Starvation is a state reached due to a lack of nutrients due to dietary deficiencies.
Starvation is a condition or biological state that occurs due to a lack of nutrients that human beings receive through food . This means that starvation occurs due to lack of food .
The first step we are going to take in order to establish the meaning of starvation is to make its etymological origin clear. In this sense, we have to say that it emanates from the Latin inanitio , which derives from the verb inanire . This can be translated as “being empty.” The first time the Latin term was used was around the 5th century, in a series of texts by the Roman writer and doctor Caelius Aureliano .
Causes of starvation
By not eating, people do not assimilate vitamins, minerals and the rest of the components that allow them to obtain energy and, therefore, stay in a healthy state. Starvation is considered an aggravated form of malnutrition or malnutrition , which develops due to a lack of access to food that extends over time.
There are several causes that can lead a person (or even an entire community) to starvation. One of the most frequent are wars or armed confrontations, which decimate food resources and prevent the population from eating normally.
Another reason that can cause starvation is natural disasters. A flood or drought can damage crops and kill livestock, the two most important sources of food. By not having access to food, victims begin a process that leads to starvation.
A war can lead to starvation for many people.
Frequent symptoms
In addition to the above, it must be established that there are symptoms that indicate that someone is suffering from starvation. Among them are the following:
- The hair looks quite dry and falls out very easily.
- The skin is identified because it is pale, cold and also loses all elasticity.
- No less significant is the fact that those who suffer from it often suffer from diarrhea.
- The pulse becomes much slower.
- Blood pressure drops noticeably.
- It must also be emphasized that men who suffer from starvation suffer an absolute loss of libido. And the same thing happens in the case of women, who also have to face amenorrhea problems.
- In the same way, it should be noted that those who suffer from it are also identified as being especially irritable and being totally “absorbed” by apathy.
- There is a notable decrease in body temperature and problems of cardiorespiratory failure often arise.
- Likewise, the healing of any wounds that may occur is significantly delayed.
Fight against starvation
The consequences of starvation are multiple. Weight loss, a feeling of weakness and metabolism problems are the most common. When starvation continues over time , the deterioration of the organs becomes irreversible and the person can die .
Many organizations work to combat starvation and malnutrition. From non-governmental organizations to supranational entities, these associations aim to ensure that food is available to everyone, in any corner of the world.