Question

An individual is sailing off the coast of a remote area and is blown out to sea by a freak storm, which also destroys the main sails, damages the propeller, and disables the radio antenna. Aboard the boat are some minimal food supplies – some beef jerky, canned tuna, a roll of Life Savers candy – and an adequate amount of water. Assume that carbohydrate component of the sailor’s diet is severely restricted for several days until he or she is discovered and rescued but that he or she continues to eat adequate amounts of fats and proteins. Describe some of the adjustments that the person’s body would make to the unbalanced diet over this period of time?

Answer 1

In normal condition,our muscles and body uses glucose for the production of energy.But in case if there is not enough carbohydrate (glucose) for Energy production,Body burns fat and proteins for the production of energy.But this process involves production of acid (Ketones) in the body,which may leads to Condition called Ketosis.

Ketosis- Elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood or urine.

Physiologic ketosis occur due to low glucose availability, such as low-carbohydrate diets,where body burns fat and proteins for energy in the liver.

Ketosis may cause headaches, weakness, dizziness and irritability.

There will Be Increased loss of ketone through urine .

Sometimes Ketosis Leads to Acidosis(Accumulation of H+---------Low ph)

When acidosis Occur ,Kidney and Lungs compensates acidosis-

Lungs-

Causes Increased ventilation where there is Removal of more CO2 from the body.So there is a charecteristic respiration pattern called kussmuals respiration-Charecterised by Rapid Deep Breath with fruity odour.

Kidney-

The Kidney compensation for acidosis(Low ph) is by-

1.Excreting acidic urine-Renal secreation(excretion) of H+ is enhanced which reduces H+ concentration in blood and Increases pH.

2.Conserving (Reabsorbtion)of  HCO3-