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Thiamine Ayurvedic Medicines - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

Vitamins are organic, vital nutrients that are required for various body functions. Vitamins support bone health, wound healing, immune system functioning, and so much more. They also convert food into energy and help repair cellular damage. Although different vitamins have different roles in the human body, vitamin B1 or Thiamine (THM) is essential for maintaining brain and nerve function. This article explores Thiamine in the context of Ayurvedic medicine.

Contents

What is Thiamine?
Thiamine Ayurvedic Medicines
Health Benefits of Thiamine
Symptoms of Thiamine deficiency
What causes Thiamine deficiency?
Treatment of Thiamine deficiency in Ayurveda
Side effects of Thiamine medicine
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Thiamine?

Thiamine, often known as vitamin B1, is a water-soluble B vitamin that performs a wide range of essential functions in your body. It is a vitamin required by your body for growth, metabolism, and cellular function, as well as for the conversion of food into energy. It helps in the exchange of electrolytes between muscle and nerve cells. It is also involved in muscular contraction and the functioning of nerve signals.

Being a water-soluble vitamin, THM is not stored in your body. Hence you need to consume it on a regular basis. Fortunately, THM can be found naturally in a number of foods and is added to other foods by means of fortification. It's also typically found in multivitamins, as a solo supplement, or as a part of the vitamin B complex. However, some food sources that are rich in THM may include the following.

Fortified white rice
Fortified breakfast cereal
Sunflower seeds
Black beans
Pork
Trout
Yoghurt
Corn
Many bread varieties

If you don't get enough of this vitamin, it will result in Thiamine deficiency which may impact your heart, brain, and immune system.

Thiamine Ayurvedic Medicines

Here’s a list of popular THM Ayurvedic medicines.

1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)

The two compounds derived from Brahmi are saponins and sterols. Brahmi has properties that can aid in the removal of redness and swelling caused by irritation. Brahmi is also thought to be anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory, which helps in the treatment of THM deficiency.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is a neuroprotective herb. It boosts neuroendocrine functions and aids in stress relief. Further, it enhances the strength of the muscle and has a relaxing effect on the muscles. It augments both physical and mental wellness. As a result, this herbal medicine alleviates the symptoms of beriberi conditions.

3. Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Green tea contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help remove toxins from the body. THM deficiency is common among diabetics and may lead to some diabetic complications. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a polyphenolic antioxidant found in green tea. Studies have shown that EGCG may have a variety of health advantages, including better glycemic control and improved insulin activity.

4. Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis)

Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is high in minerals and vitamins. The right dosage can aid in the treatment of THM deficiency, which causes beriberi illness. Spirulina helps with the improvement of attention and focus and the normal functioning of the neurological system and brain.

5. Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis)

Since Indian gooseberry, or amla, is high in vitamin C, it is beneficial for digestion as well as skin improvement. THM deficiency can be alleviated by eating vitamin C-rich meals on a regular basis.

6. Rice bran (Oryza sativa L)

Studies show that rice bran is a major source of THM or vitamin B1. Regular consumption of unpolished rice bran water can help improve THM deficiency and soothe skin irritation caused by beriberi.

Health Benefits of Thiamine

Thiamine promotes an array of health benefits that may include the following.

It promotes heart health
Improves memory and cognition
Protects the brain and neurological system from damage
It helps in keeping the liver, skin, hair, and eyes healthy
Thiamine supplements can also help enhance athlete’s performance and energy
Studies show that vitamin B1 enhances the immune system and increases the ability to manage mood and physical ineffectiveness caused by stress
THM can help people with Alzheimer's disease by improving their cognitive function
It helps people retain a happy mental attitude, minimise memory loss, and improve their learning ability

Symptoms of Thiamine deficiency

Thiamine deficiency symptoms can be easily overlooked since they are nonspecific, resembling symptoms of other illnesses. One of the very common adverse effects of chronic Thiamine deficiency is nerve damage, often known as neuropathy or beriberi.

The symptoms of beriberi may include the following.

Tingling sensations in the limbs
Decreased sensitivity in the feet and fingers
Muscular atrophy
Faster heartbeat
Mental confusion and coordination issues
Paralysis of the lower body(inability to move the legs)

What causes Thiamine deficiency?

The following are some of the most prevalent risk factors for thiamine deficiency.

Long-term use of alcohol
Old age
HIV AIDS
Long-term administration of nutrients through an IV into the bloodstream
High blood sugar and hyperthyroidism
Anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
Bariatric surgery
Dialysis to treat kidney disease
An excessive dosage of diuretics
Health problems that impair your capacity to absorb vitamins and minerals

Treatment of Thiamine deficiency in Ayurveda

The ideal approach to treating THM deficiency is prevention.

A diet high in THM can help the body maintain the THM levels. An average adult should consume 1.1-1.2 milligrams of THM per day. Moreover, a Thiamine-containing supplement, such as a multivitamin or vitamin B complex, can often fulfil the daily requirements.

Thiamine deficiency can easily be treated with herbal treatments. Ayurvedic medications will nourish your entire body and help you live a long and disease-free life. Moreover, these Ayurvedic medicines are free from artificial colours, preservatives, binders, starch, or chemicals. Thus, they are completely natural and have no negative effects.

Side effects of Thiamine medicine

Visit your doctor immediately if you encounter the following adverse effects.

Blue coloured lips
Chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Coughing up blood
Vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and their answers regarding Thiamine Ayurvedic medicine.

What are the most common causes of Thiamine deficiency?

Some of the most common causes of Thiamine deficiency are genetic beriberi (inability to absorb Thiamine), excess alcohol consumption, bariatric surgery, and HIV AIDs.

What is the best Ayurvedic medicine to treat Thiamine deficiency?

Brahmi, ashwagandha, green tea extract, spirulina, rice bran water, and Indian gooseberry are some of the excellent medicines that can very well treat Thiamine deficiency.

What are the health benefits of Thiamine?

Thiamine has various health benefits, including promoting heart health, treating beriberi disease, improving memory and cognition, protecting the brain and neurological system from damage, etc.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions. Thiamine is also written as THM in this article.