Hunger strike, no danger? this is what happens to our bodies!

Surely you have often heard of hunger strikes when many people demonstrate. Indeed, hunger strikes are often carried out as a form of protest against the government or the authorities, to attract attention during demonstrations. Of course, this is an inappropriate way because it can torture the person who did it. Want to know what effects a hunger strike can have on the body? Check out the following explanation.

When a hunger strike, the body will use up energy reserves

Every day, even every second, humans need energy to carry out activities and also for the basic needs of the body in carrying out its functions. So, humans need to eat to get energy.

The average person needs about 1,200 calories per day to maintain internal organ function, support brain function, heart function, and basic growth functions. This is also known as the basic calorie requirement. In addition, humans also need 30% additional calories to support the activities they do.

Now, imagine if humans did not eat at all for several days. Where then do humans get their energy? The body will definitely use up the energy reserves in the body, divert all the resources that are in the body for use. However, of course this energy will eventually run out if it is not replaced by energy that enters through food.

The stages that occur in the body during a hunger strike

At the start of a hunger strike

Right now, you are still hungry. However, this hunger usually goes away after two or three days of you going on a hunger strike, as explained in a document from California Correctional Health Care Services.

At this time, the body will use fat reserves as energy, if the carbohydrate reserves are used up. Many of these fat reserves are stored in the liver and muscles. Continuous use of fat as energy can put the body in a state of ketosis. Causes you to experience bad breath, headaches, and fatigue.

After three days of hunger strike

The body begins to use muscle protein for energy. The body then loses a lot of fat and muscle mass. You will also lose a lot of levels of electrolytes and important nutrients, such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Hunger strikes that last for three days can have devastating effects, but are generally not life-threatening.

More than two weeks

At this time, people who are on a hunger strike will experience protein deficiency, difficulty standing, severe dizziness, lethargy, weakness, loss of coordination, low heart rate, no thirst, and chills. At this time, the levels of vitamin B1 in the body are also very low, causing cognitive impairment, vision problems, and muscle damage resulting in decreased motor skills.

More than four weeks

After more than one month on a hunger strike, the body will lose more than 18% of its weight. You will look thin. But, not only that, serious medical problems can also nest in your body. You may experience difficulty swallowing, loss of hearing and vision, difficulty breathing, and organ failure to develop.

More than six weeks

This can be life threatening. Death can occur due to heart failure or poisoning in the organ systems, including sepsis, and infection of the blood. Additionally, you may experience psychological changes, leading to impulsive and aggressive behavior, and frequent confusion.

People who get sick while on a hunger strike may die early, as malnutrition can occur in as little as three weeks. And, if during the hunger strike the person doing it also refuses fluid intake (drinking water), then the bad effects of the hunger strike can take place very quickly. Death may occur in as little as 7-14 days, especially if the weather is hot.

This is because the body needs water to carry out its functions. Lack of water can cause kidney problems in just a few days, especially if you have a lot of activity.

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