Hunger strike

[PowerPenguin]

Are you sure this is possible? I was told that the average human can only go approximately 14 days without any kind of food, and only 1-2 days without any water...

[Kat Kanning]

The water part is basically true.  People have fasted for 90 days or more, though that's a lot more risky.

[Kat Kanning]

Kira did fast today, also, BTW.

[Lloyd Danforth]

How about that poor, skinny Kitty?

[tracysaboe]

Are you sure this is possible? I was told that the average human can only go approximately 14 days without any kind of food, and only 1-2 days without any water...

I person -- if they're healthy otherwise, can typically go about 30 days w/o eating.

Going w/o water, yes you'l only last about 48 hours or so.

TRacy

[FrankChodorov]

Are you sure this is possible? I was told that the average human can only go approximately 14 days without any kind of food, and only 1-2 days without any water...

I person -- if they're healthy otherwise, can typically go about 30 days w/o eating.

Going w/o water, yes you'l only last about 48 hours or so.

that's why Terry Schiavo's body dehydrated rather than starved in causing the heart to stop...

[Kat Kanning]

How about that poor, skinny Kitty?

Yes, the kitty is still fasting, as am I.  Fasting is good for the kitty.  It actually makes her gain weight afterward.  Kira stopped after 24 hours w/o food.

[Michael Fisher]

Agreed. Especially if he's in a prayerfull or meditative state, (Get those alpha waves going) he should be able to last on water alone for 30 days.

A 30- to 40-day fast is manageable unless someone's underweight, but one must refrain from too much exercise or the energy will deplete too rapidly, and if one guttles water at any point, one should balance it with some salt to avoid electrolyte disturbance.

A 20- to 25-day fast without exercise is manageable for someone underweight. A 10-day fast for someone underweight is sustainable even if you exercise regularly and carry on your daily life as normal.

If someone has some body fat, prolonged fasts are not difficult unless one is surrounded with loved ones saying that death is imminent -- that's a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Are we positive that Russell is fasting? Did he confirm this over the phone from jail?

[tracysaboe]

Mikes Back !!!!!   

Tracy

[Michael Fisher]

Mikes Back !!!!!   

Tracy

I never left.

[aries]

I kind of fasted today in honor of Russell's bravery and I will again tomorrow.

I had a small bowl of ceral for breakfast then in the evening I had another (it's grape nuts - blech) and some fruit.

[Michael Fisher]

Russell's already way into day one of not eating.  He just had a little fruit this morning before we went out.  Someone asked if he's practiced fasting.  Yes, he has.  He should be able to do 30 days.

Is his fast confirmed? ???

[gone2gofish]

He was planning on sticking with water only.

That's rough. Thirty days on water alone is... well, it's on a Biblical scale, and I think you understand the reference.

From a distance, I can only offer my support and advice. First, support:

Go, Russell!
Free Russell Kanning!

Now, advice: if he's asked if he's on a hunger strike, he should say no. He can explain that he's on a spiritual fast, but he should be clear on the difference. A hunger strike means that he will not accept any food from them; they'll offer it, wait for a clear refusal, then take it back so that he has no access to it. If he's fasting, he can accept the tray but not eat it.

The jailers are obliged to look out for Russell's health and safety. They're not going to force-feed him, but he will be very closely monitored if he refuses to eat. Daily weight checks, blood pressure checks, and general medical evaluations should be expected. If he should reach the point where the medical staff determine that he requires constant medical care, he will be transported to the hospital.

I'm praying for y'all. You have my admiration, and my love.

Kevin

The cycnic in me says he won't make it 30 days.

His body will start to break down...and then if he's in jail, the state will just force him to take food via IV.

[Lloyd Danforth]

I kind of fasted today in honor of Russell's bravery and I will again tomorrow.

Could some shoppers from the local Wal-mart be recruited to join in the hunger strike? Russell is their champion, and many of them are fat enough to fast for months.

I resemble resent that!

[citizen_142002]

A lot of Irish hunger strikers made it more than 70 or 80 days, so I think Russell will  be able to manage 30 days, not that it's going to be easy.