Nutrition has a very complex and inseparable relationship with endocrine system. Nutrition modulates secretion and activity of many hormones as part of the stress adaptation process. Fasting produces a number of important changes in the endocrine
system, in order to adapt to this new situation. The following changes are therefore, beneficial and protective, although, at times they may not appear to be that way: 1) Decreased basal metabolic rate, 2) Diuresis of water and sodium, 3)
Decreased
growth and reproductive capacity, 4) Utilization of energy deposits (fat and muscle), 5) Incomplete nitrogen balance, 6) Intellectual functions are preserved.
The Department of Surgery, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, conducted research into the changes in the endocrine system during the fasting, based on the hormonal study obtained from three rescued persons from the Sam-poong disaster on post-accident
days
11th, `13th and 17th, respectively.
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