Näljutamine

Näljutamine, also known as starvation or famine, refers to a severe deficiency in caloric energy intake, below the level needed to maintain an organism's life. It is a state of extreme hunger that can lead to significant health problems and eventually death. Näljutamine can be caused by a variety of factors, including lack of access to food, economic hardship, natural disasters, war, and intentional self-deprivation.

When the body is deprived of food, it begins to break down its own tissues for energy. Initially, it uses stored glycogen, then fat reserves. As these stores are depleted, the body starts to catabolize muscle protein, leading to muscle wasting and weakness. Essential organ functions are compromised, and the immune system weakens, making the individual susceptible to infections. Symptoms of näljutamine can include extreme fatigue, dizziness, confusion, sunken eyes, dry skin, and a slowed heart rate.

In a broader context, näljutamine can also refer to widespread food shortages affecting a population, commonly known as famine. Famines are often complex events resulting from a combination of environmental factors, such as drought or crop failure, and socio-economic or political issues that disrupt food distribution and access. Historical records and contemporary events highlight the devastating consequences of both individual and widespread näljutamine.