Vitamin B1 - Thiamine
What Is It?
B1 (thiamine) is a water soluble vitamin, which is not stored in the body so must be replaced daily. First discovered in Japan during the early 1900s when a deficiency was found to be the cause of beriberi. If eating a healthy diet the body can get all the thiamine it requires to function properly. If the diet is poor it can be supplemented.
B vitamins are more potent working together to ensure proper absorption, again if the diet is good this will not be a problem, but it does highlight the need for a well balanced healthy diet for a proper functioning body.
This vitamin is destroyed by alcohol, stress, coffee and tea - these drinks act as diuretics so remove both water and water soluble vitamins from the body. Enzymes present in raw fish can also destroy thiamin.
Why Do We Need It?
Thiamine helps in stabilising appetite and maintaining normal heart function, it is important to growth, lactation and fertility and is essential for energy production, brain function and digestion. Thiamine helps the body make use of protein and aids in the prevention of arthritis and atherosclerosis. It is also helpful in maintaining mental health as it helps to over-come stress, depression, anxiety and poor memory.
The need for thiamine is increased by chronic stress, diarrhoea, fever and smoking.
Deficiency Symptoms
Deficiency symptoms include loss of appetite, fatigue, water retention, heart palpitations, low thyroid function, nervous exhaustion, irritability, fears, depression, anxiety and confusion. Tender muscles, eye pains, poor concentration, prickly legs, poor memory, stomach pains, constipation, tingling hands.
Where Can We Find It?
Natural Sources include whole grains, alfalfa, asparagus, beans, bell peppers, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cayenne, courgette, dulse, fennel seed, kelp, lettuce, mushrooms, parsley, peas, peanuts, peppermint, plums, prunes (dried), raisins, spirulina, squash, tomatoes, watercress, seeds and nuts.
Be Aware...
If taking supplements excessive use of B1 can affect thyroid and insulin production and might cause B6 deficiency as well as a loss of other B vitamins.
Thiamine levels are depleted by long term treatment with diuretic, anti-epileptic and antibiotic drugs. Oral contraceptives can also decrease thiamine levels in the body.
Up to 33% of thiamin present in our food can be destroyed by cooking, so eat as much raw as possible, juicing is the perfect solution.
Studies/Research
Clinical studies have shown that taking thiamine intramuscular has been known to produce toxic side effects including generalised urticaria, facial deem, dyspnea, cyanosis, wheezing and anaphylactic shock.
Rare side effects have been reported from oral supplementation such as itching, shortness of breath, tachycardia, feeling hot and sweating.
Please Note
Vitamins are an essential part of maintaining a fully functional, healthy body - they assist in the growth and development of the body. In combination with all the other essential nutrients they play a part in many roles including metabolism, immunity and digestion. The best and natural way to meet your vitamin needs is to eat a balanced diet containing a variety of raw fruits and vegetables. If you can't meet your needs through food alone, then, and only then you may require dietary supplements. If you feel you need help via alternative methods you must seek guidance from your doctor, nutritionist or natural juice therapist before taking supplements.
References
Reader’s Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and supplements.
The World’s healthiest foods - George Mateljan
Vitamins and Minerals deMystified - Dr Steve Blake
Nutritional Healing - Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
Nutritional Influences on illness - Mervyn R Werbach M.D.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that we are not Doctors, so it is important BEFORE making any changes that you consult with your GP or Medical Practitioner. The suggestions above are not meant as an alternative to any current medical treatment so please DO NOT stop taking any medications you are on. They are also not an endorsement of their effectiveness, nor a recommendation that they should be followed but instead, provided for informational purposes. None of the information on the Natural Juice Therapy site is intended or implied to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease.