On Wed, 9 May 2001, Charles Alban wrote:

> In a message dated 5/8/01 11:38:28 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> [log in to unmask] writes:
>
> This is probably true, and it is what I tend to do. But this does illustrate
> the fact that only a tiny quantity of food is required, and explains how
> native peoples are able to cover very long distances with little or no food.
> This business of muscle loss, which we are constantly warned about regarding
> fasting, doesn't seem to bother native people. Of course they keep up a high
> level of physical activity all the time, so this would personably counteract
> any tendency to lose muscle.

The high activity level would accelerate the muscle loss, if
anything.  I think it doesn't bother the native people because
the intervals of fasting are of relatively short duration.  When
the fast is over, the few ounces of muscle lost can be recovered.
Extended fasting, or very low calorie dieting, as something else
entirely.

Todd Moody
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