Starvation

Over weeks and months, malnutrition can result in specific diseases, like anaemia, when people don't get enough iron or beriberi if they don't get adequate thiamine. A [blank] lack of food for a prolonged period not enough calories of any sort to keep up with the body's energy needs is starvation. The body's reserve resources are [blank] . The result is substantial weight loss, wasting away of the body's tissues and eventually death. When faced with starvation, the body fights back. The first day without food is a lot like the overnight fast between dinner one night and breakfast the next morning. Energy levels are low but [blank] up with a morning meal. Within days, faced with nothing to eat, the body begins feeding on itself. Metabolism slows; the body cannot regulate its temperature; kidney function is impaired and the immune system [blank] . When the body uses its reserves to provide basic energy needs, it can no longer supply necessary nutrients to vital organs and tissues. The heart, lungs, ovaries and testes shrink. Muscles shrink and people feel weak. Body temperature drops and people can feel chilled. People can become [blank] , and they become difficult to concentrate.