This is not meant to be a scientific study, but a reference for those curious about the effects of a hungerstrike on the body. I sent a list of questions that I thought would be relevant to people within the animal rights community. Again, there is nothing at all scientific about my approach, and I make no claims about the usefulness of the information gathered.

(all questions pertain to the time of the hungerstrike)

age: 23

sex: male

height: 6'3"

number of hungerstrikes undertaken and their durations

One hungerstrike for 36 days

duration of hungerstrike (I guess choose one or amalgamate the info if it is consistent)

what you consumed during the strike (water, juice, salt, vitamins, etc.) exact quantities if possible

During the last 2 weeks I drank 8 ounces of juice a day, sometimes more if it was available. I drank lots of water every day, even if I did not feel thirsty.

For the next five questions, "before" means up to the point of the strike, during is obvious, and after means any time within a month of ending the strike. Please give the number of days between ending the strike and consuming the substance.

did you smoke before, during, or after the strike

No, I have never smoked.

did you drink alcohol, before, during or after the strike

No, I do not drink

did you drink caffeinated drinks before, during, or after strike

I drank caffeine before and after, but never during. Probably about 1 week afterwords.

did you drink coffee before during or after the strike

No.

did you take aspirin or ibuprofen before during or after the strike

I took apirin after the strike, about 1 month later.

amount of activity engaged in (jail/vigil/rest, school work, work, excercise, debates, etc.) again as specific as possible

I was sentenced to 36 days in jail for my part in an animal rights protest. I tried to do very little exercise but I was transferred around alot, and had to walk up several flights of stairs every day for the first 3 weeks or so.

weight before and after

I lost alot of weight. I went in weighing about 175 and came out weighing around 140

% body fat before and after (or if you don't know, below, at, or above "normal" body fat levels for your sex and height)

I was average weight going in, and I came out very, very thin.

muscle build (non-athletic, athletic, body builder)

I am a skateboarder and usually quite fit.

your state of mind during the strike. did it change considerably. when and how. Were you able to think clearly

Towards the end ofmy strike I became agitated and confused. I was also frightened by my weight loss. I never gave up though because I remembered the strength of all the activists and the needs of the animals.

the state of your body. energy levels, bowel movements, feelings of discomfort or hunger, all at different phases of the strike.

The worst physical sensation wasthe hunger. After the strike I was very constipated for weeks.

how did you sleep during the strike. did the amount or quality of sleep change and how so. Did you dream and what about

I slept constantly. I felt like I was on drugs when I would wake up, because I would hallucinate slightly.

how did you come off the strike. What did you consume when you first came off the strike, and how did your body feel and handle the food

I consumed liquid protein drinks and vegan health food shakes. My body didn't handle that very well. I also ate lots of soup, which I think my bodyhandled better. I could actually feel my body starting to break the food up inside of me.

did you experience any negative health affects during or after you came off the hungerstrike (acid reflux, gastritis, ulcers, bowel or digestion problems, etc.)

I had temporary damage to my vision. I became very constipated and bowel movements hurt tremendously for several days after I was finally able to use the bathroom.

anything else that you experienced that would be helpful for others to know

I recomend against hungerstriking unless you have a clear idea of whatit will accomplish. Don't let anyone talk you into it- it must be your decision. I have seen hungerstrikes accomplish very little for most people who undertake them, but for me it felt worth it. I found strength that I didn't know I had and I converted alot of people to veganism. (I asked them to eat for me since I couldn't, but explained that I only eat vegan food. Alot of people stuck with it.)

 

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last updated 11/29/00.