Starvation and Malnutrition

Starvation is the most dangerous form of malnutrition. Starvation is caused in many ways. For example, it can be caused by fasting, famine, anorexia nervosa, catastrophic disease of the GI Tract. The GI tract is known to be the tubular passage of the mucus membrane and muscle extended about 8 meters from the mouth to the anus.

Also, starvation can be caused by having a stroke or being put into a coma. Starvation and malnutrition are a death sentence. When someone is anorexic or starving, their body tissues will start to break down. This will cause your organs and muscle to shrink. Provided that it can cause you to become ill and you could possibly die. The most dangerous form of malnutrition is starvation.

An average adult, who has fasted for 30 to 40 days, will usually lose 25% of their weight. The adult's metabolic rate will decrease, and the rate and amount of tissue protein will decrease about 30%. In more extended starvation, weight lose may reach up to 50% in adults and possibly more in children. Loss of organ weight is the worst in the liver and intestine, and the loss is usually moderate in the heart, kidneys, and the least in the nervous system. Emaciation, meaning to make one thin, is most obvious in the areas where noticeable fat deposits normally exist. As muscle mass shrinks, the bones will begin to push out. The skin becomes dry, think, pale and extremely cold. The hair is dry, sparse and will fall out easily. Moreover you will start to look and feel sick.

A human who has been starved and is suffering from malnutrition are greatly affected. Achlorhydria, which is acid built up in the stomach, and diarrhea are very common if you are malnourished. Heart size and cardiac output are reduced. In fact your pulse slows down and the blood pressure falls along with the respiratory rate. The main endocrine upsetting is gonadotroph with loss of nutrients in men and women and abnormal menstruation in women. Men and woman who are suffering will lack emotion and are easily irritated. They will feel weak. Most people who suffer from starvation don't have the ability to work because of the muscle destruction in their bodies. As a result, starvation worsens the cardio respiratory system. The flow of oxygen in the blood is usually mild, and can become cancerous. Because of the reduction in body temperature, it will lead a human to a slow death. In famine edema, proteins are more then likely normal, but loss of fat and muscle can result in extra cellular water, low tissue tension, and fragile skin.

Malnutrition is when a person has an unbalanced diet. It can result in eating way too much food or not eating enough at all. Also, a diet missing one or more important nutrients is most common resulting in malnutrition. Malnourished people either don't have the right proteins needed in their diet, or not enough calories. Most problems that are caused from malnutrition are also known as deficiencies diseases. For example, Scurvy is a well-known, which is now rare, form of malnutrition, in which the person lacks vitamin C.

PEM, which is also known as protein-energy malnutrition is one of the many forms of malnutrition. In addition, protein-energy malnutrition is the availability or absorption of energy and proteins in the body. Another form of malnutrition is micronutrient malnutrition. This refers to the availability of some of the nutrients such as vitamins, which are needed by the body in small quantities. All in all, these deficiencies cause diseases and will make you incapable of functioning your body. Deficiency in micronutrients such as Vitamin A reduces the capacity of the body to fight off diseases.

Although the deficiency in iron, iodine and vitamin A are commonly occurring, it can still cause a major health challenge. There are many conditions of pain occurring, such as stunted growth, reduced intelligence, limited abilities, reduced