Jeffrey Salazar
Starvation is a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, which can cause permanent organ damage and even death. It occurs when the body expends more energy than it receives over an extended period. The symptoms of starvation occur in three stages, with the first two being similar to those experienced by people who skip meals, diet, or fast. The third stage can be fatal and is the result of long-term starvation. When someone is starving, their diet should focus on re-introducing food in a way that won't shock their body. This can include metabolic salt packs, which are powders mixed with water, or even mashed potatoes and fruit, as used by the Red Cross during World War II.
Diet for a starving person
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | Above baseline needs |
| Carbohydrates | Yes, but not maize |
| Protein | Yes |
| Fat | Yes |
| Starch | Yes |
| Vegetables | Yes |
| Fruit | Yes, but not alone and not too much |
| Fatty, fibrous, and large meals | No |
| Legume-based pasta | No, unless the person has a non-sensitive GI tract |
| Red meat | No |
| Medical supervision | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
High-calorie foods
Starvation is a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, and it can lead to permanent organ damage and even death. When an individual is starving, their body expends more energy than it takes in, and this imbalance can be caused by medical conditions or circumstantial factors.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a dense and nutritious food option. They are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, vitamin C, and most B vitamins. Boiled or baked potatoes have a high satiety score, meaning they can effectively reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness. Fried potatoes, on the other hand, have a lower satiety score.
Pulses
Pulses, which include beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils, are highly nutritious and provide a good source of protein and fiber. They are slowly digestible carbohydrates, which means they can help maintain energy levels over a longer period.
Nuts
Nuts are high in calories, protein, and unsaturated fats, which are considered healthy fats. They are nutritionally rich and can increase satiety, helping to reduce hunger between meals without leading to weight gain.
Dairy Products
Increasing the consumption of low-fat dairy products, such as high-protein Greek yogurt, can promote satiety and reduce overall food intake. Fortifying milk by adding skimmed milk powder is another way to increase the protein and calorie content of dairy products.
Eggs
Eggs are a good source of protein and can be included in meals or snacks to increase calorie intake. They can be prepared in various ways, such as boiled or as an omelet, and are a filling option that can help control calorie consumption.
It is important to note that the specific dietary needs of a starving person may vary depending on their individual circumstances and any underlying medical conditions. Therefore, it is always advisable to seek professional medical advice for personalized recommendations.
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High-protein foods
When it comes to high-protein foods, it is important to choose options that are nutrient-dense and easily digestible for individuals recovering from starvation. Here are some key high-protein foods to consider:
Eggs: Eggs are an excellent source of complete protein, meaning they contain all the essential amino acids needed by the body. They are also easily digestible and provide other vital nutrients such as choline, vitamin B12, and healthy fats. Both the yolk and the white should be consumed for optimal nutrition.
Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, and beef are good choices for lean protein sources. They are rich in amino acids, which are crucial for rebuilding and repairing muscle tissue. These meats also provide important micronutrients like iron, zinc, and B-vitamins, which are often deficient in starvation situations. Be sure to remove the skin from poultry to reduce excess fat intake.
Fish and seafood: Cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are excellent sources of high-quality protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are important for brain and heart health. Seafood is also a good source of micronutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin D.
Dairy products: Milk, yogurt, and cheese provide a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. They are also excellent sources of calcium, vitamin D, and other essential micronutrients. Choose full-fat dairy options for individuals recovering from starvation, as the additional calories and fat content can aid in weight gain and overall energy levels.
Pulses and legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas are good plant-based sources of protein. They also provide dietary fiber, which can help improve digestive health and promote a diverse gut microbiome. However, it is important to note that plant-based proteins are not complete, meaning they may lack certain essential amino acids. Combining pulses and legumes with grains can help create a complete protein profile.
When introducing high-protein foods to a starving person, it is important to do so gradually, as the body needs time to adjust to digesting and utilizing these nutrients effectively. Small, frequent meals are often recommended, and proper hydration should be maintained throughout the recovery process.
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Carbohydrates
When meals are skipped, the body begins to maintain blood sugar levels by degrading glycogen in the liver and breaking down stored fat and protein. The liver can provide glucose for the first few hours. After that, the body starts to break down fat and protein. The body uses fatty acids as an energy source for muscles but lowers the amount of glucose sent to the brain. Another chemical that comes from fatty acids is glycerol, which can be used as glucose for energy but will eventually run out.
After the glycogen reserve is exhausted, fatty acids become the principal metabolic fuel for the next two to three days. At first, the brain continues to use glucose. However, if a non-brain tissue is using fatty acids as its metabolic fuel, the use of glucose in the same tissue is switched off.
During starvation, it is important to be careful about what you eat. The digestive system can become more sensitive to certain types of foods if you have been running on empty for a while. Fatty, fibrous, and larger meals tend to cause GI symptoms in people with a sensitive digestive system.
