Scurvy is a condition rarely seen in modern times, but cases of it do still exist. It is caused by a severe deficiency in vitamin C or ascorbic acid causes it. Also known as scorbutus, scurvy has long been associated with sailors in the olden times who went off to sea for extended periods of time. As the only available sources of vitamin C during those times were fresh fruits and vegetables, and food preservation methods were still rudimentary at best, the sailors quickly ran out of vitamin C on their long ocean voyages. This resulted in many sailors dying from what could have otherwise been an easily preventable disease. While scurvy is, thankfully, a rare condition nowadays, certain groups of people are still particularly prone to suffering from it. Such groups include alcoholics, low-income families, people suffering from malnutrition, and the elderly.
Bleeding gums are among the most significant indicators of scurvy, but the condition is also linked to symptoms such as gum disease, anemia, exhaustion, edema, inflammation of the gums, skin hemorrhages, and tooth loss. It is easily treated by eating food that is rich in vitamin C and by taking vitamin C supplements. (Related: Natural cures for periodontal disease: Vitamin C and quercetin.)
Foods that are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties. A potent antioxidant in itself, vitamin C helps protect you against free radicals and has a positive effect on your skin health and immune function. Free radicals also cause oxidative stress, which is linked to chronic inflammation.
Protect yourself from bleeding gums and the onset of scurvy by eating vitamin C-rich food items. Here are some excellent sources of vitamin C:
If you want to learn more about natural cures for scurvy and other diseases, you can read more articles by going to NaturalCures.news.
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