I watched the news this morning in amazement while the Chilean miners were lifted from the hole they have been living in since August. Knowing they have been trapped 2300 feet below ground for 69 days, I was impressed by how healthy the first 15 looked as they emerged from the rescue capsule. Kudos to the Chilean government and the international efforts for the rescue as well as keeping these miners alive.
A key component to survival is nutrition. For the first 18 days, the 33 survived on two days worth of rations of milk and two spoonfuls of canned tuna fish. Once the relief crews were able to drill a narrow hole, they started delivering food, water, medicine and supplies for survival that looked like it could be up to four months before a rescue. With the help of NASA and the Chilean Department of Health, the miners were able to stay healthy through their ordeal. They started off with a glucose solution to start re-feeding after being in a state of starvation. Then slowly, a higher protein and calorie diet was introduced in 5 feedings: first in liquid form (with protein and cereal shakes) and then solid form. Vitamin D supplemented foods were also added at snack time to prevent Vitamin D deficiencies. The diet totaled about 2000 - 2400 calories per day divided between breakfast, lunch, dinner and 2 snacks. They each drank more than a gallon of water per day and took sodium supplements to maintain hydration, fluid balance and blood pressure, thus maintaining cardiac function in the very warm, cave environment.
Being in a cave for that long also affects stress on the body which releases stress hormones that can boost the heart rate and respiration. This can affect the immune system and speed metabolism. This made the miners more prone to appetite loss with accelerated energy expenditure. It also left them open to illness and infection. Addressing the stress and the response to diet was key. Chilean comfort food was added with foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and calories.
Here is an example of two menus:
Breakfast: Nutritional supplement, bread with ham and turkey.
Snack: Wine cookies
Lunch: Stroganoff with pasta primavera and peaches in juice
Snack: Nutritional supplement and bread with caramel spread
Dinner: Chicken in sauce, plantains
Breakfast : Nutritional supplement, bread and honey
Snack: Mote con huesillos (a sweet Chilean drink made with peaches and wheat)
Lunch: Stuffed meat in cabbage, rice, pears
Snack: Supplement, bread with meat pate
Dinner: Meat stew with pasta salad, custard
This is a story of hope, faith and inspiration. We are inspired by the international efforts and the “never give up” attitude. It reminds us of the resilience of the body and the strength of our mind over body in the face of severe adversity. It also reminds us of the delicate balance between nutrition and health. I wish all the miners and their families well and toast them as they sit down to a home cooked meal very soon.