Some sources recommend eating a snack-sized offering to get your digestion back on track, waiting about 20 minutes, and then eating a well-balanced meal that includes protein, fat, starch, and vegetables. It is important to note that proteins take the body the longest time to digest, so a serving of red meat will leave the system working hard to break down the food. This can lead to negative symptoms and stomach distress, as well as feelings of excessive fullness.
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Fruit and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet. They provide a range of nutrients that are beneficial to health, including vitamins, minerals, and fibre. However, when it comes to starving individuals, there are some specific considerations to keep in mind.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that fruits and vegetables alone may not be sufficient to meet all the nutritional needs of a starving person. This is because fruits and vegetables lack certain essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, which is primarily found in animal-based sources or fortified foods. Therefore, it is recommended to include other food groups, such as grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, to ensure a more balanced diet.
When introducing food to a starving person, it is important to start slowly and with small portions. Beginning with a snack-sized offering can help ease digestion and prevent post-meal discomfort, such as bloating and cramps. Cooked vegetables are generally easier to digest due to their softer texture, and choices like spinach or arugula are gentle on an empty stomach. Steaming, sautéing, or enjoying them in soup form can make them more palatable and digestible.
Fruits can be a good option for starving individuals, but it is important to be mindful of their simple sugar content. Consuming large portions of fruit can cause a quick spike in blood glucose levels, followed by a dip that leaves the person feeling hungry again soon after. Hence, it is advisable to stick to one serving of fruit at a time and combine it with some protein and healthy fats to stabilise blood sugar levels. For example, an apple with peanut butter or grapes with string cheese can provide a more balanced snack.
Variety is key when it comes to fruits and vegetables. Aim for a rainbow of colours on your plate, as different colours indicate different plant compounds and nutrients. For instance, dark green leafy vegetables, yellow or orange produce, red fruits and vegetables, legumes, and citrus fruits should all be included in your diet. Each colour group provides a unique set of benefits that contribute to overall health and well-being.
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Medical supervision
Refeeding a starving person requires medical supervision to prevent refeeding syndrome, a potentially fatal complication that can occur when food is reintroduced after a period of starvation or malnourishment. The risk of refeeding syndrome is highest for people who have recently been starving or have a low body mass index. Other risk factors include recent weight loss, minimal or no food intake prior to refeeding, and underlying medical conditions such as eating disorders, alcohol use disorder, and certain treatments like chemotherapy and insulin therapy.
Under medical supervision, the refeeding process should be gradual and closely monitored. Healthcare professionals will introduce food in small quantities, slowly increasing the amount over time. This slow refeeding process aims to prevent sudden shifts in the body's metabolism and electrolyte levels, which can lead to dangerous complications affecting the muscles, lungs, heart, and brain.
In addition to a slow reintroduction of food, medical supervision may include providing rest and warmth, as well as treating any underlying illnesses or infections with hospitalization or antibiotics. Therapeutic foods, such as peanut butter paste, dry skim milk, and vitamin and mineral supplements, can also be used to provide complete nutrition during the refeeding process.
For individuals with severe starvation, medical supervision may involve the use of intravenous or tube feeding. Intravenous fluids, such as Lactated Ringer's solution, can treat dehydration and provide essential electrolytes. In some cases, proteins may be administered intravenously to raise serum protein levels. Nasal-gastric tubes may be necessary for individuals who are comatose or unable to tolerate oral feeding.
The medical team overseeing the refeeding process should have experience in gastroenterology and dietetics to effectively monitor and manage the complex and delicate refeeding process, preventing and treating refeeding syndrome and any underlying conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
A starving person should not be dieting without the support of a medical professional. Starvation is a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, and it can have serious health implications. If you or someone you know is experiencing starvation, seek professional medical help.
Starvation diets can slow metabolism, eat away at muscle mass, and cause a person to burn fewer calories. Hunger puts stress on the body's cells, and malnutrition can negatively impact the immune system. Starvation diets can also lead to the development of eating disorders, poor body temperature regulation, and mental health issues.
The symptoms of starvation occur in three stages. The first stage begins when meals are skipped, and the body begins to break down stored fat and protein. In the second stage, the body continues to break down fat and turn it into ketones. The third stage is more severe and can be fatal, resulting from long-term starvation.
After a period of starvation, it is important to start with a small snack to ease digestion, followed by a well-balanced meal that includes protein, fat, starch, and vegetables. It is best to avoid large portions of fruit, as the simple sugars will cause a quick rise in blood glucose, followed by a drop that will leave you feeling hungry again soon after. Instead, pair fruit with some protein and healthy fats, like apples with peanut butter or grapes with string cheese.
If you do not have access to medical equipment, you can buy metabolic salt packs made for starvation. These are powders that can be mixed with water and drunk slowly to avoid shocking the cells. The Red Cross has also used mashed potatoes and fruit to feed starving people in World War II. Potatoes are high in potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese, and they contain vitamin C and most B vitamins.
