Starvation Essay

The word Starvation derives from the word starve which means to die or perish from lack of food or nourishment or to suffer of hunger. Starvation is a severe state of malnutrition characterized by a deficiency in nutrients, vitamins, and energy. It is the major form of malnutrition which is the lack of proper nutrition.

Based on some of the information I researched on line, I found that the following are physical symptoms that may or could be a result of starvation such as decreased resting metabolic rate, drop in sex hormones, loss of monthly menstruation, bone loss that results in demineralization, bone growth failure and deterioration or loss in bone mass.

These are of significant concerns because they can be irreversible, constipation, sleep disturbances, hypothermia, loss of lean body mass and changes in brain chemistry that increase food cravings. Starvation not only affects your physical heath but also your mental and emotional health. The cognitive effects of starvation may result in difficulty concentrating, apathy, which is the lack of suppression of passion and emotion.

Starvation can also lead to poor judgment. The emotional effects of starvation could develop into depression, which is the state of sadness with greater and more cause to continue than that warranted. Starvation can also lead to the development of anxiety, a state of apprehension and psychic tension. This occurs in some forms of mental disorder. Irritability, the state of mind where everything bugs you and anger being the set of mixed painful frustrated and upset emotions and changing moods which I found out are a result of an imbalance of hormones and neurotransmitters. This can be a side effect and result of starvation,. The hormones and psy...

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...ravenous feeding must begin the treatment. A formula consisting of 42% dried skim milk, 32% edible oil, and 25% sucrose plus electrolyte, mineral, and vitamin supplements are recommended for the first phase of introducing food to the body. The treatment back to health is an extended process first begins with liquids. Gradually, solid foods are introduced and a daily diet providing 5,000 calories or more is instituted. The problem is that the resources are not available everywhere and are even more limited by the lack of financial needs and access to above required items. If had the access and resources then the people would have the possibility and chance so they can recover from severe degrees of starvation to a normal stature and function. Children, however, may suffer from permanent mental retardation or growth defects if their deprivation was long and extreme.