A patient with beriberi disease should increase intake of which type of food?

A patient with beriberi disease should focus on increasing their intake of whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, because beriberi is primarily caused by a deficiency in thiamine (vitamin B1). Whole wheat bread is rich in thiamine, as well as other essential nutrients that can help improve the overall nutritional status of the patient.

Thiamine is crucial for energy metabolism and plays a significant role in maintaining the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. When a person is deficient in this vitamin, they can experience symptoms such as weakness, nerve damage, and cardiovascular issues, which are characteristic of beriberi.

In contrast, options such as white rice, processed meats, and refined pasta are often low in thiamine and other vital nutrients due to processing methods that strip away the nutritional content. While white rice might be a staple carbohydrate source, it has less nutritional value than whole grain options because the refining process removes the bran and germ, where many nutrients, including thiamine, are found. Therefore, promoting the intake of whole wheat bread, which retains more of its natural nutrients, is essential in addressing the deficiency effectively.