Knowing which things you can eat in the wild can help you survive.
Knowing basic survival techniques can mean the difference between life and death if you're stuck in the wilderness. The human body is composed of 75 percent water, and loses roughly 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon of that fluid each day through sweating and urination. This makes finding potable water of the utmost importance in the wild. However, even with an endless supply of fresh water, a person can only go for three weeks without food, which makes finding something nutritional to eat equally critical.
Water
A dehydrated person will exhibit symptoms of weakness, decreased mental capacity, nausea, no appetite and dark-colored urine. To find water, look for surface water such as streams, rivers and lakes. However, if you are unsure about the quality of the water, don't take any risks without purifying it first. Even in the wild, water can be contaminated with toxic chemicals, bacteria, viruses and parasitic worms.
There are three basic ways to purify water: filtration, boiling and chemical water purification. Filtering will help separate the larger particles in the water, while boiling is the surest way to kill microorganisms. If you have happen to have a survival kit with you, there should be tablets inside that will also help to chemically purify the water to make it safe to drink.
Food in the Wild
Meat and fish are good sources of protein and fat that will help a person survive in the wild. If you're not an experienced hunter, trapping is the more advisable way of capturing an animal for food, as it requires less skill and saves your energy. Eggs from a bird's nest are also good sources of nutrition, and are easy and safe collect. Remember to also look in the ground or in a hole, as some birds lay their eggs there instead.
Edible Plants
Plants are a convenient source of food in the wild, but unless you're sure a plant is safe to eat, it is important to conduct a universal edibility test first. To conduct the test, first separate the plant into its basic components of leaves, stem, roots, buds and flowers. Test only one part of the plant at a time by placing a piece on the inside of your wrist or elbow, and wait 15 minutes to see if there's a reaction. If you think the plant is safe this way, place the same portion against the outer surface of your lip to check for burning or irritation. If there is no reaction for three minutes, place the same part on your tongue for 15 minutes and wait for a reaction, but do not swallow. Try eating the portion if there is no irritation from the tongue test, but wait eight hours to make sure there is no adverse reaction. Repeat this step of eating a small portion prepared the same way and waiting eight hours. If you still experience no reaction, the plant may be safe to eat.
Edible Insects
Insects can provide important nutrients to a person lost in the wilderness, and are rich in both protein and fat. You can find them in rotten logs, under dead trees and in most humid, shady areas. Most insects are edible, but it is still important to be familiar with the bugs in your area so you know which ones are safe to eat. For example, most worms, grasshoppers, crickets and ants are safe to ingest. Insects you should avoid include ones that sting or bite, those that are hairy or brightly colored, and caterpillars or insects that have strong odors. You also should avoid spiders and common parasites such as ticks, flies and mosquitoes. Although most edible insects can be eaten raw, it is safer to boil or roast them.
Cooking
To survive in the wild, it's important to learn cook even without any utensils. One method is to build a fire over a pile of nonporous stones (make sure the stones aren't soft with high moisture content, as they could explode when heated). Food can be prepared directly on top of the heated rocks this way. This technique is most useful for preparing fish or thin meat slices, and for frying eggs.
Preparing for the Wild
The best way to increase your chances of survival in the wild is to familiarize yourself with the area before beginning your trip. The requirements to survive change dramatically depending on terrain and climate. For example, the techniques needed to survive in a jungle are drastically different than the techniques needed to survive in the desert or at sea. Therefore, remember to study the geology, water sources, and flora and fauna of a region before you set out on your trip.
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