The human body is an amazing machine that can withstand a lot of abuse and still keep going. But there are limits to what it can endure. One of those limits is how long it can go without food. The average person can survive without food for about 3 weeks, but that doesn’t mean that it will be a pleasant experience. Starvation mode kicks in after 3 days without food and the body starts to break down its own tissues to survive.
There are different factors that affect how long a person can survive without food, such as:
– Gender
– Age
– Body weight
– Physical activity level
– Basal metabolic rate
Keep reading to learn more about how long the average person can survive without food and what happens to the body when it starts to starve.
The body’s natural reaction to starvation
When the body does not have enough food to fuel its daily activities, it will start to burn through its energy stores. Once those stores are depleted, the body will start to break down its own tissues to survive. The first signs of starvation are usually fatigue and hunger. As the body’s energy stores are depleted, the person will start to feel weak and lethargic. As the body starts to break down its own tissues, the person will experience muscle wasting and organ damage. If starvation is prolonged, it can lead to death.
The body’s natural reaction to starvation
When the body starts to starve, it goes into what is called “starvation mode.” This is the body’s natural reaction to a lack of food.
In starvation mode, the body:
– slows down its metabolism to conserve energy
– starts to break down its own tissues for energy
– begins to store fat
These changes help the body to survive for a longer period of time without food. However, they also have some nasty side effects.
The body’s uses energy stores
The body has two main energy stores:
– glycogen: this is stored in the liver and muscles and is used for short-term energy
– fat: this is stored in the body’s adipose tissue and is used for long-term energy
When the body starts to starve, it will first use up its glycogen stores. These stores can last for about 24 hours. Once they are gone, the body will start to break down its own tissues for energy.
The body will first break down muscle tissue. This can provide the body with energy for about 3 weeks. After that, the body will start to break down organs and body fat.
Death from starvation
Starvation is a slow and painful death. The body will slowly break down its own organs and tissues for energy. This process can take weeks or even months. The most common cause of death from starvation is organ failure. The body will first break down the liver, heart, and kidneys for energy. Once these organs fail, the body will quickly die.
Methods of Survival
There are some methods of survival when it comes to starvation. The most common method is to find a food source. This can be done by foraging for edible plants or animals.
Another method is to eat whatever you can find. This includes uncooked food, insects, and even garbage. This method is not recommended as it can lead to illness or death.
Conclution
Starvation is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. The human body can only survive without food for so long. After that, the body will start to break down its own tissues for energy. This process is slow and painful, and can often lead to death. If you are in a situation where you are without food, it is important to find a food source as quickly as possible.
