Starvation essentially means starving the body of vital nutrients it needs to function and survive. Starvation can be caused from outside sources beyond someone's control or it can be entirely self-inflicted. Any time the body is depleted of vital liquids and nutrients from food--there are several physical side effects that take place. These effects essentially happen because the body is trying to conserve energy for survival. There is a point when the symptoms can become irreversible and death can occur.
Weight Loss
One of the most obvious signs of malnutrition and starvation is a drastic appearance in someone's weight. For someone who is facing starvation they could possibly lose up to 2 lbs. per day. This is a very serious side effect and should be considered a medical emergency. Drastic weight loss can lead to organ failure and eventually death.
Dehydration occurs when there is a lack of fluid intake in the body. This means that the body is beginning to use fluids and water that is being stored in the body. One of the first organs affected will be the kidneys. They could begin to fail and stop working all together if urine output ceases. The skin will begin to lose its turgor and rigidity and appear to be stiff and very dry. Dehydration can also lead to irregular heart rhythms.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolyte imbalances are a common side effect of starvation. Not only is fluid lost, vital nutrients going into the body are not available for fuel. Electrolytes also play a strong role in healthy heart function, muscle and nerve impulses and the flow of oxygen throughout the body. When electrolyte levels are severely disrupted, the body could even slip into a comatose state. Glucose is not being consumed so blood sugar levels can drop very quickly even when the slightest amount of insulin is being produced by the pancreas.
Muscle Atrophy
Severe muscle atrophy occurs in the very final stages of starvation. This is where the muscle disintegrates and decreases as the body literally begins to feed off of itself. It will use its own muscle mass to provide energy throughout the bloodstream to prevent organs from shutting down. Dangerously low potassium levels can also lead to muscle twitches and spasms. This also displays feelings of intense weakness and sometimes bouts of paralysis. As muscle breaks down, nerve cells degenerate especially in the spinal cord area where movement is regulated. When muscles are not strong enough to even function, someone may not be able to move freely or at all.
Hypotension
Hypotension is also referred to as low blood pressure. In starvation mode, the body can experience bouts of hypotension. This drops body temperature also. In some cases the blood pressure can get so low that it can cause shock--a potentially fatal condition in which the body begins shutting down in a last ditch effort for survival. Untreated hypotension will lead to coma or death.
source : livestronge.com
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