If you are trying to stick to the realism aspect of the game i would recommend lowering the rate at which the hunger and thirst decays. I have eaten and consumed multiple cans of food only to go unconcious within 5 minutes. I go unconcious after about an hour of play time and there is nothing you can do about it except respawn. Here is an example of the chat log:
I feel thirsty.
I want to eat something.
You have quenched your thirst.
You have satisfied your hunger.
You are hungry.
I want to drink something.
I do run alot but i also use the "sit down" function as suggested to curve the exhaustion. Does not help. If the hunger/thirst system is to stay at its current state then exhaustion should be curved tremendously. If you want to the player to stay on the move to "Stay Alive", then don't punish them with a harsh exhaustion system.
Don't get me wrong, you guys did an awesome job with the game. Its well polished for an alpha. Just getting the bugs out there