This article aims to address the issue of hunger or starvation. Here on Symptomat.de we have often warned of the danger of being overweight and given tips on how to prevent it, so that it seems superfluous to talk about a problem like starvation. Events like the spillage of miners and other catastrophes cause many readers to ask the question: How long can a person actually go hungry? What are the consequences of starvation? How do you behave after a period of hunger?
Why do you go hungry at all?
If you want to give an approximately sufficient answer to this question, then you must first explain what processes take place in the human body during a period of hunger. The most important insights into the changed process of the metabolism were accustomed through medical observation of so-called hunger artists and therapeutic fasting. Fasting is a voluntary abstention from food for healing purposes. During this time, adequate hydration is only provided with tea or juice.
The difference to starvation lies in the emphasis on voluntariness. As a result, the attitude of those concerned is much more positive even with certain physical complaints. Furthermore, the resolve to fast is tied to a goal lacking in those who are forced to starve. One can distinguish three stages in the process of hunger metabolism. In the first three days, the organism uses up the easily accessible supplies from the liver and muscles. The weight loss is - mainly due to the release of water - about one kilogram per day. This time is associated with a strong feeling of hunger, but this soon subsides with voluntary abstinence from food.
If starvation occurs under duress, then the feeling of hunger can increase to unbearable during this time. After three days the body has adjusted to the new situation. It is now attacking its reserves, but without endangering its actual existence. It draws its energy from burning the fat deposits under the skin and from breaking down muscle tissue. The change in the body can be seen, among other things, in a characteristic bland body odor. The daily weight loss is now 300 grams per day. Since it is mainly adipose tissue, one can assume a calorie consumption of around 2500 calories.
Physical deterioration when starving
Coping with the so-called re-poisoning is essential for surviving a period of hunger. Even when there is no food, the body releases metabolic waste products into the intestine. However, since the regular excretion of stool stops very soon, these slags remain in the intestine and are partly absorbed again. During therapeutic fasting, you can rid the body of these substances by using enemas. If this is not the case, then these reabsorbed slag represent an additional source of disturbance for the organism, which severely affects the state of health. It may sound amazing, but after the body has adapted to the state of hunger, physical performances such as gymnastics, walks or even long hikes are quite possible.
Gymnastics and walks are part of what is known as fasting. On the other hand, it is difficult to do an activity while standing, as the adaptability of the circulatory system deteriorates, the blood sinks in the legs and occasional dizziness occurs. A clouding of consciousness does not yet occur at this time. On the contrary, we know from people who are fasting that special spiritual achievements and knowledge are possible. In general, a fasting period can safely be extended to at least three weeks. Only then are the less vital organs broken down. The brain, heart and kidneys are spared for a long time.
Ultimately, the emaciation takes on ever greater proportions. In addition to complete loss of subcutaneous fat and loss of muscles, the secretion of the lacrimal and salivary glands dries up. The entry into this critical period is indicated by a noticeable fall in weight. In addition to the reduction in physical performance, there is a loss of willpower and mental attitude. The unbearable feeling of hunger subsides. The starving person becomes apathetic until death finally occurs when the regulatory centers of the body go out. An exact point in time for how long a person can endure hunger cannot be given.
In addition to the nutritional status at the onset of starvation, the willpower of the individual plays an important role. The Irish patriot Terence MacSwiney is reported to have killed himself by refusing to eat for 74 days. Hunger strikes, however, which were poorly organized as an act of desperation, were reportedly only lasted for a few days. Positive impressions, such as hope for success or liberation or resistance to oppressors, can significantly extend stamina.
The ability to adapt to such an exceptional situation is of course also limited by age; Children and the elderly are less resilient.Women should be able to starve longer than men. The heat loss must also be given special consideration. We know from our own experience that we can eat more in winter than in summer. This condition is due to the increasing basal metabolism when it is cold.
Starvation damages the body
The time after surviving a period of hunger is difficult. Scientific experiences have recently been made with inmates from concentration camps or prisoners. With the first bite, cravings set in, which, if uncontrolled, had serious consequences in many cases. The overcrowding of the stomach and poor digestive power can lead to serious, sometimes fatal disorders if the food is not selected. Therefore a careful diet is necessary, which gradually leads to a normal diet through frequent small meals made from easily digestible foods containing carbohydrates and dairy products.
Prolonged starvation, such as anorexia or anorexia nervosa or bulimia, which often occurs in adolescents, is sure to damage the body. Limited, sensible restriction of food in the case of overweight and medically controlled therapeutic fasting, on the other hand, have a beneficial effect on the organism and are indispensable in the treatment of certain diseases.
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