What happens to the body when we starve? Answered by a doctor

If a person can do without oxygen for about 5-7 minutes, without water – 3-8 days, then without food these figures reach 70 days. The question arises: how is this possible? The clue lies in the fact that the body is fighting for survival. But here it does not do without losses. We tell you what sharp dietary restrictions lead to.

general practitioner

For the feeling of hunger and satiety in the body is responsible for a complex system – and in the case of a “hunger strike” it is reorganized.

Meanwhile, the level of another hormone, ghrelin, which is produced in the stomach, rises. It stimulates hunger by traveling to the brain and acting on neurons in the hypothalamus. This increases the activity of nerve cells that trigger hunger and decreases the activity of cells that suppress it. Malnutrition breaks this system and ghrelin begins to be reproduced in large quantities, stimulating hunger.

Starvation reduces another hormone, cholecystokinin, which is responsible for the feeling of satiety. It is produced in the upper part of the small intestine only in response to food intake. After a previously habitual meal, the feeling of hunger increases and occurs more often, and the body begins to accumulate fat mass. It will not be possible to reverse all these changes for at least about a year.

Decrease in muscle mass
George: Starvation leads to a decrease in plasma glucose. The pancreas releases more glucagon in this case. It affects the liver and skeletal muscles, as they store most of the glycogen, the source of energy. All this causes a decrease in muscle mass and the mass of some organs – liver, pancreas, spleen.

After depletion of all reserves, catabolism occurs – the breakdown of the tissues themselves to obtain the necessary amino acids and energy from them. There is also a slight atrophy of the endocrine glands, decreased libido and menstrual irregularities.

Nutritional deficiencies
Prolonged starvation causes a deficiency of important components, hormones, nutrients. Neglected cases are accompanied by a severe condition:

• constant weakness;
• sleep disturbance;
• hypothermia (low body temperature);
• edema;
• low blood pressure;
• irregular or increased feelings of hunger;
• occasional abdominal bloating or stomach discomfort;
• decreased heart rate of up to 60 beats per minute;
• decreased immunoglobulin levels in the blood;
• a decrease in the body’s immune response.

What foods should I pay more attention to?

• Limit your intake of sugary and energy drinks. They contain a lot of sugar and calories. Replace them with water, coffee or tea.
• Give up processed foods – preferably, meals should consist of whole, minimally processed ingredients. They usually contain fewer calories and more protein, fiber and healthy fats that promote satiety.
• Eat more dietary fiber – it keeps you feeling full longer. These include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain cereals, beans and legumes. But be careful with nuts and seeds. You should definitely eat them, but not in large quantities, as they contain a lot of calories and it is very easy to eat too much.