[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/5-diseases-virtually-eradicated-through-nutrition\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/5-diseases-virtually-eradicated-through-nutrition\/","headline":"5 Diseases Virtually Eradicated Through Nutrition","name":"5 Diseases Virtually Eradicated Through Nutrition","description":"We don\u2019t hear much about diseases like rickets or scurvy these days, especially living in the western world. Thanks to an advanced understanding of nutrition, as well as the widespread...","datePublished":"2021-11-04","dateModified":"2026-03-20","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/#Person","name":"Marlene","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/author\/ein_marlene\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/669d68837c50949b8a978b90d77c2c97da62be0c9a8fee8912abb01c7e0947a8?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Edison Institute of Nutrition","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Edison-Institute-of-Nutrition-logo-color.svg","width":0,"height":0}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-diseases-virtually-eradicated-through-nutrition.jpg","url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/5-diseases-virtually-eradicated-through-nutrition.jpg","height":630,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/edisoninst.com\/5-diseases-virtually-eradicated-through-nutrition\/","about":["Articles","Health Conditions","Nutrition Science"],"wordCount":1188,"articleBody":"We don\u2019t hear much about diseases like rickets or scurvy these days, especially living in the western world.Thanks to an advanced understanding of nutrition, as well as the widespread availability of a variety of foods and supplements, many diseases caused by malnutrition have all but disappeared.Even so, it\u2019s important to learn about our past to know where we\u2019re going, and if you\u2019re considering a diploma in holistic nutrition then learning about the ways nutrition has been used to eradicate disease is something you should be interested in.Keep reading to learn about five diseases which have been all been eliminated, thanks to a better understanding of nutrition.ScurvyScurvy is a disease which develops when someone doesn\u2019t get enough vitamin C.In the 1600s and 1700s, it was a huge issue for sailors who were at sea for lengthy periods of times, as their diets often didn\u2019t contain many fresh fruits.Symptoms Of ScurvySome signs of scurvy include:Development of red or blue spots on the skinFeeling weak and tiredBruising easilyJoint and leg painIrritabilityFeeling sadWhat Causes Scurvy?The cause of scurvy is vitamin C deficiency.Some factors which can put you at higher risk of this include:A diet lacking in fresh fruits and vegetablesUndergoing treatments which make you feel sick and result in eating less, such as chemotherapySmokingUnhealthy diet during pregnancy or breastfeedingDrug or alcohol dependencyHow Nutrition HelpsA study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine notes that due to the prevalence of fortified foods in developed countries, scurvy is much less common now than it once was.It can still occur in individuals who don\u2019t eat many fresh fruits and vegetables but can be easily avoided by incorporating more foods rich in vitamin C into your diet.PellagraPellagra is a disease which occurs in people who don\u2019t get enough niacin, or vitamin B3.Although its prevalence has been reduced in Europe and North America, it is still an issue in many developing countries where corn is a major part of their diet.It can also be an issue in individuals whose bodies don\u2019t properly absorb niacin.Left untreated, pellagra can be fatal.Symptoms Of PellagraThe three primary symptoms of pellagra are known as the three D\u2019s\u2009\u2014\u2009digestion, dermatitis, and dementia.Symptoms related to atopic dermatitis include:Patches of skin which are burning or itchyFlakey, red skinCrusty, scaly, or cracked skinDiscolorationNeurological symptoms include:DepressionDisorientationHeadachesMood swingsApathyAnxietyOther symptoms include:Nausea and vomitingLow appetiteSores on the lips, gums, and tonguesDifficulty eating and drinkingWhat Causes Pellagra?Primary pellagra occurs when an individual has a diet low in niacin or tryptophan (an amino acid which the body can convert to niacin).Secondary pellagra is when the body is unable to absorb enough niacin, and some reasons for this can include:Eating disordersGastrointestinal diseaseSome types of medicationsCarcinoid tumorsHartnup disorderAlcoholismCirrhosis of the liverHow Nutrition HelpsNutrition can be useful for treating primary pellagra.Niacin supplements can be used to supplement diet or can also be given through an IV.Treatment for secondary pellagra generally focuses on the underlying cause.RicketsRickets is a condition which occurs in children and affects bone development.It\u2019s usually caused by low levels of calcium and vitamin D, however there are rare cases where rickets is genetic.Symptoms Of RicketsIn children with rickets, their bones become weakened which leads to deformities.Some signs and symptoms include:Fragile bones, more prone to fracturePainPoor growth and developmentBow legsDental issuesWhat Causes Rickets?The major cause of rickets is a lack of vitamin D and calcium, however it can also occur due to genetics or other health conditions.In some cases, rickets is linked to conditions involving the liver, kidney and intestines which affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals.How Nutrition HelpsIn cases where rickets is related to a lack of calcium and vitamin D, the treatment generally involves increasing the amounts of these nutrients in one\u2019s diet.If it\u2019s due to issues with absorbing nutrients, then it\u2019s important to address the underlying digestive issues.BeriberiBeriberi is a deficiency of vitamin B1, also known as thiamin.Thiamin helps your metabolism and plays a role in the functioning of your nervous system.When beriberi affects the cardiovascular systems it\u2019s called wet beriberi, and when it affects the central nervous system it\u2019s called dry beriberi.Symptoms Of BeriberiSymptoms of beriberi include:FeverWeaknessNausea and vomitingBrain fogTachycardiaChest painFatigueTingling in the feet and fingersWhat Causes BeriberiFactors which can increase the risk of beriberi include:AlcoholismHigh stress levelsBabies who are breast fed, when the feeding parent is thiamin deficientPeople who have high carbohydrate dietsIndividuals who exercise excessivelyDigestive issues which can affect nutrient absorptionHyperthyroidismHow Nutrition HelpsThe best way to protect against beriberi is eat a diet rich in thiamin.Some great foods which can help with this include:FishPorkBeansSunflower seedsThiamin enriched rice and noodlesThiamin fortified cerealsXerophthalmiaVitamin A is important for eye health.If you don\u2019t get enough, it can cause your eyes and tear ducts to dry out.Over time, xerophthalmia can develop, causing damage including ulcers on the corneas and white spots on your eyes.Symptoms Of XerophthalmiaXerophthalmia starts out with mild symptoms and gets worse over time if the vitamin A deficiency isn\u2019t addressed.One early symptom is night blindness, which is the inability to see in dim light.As the disease progresses, ulcers and lesions can develop on the cornea, eventually leading to blindness.What Causes XerophthalmiaThe primary cause of xerophthalmia is a lack of vitamin A.It\u2019s more common in areas where people have limited access to animal products.How Nutrition HelpsThe most efficient sources of vitamin A are in animal-based products such as:EggsDairy productsMeatFish liverPoultryIt can also be found in some vegetables; however, this form of the vitamin is less efficient.Individuals who avoid meat and other animal products may want to talk to their registered holistic nutritionist about the possibility of supplementation.Contact Edison Institute of NutritionAre you interested in the ways in which proper nutrition and diet changes can make positive impacts on people\u2019s lives?Do you want to take your interest in holistic nutrition to the next level, and work towards a career where you will be able to help others take control of their health?Contact Edison Institute of Nutrition today, to learn more about our programs, and how we can help you take your career to the next level."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"5 Diseases Virtually Eradicated Through 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