain these essential health functions, which causes scurvy symptoms.1,2
People who are most at-risk for developing scurvy are those who have eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. Additionally, anyone adhering to strict and restrictive diets may also not be getting enough vitamin C in their diet.1,2
People with poor dietary habits overall and who rarely eat fruits and vegetables are also very much at-risk for having dangerously low levels of vitamin C. People with severe digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and colitis may not be absorbing enough vitamin C and may be at risk of developing scurvy.1,2
Scurvy Symptoms
Scurvy symptoms include:
Changes in skin, teeth and hair health may also indicate a vitamin C deficiency.
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Scurvy
The best way to remedy scurvy is to add vitamin C back into your diet with these foods:
References
Potato is the most effective natural product for Scurvy CuresDecoded worldwide community recommends