Nutrition and Performance at Environmental Extremes

Abstract

Humans are remarkably adaptive animals, having learned to survive and even thrive in environments outside their normal 'comfort' zone. Man accomplishes these adaptations through metabolic and behavioral changes. environments that threaten to overwhelm the ability of man to adjust his metabolism and/or change behavioral strategies have been referred to as 'hostile' environments. This terminology is a misnomer, since man can function safety and effectively in extremes of environments, provided adequate behavioral precautions (e.g., clothing, shelter, food, water) are taken. The environment becomes 'hostile' only when man has entered it unprepared or the environment is so severe that it threatens to surpass man's ability to adapt or respond appropriately to its challenges.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA275621

Entities

People

  • Eldon W. Askew

Organizations

  • University of Houston

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acclimatization
  • Altitude
  • Altitude Sickness
  • Beverages
  • Blood
  • Body Temperature
  • Body Weight
  • Chemistry
  • Digestive System Processes
  • Extreme Environments
  • High Altitude
  • Meals
  • Medical Personnel
  • Metabolism
  • Musculoskeletal Physiology
  • Sea Level
  • Vitamin C

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Materials Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design