In human culture fasting is a habit performed by people. During this process humans stay without eating any food items. Sometimes people fast for hours without water also. But, the question is how long can you survive without food? Let us find the answer in this article.
At first let us understand why we need food for our body.
Why do we need to eat well?
Something that supplies the body with nourishment is called a food. Nutrients are substances that provide: energy for activity, growth, and all functions of the body such as breathing, digesting food, and keeping warm; materials for the growth and repair of the body, as well as for maintaining a healthy immune system; and energy for all functions of the body such as breathing, digesting food, and keeping warm. Both macronutrients and micronutrients are able to be distinguished from one another within the realm of nutrients.
We are all aware that persons who consume meals that are nutritious and well-balanced are more likely to have the following:
- Abundance of energy to get their work done while also having fun;
- Less infections and disease
- Children who have healthy diets typically have healthy growth.
- Women who maintain a healthy diet have a better chance of having babies who are also healthy.
It gives us energy and the level of energy again decides how long can you survive without food and water. Because of this, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the kinds of food combinations that result in satisfying meals as well as the specific dietary requirements of each member of the family.
It is a matter of thought to understand how many days a person can live without food. During festivals and occasions people do not eat regular food and go on fasting. Another stage of not eating food is starvation. But there is a vast difference between fasting and starvation.
What is Fasting?
In a fast, you forego all liquids and solids save water for a set period of time. Fasting is something that can be done for a variety of different reasons; however, it is typically recommended for those who are going to be through particular medical exams, such as glucose tolerance testing and lipid tolerance tests. You need to abstain from food and drink for at least eight hours before undergoing a medical examination. It is possible to observe a fast for spiritual purposes for as little as one day, as much as one weekend, or as long as many weeks at a time.
What is starvation?
Traditional medical definitions of starvation describe a severe or total deficiency in one or more of the nutrients necessary for human survival. People who do not take appropriate amounts of fluids may also be deemed to be famished. Because they do not ingest adequate amounts of protein, carbs, fat, vitamins, and minerals. A person's risk of developing certain illnesses is directly related to the particular nutrients that are lacking in their diet. Riboflavin deficiency, as well as deficiencies in vitamin B-12, vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin D, have been linked to their own distinct forms of famine.
Initial signs o starving may include impulsivity, irritability, and hyperactivity in the affected individual. Due to the fact that the sensation of hunger is governed by the amount of space in the stomach that is vacant. Thus, having a stomach that has wasted away makes it more difficult to feel hungry.
Difference between fasting and starvation
The severity of the symptoms experienced is what differentiates fasting from starvation as the primary distinction between the two.
Firstly, People who fast for short periods of time may have relatively modest side effects such as hunger, headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, low blood pressure, and exhaustion. These symptoms might be becasue of fasting itself or by the fast's side effects.
Those who are malnourished, on the other hand, are at risk of developing brain malfunction, heart failure, and convulsions. If the situation is allowed to remain, they will eventually die of famine. When someone fasts for a longer period of time, there is a greater possibility that they will subject themselves to some form of famine.
People who are starving experience a significant loss of both fat (adipose tissue) and muscle mass. Because their bodies are forced to break down these tissues in order to obtain energy. Catabolism is the process by which a body breaks down its own muscles and other tissues in order to maintain the proper operation of essential organs and muscles, such as the nervous system and the myocardium (the muscle that makes up the heart).
Things to keep in mind while fasting
It is not recommended that individuals take part in fasting if they are on particular prescription medications or have ongoing health conditions such as anorexia, heart disease, or diabetes.
The majority of fasts that are less than five days long can be done safely at home as long as proper fluid intake is maintained and physical activity is kept to a minimum. People who have the ability to abstain from food and drink for more than five days may be encouraged to do so under the guidance of an experienced medical professional.
Points to remember while fasting
- While you are fasting, it is important that you drink plenty of water. Infused water beverages such as lime juice, chhaas, and lassi, as well as fruit juices and uncooked, whole fruits, are also recommended.
- Amaranth seeds (also known as rajgira) and water chestnut flour (also known as singhaare ka atta) are examples of millets. Both of these foods are high in fibre and include essential minerals and vitamins in the B complex.
- Avoid consuming fried foods like sabudana vada.
- During a fast, it is beneficial to consume foods such as nuts, fruits, millets, and vegetables like pumpkin and sweet potato, as well as milk, curd, and buttermilk.
Topic related to food habits and food combinations are there in the science nutrition chapter. Online tuition classes help students to understand these concepts of nutrition and health. Science Online Tuition aware students about the nutrients in different food items.
