Malnutrition begins when the body does not receive enough nutrients to function well. If the condition persists and is not treated, the muscle breaks down for energy and basic functions deteriorate. Approximately eight weeks the human body can go without food before a fatal outcome.
Those eight weeks that the body can endure without eating before death They may vary depending on the person’s reserve and muscle. However, without drinking water, survival is much shorter, as explained by José Pablo Suárez Llanos, member of the Nutrition area of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN).
Without drinking water, survival is much shorter, generally only between 3 and 5 days, since the human body is composed mostly of water and dehydration can quickly lead to organ failure and death,” says Suárez Llanos.
The first affected when the body stops eating
According to the latest report on the state of food security and nutrition in the world, prepared by United Nations agencies, 733 million people suffer from hunger in the world, which represents 9.1% of the world population. Since 2019, the number of people suffering from hunger has increased by 152 million.
At the beginning of malnutrition, the expert explains, the body uses its glycogen reserves, “the body’s glucose store”followed by stored fat.
If malnutrition persists, the body begins to break down muscle for energy, leading to loss of muscle mass, weakness, and impairment of basic bodily functions.
The digestive and immune systems are the first affected.
On the one hand, “a lack of nutrients reduces the body’s ability to absorb and digest food properly and weakens the immune system, making it more susceptible to infections.”
In the long term, continues the SEEN member, vital organs such as the heart, kidneys or liver can be “severely affected.”
and the first symptoms of malnutrition They can be felt within a few days: fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.
The recovery
Recovery from a malnutrition process has to be “gradual and supervised by professionals,” continues Suárez Llanos. It is advisable to start with foods that are easy to digest and rich in nutrients.
Soups, broths and fruit and vegetable purees are the recommended foods.
As the body recovers, lean proteins, as well as other foods and supplements, can be introduced. “to correct deficiencies”. Lean proteins, and other foods and supplements can be introduced to correct deficiencies.
It is crucial to monitor for refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that can occur when food is reintroduced too quickly in malnourished people, causing severe electrolyte imbalances,” warns the expert.
The aftermath
Malnutrition can cause long-term consequences. Chronic muscle weakness, osteoporosis, heart disease and mental health problems such as depression and anxiety are some of them.
“Full recovery may be difficult and some damage may be permanent, depending on the duration and severity of malnutrition”says Suárez Llanos.
If malnutrition is left untreated and the body continues to go without food, the result is death.
die from starvation
Death due to starvation occurs when the body exhausts all its energy and nutrient reserves, and vital organs begin to fail, continues the SEEN expert.
Common causes of death in cases of prolonged starvation are dehydration, severe infections due to a compromised immune system, and heart failure.
(With information from EFE)
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