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What Is Hunger?
Hunger is a worldwide
problem that effects 854 million people across the world. As the title
suggest hunger is connected to being hungry however for most of us we
become hungry and can have something to eat. In countries where poverty
is a problem being hungry isn't fixed easily and many people go without
an substanial food for days or even weeks. The body can adapt
fairly well to a reduction of intake nutrients. Any additional drop in
intake,
however, can be potentially dangerous.
How is hunger caused?
Drought is one reason hunger is caused. The heat kills off cattle and crops leaving no food in the cold months of the year. Therefore causing hunger and famine.
Overpopulation is also a big cause of hunger.
Places or countries with huge populations are the main targets of hunger and
famine. These countries run low on food because every person in every family
wants their fair share. It is hard to supply food to 50 million people and
animals.
What are the effects of hunger?
Hunger kills approximately 16000 children a day, about one every 5 seconds. Starvation is one effect of famine, and is the worst outcome related to hunger. Someone who is starving is physically sluggish and lethargic. The primary cause of death is not starvation itself, but diseases such as diarrhea, infections and malaria.
Going without food for a period of time can have other consequences. The body relies on food for nourishment, without this food growth can be stunted, vitamin deficiencies can also lead to weakness and being at greater risk of becoming ill. Lack of food can also lead to depression, cause slow thinking and can contribute to mental problems.
How can we help?Some people try to help by doing an 8 hour famine for kids, 16
hour famine for teenagers and 40 hour famine for kids.
References