ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 provides an overview of what happens physically when humans don’t eat enough. It defines starvation as inadequate caloric intake relative to the body’s needs, through a diet, fast, cleanse, or in the service of an eating disorder. It reviews three main ways that the body medically malfunctions when starved. One, through slowed metabolism, affecting vital signs such as heart rate, temperature, and slowed digestion in the form of gastroparesis and constipation. Two, through organ dysfunction from insufficient energy intake, such as reduced production of sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) which can lead to infertility and low bone density, including osteopenia and osteoporosis. Other affected systems include bone marrow and liver dysfunction as well as poor skin and hair quality. Bloodwork/laboratory tests may be normal despite medical instability. Three, during the treatment of malnutrition, when electrolyte and fluid shifts can be dangerous. It introduces the idea of the “cave person brain,” the part of our brain that manages the day-to-day functions of our bodies, running us as a mammal. The cave person brain tries to save our lives by preventing body weight loss.
