What would you do if you had to survive without food? Imagine any number of scenarios where such a situation might occur, whether you’re stranded in the wilderness or find yourself homeless and out of money. Food is something we tend to take for granted, but consider that millions of people in impoverished countries around the world face the daily reality of not having enough to eat.
Existing without food could be a harsh wake-up call for those of us in more privileged countries, even for those in the middle class. We live in a part of the world that boasts the highest standard of living anywhere on Earth. But it would only take one significant natural disaster to instantly turn a homeowner into a displaced citizen, far removed from their comfort zone.
What would you do if you were trapped in your car at the moment a disaster strikes — with no food or even enough gas to get to a shelter (assuming the shelters are even open)? Needless to say, your options would be limited, and you might find yourself in a situation where survival without food becomes your only option for a time.
How the Body Survives Without Food
Physicians have indicated that to survive without food, a person would need to undergo a mental transition in advance. Medical experts explain that a strong desire for survival in the midst of starvation is crucial to overcome the situation. A person who resigns themselves to death as an easy way out will likely perish much quicker than someone committed to surviving. Once this survival instinct is activated in the brain, an individual can actually go for days without feeling the effects of hunger.
But of course, existing without food is more than just a state of mind. It also depends on the person’s physical well-being and their will to live. Other factors for survival without food include hydration levels. If you have access to water and enough physical stamina, you can survive for many days without food. In fact, you may be able to go as long as 60 days, depending on your specific situation. However, without water, this time frame would naturally be much shorter. Going without food can be dangerous after just a week.
Climate plays a significant role in survival without food, too. Harsh conditions can affect a person’s ability to maintain proper body weight and hydration. For example, living in a humid environment can cause faster dehydration due to heat. Additionally, various health and genetic issues can impact a person’s ability to withstand days without food.
From a medical standpoint, most agree that humans can survive for up to four to eight weeks without food, although some people in history have fasted much longer. While this is reassuring in extreme cases, doctors emphasize that deliberate starvation is not recommended and is not a healthy practice. For example, even Gandhi never fasted for more than 21 days. Even if someone does survive a prolonged period without food, health problems can arise later on.
During a fast, the body gradually breaks down, and several symptoms will emerge. Mentally, you will become irritable and low in morale. Weakness and disorientation are also clear signs of physical deterioration, and your immune system will begin to weaken as well.
If you’re considering fasting for religious reasons, physicians advise that fasting should only be undertaken by those in good health. Always consult with your doctor before starting a prolonged fast.
Your ability to survive without food is closely tied to your body weight. Generally, the more you weigh, the easier it is to survive. Reports show that a person with extra body fat can last up to 25 weeks or more without eating, as their metabolism uses the body’s fat stores for energy.
Metabolism is the process in our bodies that converts food into energy. If you find yourself getting tired quickly or moving slowly after minimal exertion, chances are your metabolism is working at a slower rate. As we slow down, so too does our metabolism.
Ultimately, water is the key to surviving without food. Drinking small amounts of water regularly can help sustain your body for much longer. But without water, a person will only survive for 3-5 days at most.
