Effects of Starvation on Metabolism
This paper is a discussion of the health implications of starvation in the metabolic process. It presents the processes that constitute metabolism and aim to relate it to starvation. Moreover, some causes of this condition are also cited to provide a clearer understanding of the subject.
Food intake serves significant purpose in the body. It is the basic source of energy in the form of calories that are the building blocks for cellular structure and function. The intake of energy through food and the expenditure of energy through metabolism are essential for a healthy and stable functioning of the body organs and its vital systems (2000).
The production of energy that is used in building up complex molecules constitutes chemical reactions that are part of the metabolism process. The process of breaking down and building up energy forms all metabolic reactions. An example of the metabolism is the taking in and digesting of nutrients in the body. Catabolic and Anabolic reactions cover all the reactions of metabolism. In catabolism, larger molecules are broken down into smaller ones during the release of energy. One of the catabolic processes is the digestion, in which food is broken down into smaller molecules to enter the bloodstream. From there, they reach the person’s body through individual cells. These smaller molecules in which nutrients are broken down are what make up the metabolic pool. The metabolic pool includes substances that provide the necessary materials for the creation of a new tissue and thus the anabolic process. The breaking down of the substances in the cells is called the metabolic pathway or the sequence of the reactions in which enzymes performs chemical reaction within each step (2007).
In catabolic reactions, the energy released is captured and stored by the cells. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an example of energy carrier. It is formed with the fusion of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) with the phosphate group. The energy that the cells carry is formed from the catabolism of compounds including sugar, glycerol and fatty acids that are all part of the metabolic pool. The molecules that are necessary for the proper functioning and repair of cells can be obtained through the metabolic pool. Anabolism on the other hand, involves the building of molecules that the body needs for maintenance and development of tissue ( 2007).
In cases of individuals who are starving, a substantial amount of fat and muscle mass is lost as these tissues are broken down by the body for energy. The medical condition in which the muscles and tissues of the body are broken down in order to sustain proper functioning of vital systems is called the catabolysis. In this process, muscle tissues are broken down before the fat. Factors such as an individual’s choice or outside factors can alter the entire process of metabolism. Consequently, metabolic disorders manifest (2007).
Starvation is a form of malnutrition brought about by severe reduction in vitamin, nutrient and energy intake. In extreme cases, it causes the damages on the organs that may eventually lead to death (2007). The nutritional needs of the body are supplemented through nutrients and energy in the form of calories. For organisms, food is the main source of energy. However, it is likely that one doesn’t get the required energy despite the adequate amount of food taken. Because of the lack of nutrition needed, the body tends to break down its own fat and tissue that affects the body’s structures and their functions. This condition is characterized by the feeding of body on itself due to food deprivation. The primary causes for such condition includes famine, fasting, malnutrition or abnormalities of the mucosal lining of the digestive system. Extreme conditions of malnutrition reduce the intestines tolerance to a fully balanced diet. In such case, the body may not be able to absorb the sufficient nutrition needed. The intake of solid foods is substituted with liquid foods through intravenous feeding ( 2007).
Eating disorders that are associated with starvation includes anorexia and bulimia. In the case of anorexia, the self imposed starvation causes the body to suffer tremendously. Due the lack of nutrients needed for the metabolic process, the vital organs of the body are affected such as the weakening of the heart. Additionally, the growth of the bones become stunted which resulted to brittleness. Women also experience the effect through the abnormal menstruation and permanent infertility. On the other hand, the induced vomiting of bulimic persons also damages the body. The implication damages the stomach and the esophagus and also chronic heartburn. At extreme conditions, it can cause digestive problems and the imbalance of the body fluids which may lead to kidney failure ( 2007).
Conclusion:
The adequate nutrients needed by the body for the proper functioning of organs are greatly dependent on the food that is taken. Food is the major source of energy that builds up the chemical reactions in the metabolic process. Through the metabolism, the energy is carried by the cells throughout the body which is necessary for it to perform well. In the process of catabolism, the energy is broken down into smaller molecules to enter the bloodstream. These substances makes up the metabolic pool that is essential for another metabolism reaction called the anabolism. This process is necessary for building and maintaining the tissues in the body. Indeed, the lack of nutrients, vitamins and energy intake which is caused by starvation greatly affects the metabolism process. Because of the deprivation of food, the body depends on the tissues and fats to sustain its needs. As the starvation continues, the body’s tolerance to absorb the necessary nutrients for metabolism is altered. In which case, the capacity to take food changes resulting to nutritional deficiencies. The implications on the body include organ damage and even death if the diet is not treated.
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