REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE OF HEALTH p3

sugar-water mixture (2 teaspoons per liter) will suffice to prevent
severe dehydration for at least a week, provided you keep water
losses to a minimum by limiting activity and heat gain or loss.
You can estimate fluid loss by several means. A standard field dressing
holds about 0.25 liter (one-fourth canteen) of blood. A soaked T-shirt
holds 0.5 to 0.75 liter.
You can also use the pulse and breathing rate to estimate fluid loss. Use
the following as a guide:
With a 0.75 liter loss the wrist pulse rate will be under 100 beats per
minute and the breathing rate 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
With a 0.75 to 1.5 liter loss the pulse rate will be 100 to 120 beats per
minute and 20 to 30 breaths per minute.
With a 1.5 to 2 liter loss the pulse rate will be 120 to 140 beats per
minute and 30 to 40 breaths per minute. Vital signs above these rates
require more advanced care.
Food
Although you can live several weeks without food, you need an adequate
amount to stay healthy. Without food your mental and physical capabilities
will deteriorate rapidly, and you will become weak. Food replenishes
the substances that your body burns and provides energy. It provides
vitamins, minerals, salts, and other elements essential to good health.
Possibly more important, it helps morale.
The two basic sources of food are plants and animals (including fish).
In varying degrees both provide the calories, carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins needed for normal daily body functions.
Calories are a measure of heat and potential energy. The average person
needs 2,000 calories per day to function at a minimum level. An
adequate amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins without an adequate
caloric intake will lead to starvation and cannibalism of the body’s
own tissue for energy.
Plant Foods
These foods provide carbohydrates—the main source of energy. Many
plants provide enough protein to keep the body at normal efficiency.
Although plants may not provide a balanced diet, they will sustain you