[ASGMAG.COM] AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE 15‹ Left: We think
of starvation as
something that
happens across
the oceans in some
third-world country.
However, we are
never more than
a few days away
from a significant
degradation in
performance
when deprived of
sustenance.‹ Below: The most
common food-related
problem we have in
America is that we eat
too much of it. Some
folks start a survival
situation with more fat
reserves than others.catecholamines drive the body into a state
of ketogenesis. In this period, the body’s fuel
needs are derived from ketone bodies and
free fatty acids. When that tank runs dry
things get fairly dark.
At this point in the starvation process
protein catabolism occurs. This means that
your body’s fuel necessarily comes from deg-
radation of structurally critical proteins like
muscle. This final metabolic gasp ultimately
causes organ dysfunction and death.
Each stage is unique to the individual. Some
of us obviously have more fat reserves than
others. However, the process is biologically
predictable.
PRACTICAL MANIFESTATIONS
OF FOOD DEPRIVATION
The doctor word is “inanition.” Initial
symptoms are irritability (Who saw that
coming?), impulsivity, and hyperactivity. As
the stomach atrophies, the sensation of hun-
ger actually diminishes.
The lack of metabolic fuel then results in
fatigue and lethargy along with a predictable
apathy. Apathy can have obvious dire effects
on the long-term survivor. This means your
innate will to live takes a hit. Eventually the