169: Diet-Specific Survival (What You Need to Know)

Hey there, survival enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a topic that's often overlooked but is super important—diet-specific survival. You know, the kind of survival that takes into account your unique dietary needs. "Unique dietary needs" isn't about losing weight; it's about staying alive and well when the chips are down. So, let's get into it!

Note: This article and podcast episode are based on the article "Diet-Specific Survival" from the August 2023 issue of the "Prepper Survival Guide." The 112+ page Prepper Survival Guide can be found in many retail stores' magazine racks, and at $12.99 is an incredible deal. This is classified as a magazine—it's really a how-to book on various prepping topics. Get your copy today!

Why It's Not Just About Calories

You might think that in a survival situation, any food is good food. But that's a dangerous misconception. The reality is, if you have specific dietary needs, you can't just "suck it up" and eat whatever's available. That could lead to serious health problems or worse. Preparedness is about planning for the future, and that includes your diet-specific needs.

Community Matters

Survival isn't a solo sport. It's about community. Whether it's you and your spouse, your family, or a larger group, you need people around you. Why? Because if you twist an ankle or get sick, you will need help. And let's face it, overall, life is much more safe and secure when you're not alone. And, when it comes to community, many members of your community will have dietary needs and constraints that must be addressed. If not, they will struggle, and some may die. 

Food and the Survival Pyramid

In the world of survival preparedness, food is one of the key ingredients of the survival pyramid. In addition to food (nutrition), mindset, situational awareness, immediate action, oxygen to the brain, shelter, water & sleep, and community make up the requirements of life. As such, without any of those, and in the case of this article, when it comes to food, you can't live without it. 

Special Dietary Needs

When it comes to survival food for those with special dietary needs, the game changes. You need foods that are specific to your needs. Some people need foods that are low in sugar and salt. Others may live and operate better with organic options. And let's not snicker at the word 'organic.' For some people, eating non-organic foods can lead to health issues, feeling ill, and subpar performance, which is anything other than desirable in a survival situation. 

Medical Conditions and Allergies

If you have a medical condition or allergy, your diet isn't just a preference; it's a necessity. For example, people with diabetes can't just eat a bucket of rice without it taking a toll on their glucose levels. Similarly, if you're gluten-sensitive, eating gluten could lead to painful conditions like diarrhea and nausea, which are the last things you need in a survival situation. 

Planning Ahead

The key to diet-specific survival is planning (aka preparedness). If you have type 2 diabetes, beans may be a better option for you than rice. If you're gluten-sensitive, consider avoiding pasta rather than stockpiling it. Likewise, if you have a problem with sodium, avoiding many mass-produced, freeze-dried foods is the best course of action. 

Ultimately, you need to think about these things (see situational awareness) now to avoid getting caught off guard later. After all, the health and survival of you and your family depend on it! 

The Bottom Line on Diet-Specific Survival

Survival during difficult times is, at best, a struggle. However, it's even more challenging if you're not adequately prepared. And part of being prepared is thinking about you and your dietary limitations. So, take the time now to plan for your specific needs. Trust me,