The Truth About Breatharianism 2.0: Can You Really Survive on Sunlight and Air Alone?

Breatharianism is the controversial belief that humans can survive without consuming food, subsisting only on air, sunlight, and universal energy or "prana". While stories of people claiming to live as breatharians have circulated for decades, the practice has been widely debunked by the scientific and medical community as physically impossible and extremely dangerous. Despite this, the allure of a "food-free lifestyle" continues to attract followers. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history, beliefs, and realities of breatharianism.

What is Breatharianism?

Breatharianism, also known as inedia, is a pseudoscientific belief that the human body can survive without food or water for extended periods, or even indefinitely1. Proponents claim that they can derive sustenance from air, sunlight, and "prana", described as a vital life force that permeates the universe2.

The concept has roots in ancient religious and spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Taoism, and Jainism, where ascetics were said to achieve superhuman abilities through extreme fasting and meditation3. However, the modern breatharian movement emerged in the 1970s and gained popularity in the New Age community.

Prominent Breatharian Figures and Claims

One of the most well-known advocates of breatharianism is an Australian woman named Ellen Greve, who goes by the name Jasmuheen. She claims to have lived on nothing but air and light since the 1990s, and has written numerous books promoting the "pranic nourishment" lifestyle4.

Another prominent figure is Wiley Brooks, founder of the Breatharian Institute of America. Brooks claims to have survived without food since 1970, although he has been caught eating on multiple occasions and now says he occasionally consumes a diet of McDonald's cheeseburgers and Diet Coke5.

Other breatharians have made even more extraordinary claims, such as surviving on sunlight and air alone for years or even decades. Some, like Hira Ratan Manek, say they have been studied by doctors and scientists who can verify their abilities6. However, these claims have never been independently confirmed and are met with extreme scepticism from experts.

The Dangers of Attempting Breatharianism

Despite the grandiose claims of its proponents, there is no scientific evidence that humans can survive without food and water. Numerous studies have shown that fasting for extended periods leads to starvation, dehydration, and eventually death7.

The human body requires a constant supply of energy from food to maintain basic functions like breathing, circulation, and brain activity. When deprived of external nutrition, the body begins breaking down its own tissues for fuel, leading to rapid weight loss, organ damage, and electrolyte imbalances8. Death can occur within days to weeks without food, and even sooner without water.

Tragically, there have been multiple documented cases of people dying after attempting breatharian fasts. In 1999, a 49-year-old Australian woman named Verity Linn was found dead in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands after embarking on a 21-day breatharian fast inspired by Jasmuheen's teachings9. More recently, in 2017, a Dutch woman died under the care of a group of breatharians she was living with10.

Debunking Breatharian Claims

Breatharians who claim to have gone without food for extended periods have never been able to prove their abilities under controlled scientific conditions. In cases where they have agreed to be monitored, they have quickly shown signs of dehydration, stress, and impending organ failure11.

For example, in 1999, Jasmuheen agreed to be observed by the Australian TV program "60 Minutes" during a supposed breatharian fast. After just two days, she displayed symptoms of severe dehydration and high blood pressure, forcing the experiment to be called off12. Similarly, an Indian man named Prahlad Jani, who claimed to have gone without food or water for 70 years, was studied by a team of doctors in 2010. Although the study allegedly confirmed his abilities, it was never published in a peer-reviewed journal and has been widely criticised for its lack of scientific controls13.

Other breatharians have been caught outright cheating. In the early 1980s, Wiley Brooks was spotted leaving a 7-Eleven with a Slurpee, hot dog, and Twinkies5. In 2016, a Swiss woman who was part of a breatharian group died after attempting a fast, leading to a police investigation that uncovered a secret room filled with food14.

The Psychology of Breatharianism

Given the clear scientific impossibility of surviving without food, why do some people continue to believe in and attempt breatharianism? Experts suggest a combination of factors, including a desire for spiritual transcendence, a belief in conspiracy theories, and mental health issues like eating disorders15.

Many breatharians frame their practice as a form of enlightenment or ascension to a higher state of being. They may view fasting as a way to purify the body and attain supernatural powers. This can be especially appealing to those who feel disconnected from mainstream society or are seeking an escape from the mundane realities of life.

Conspiratorial thinking is also common in breatharian circles, with some claiming that the government and medical establishment are suppressing the truth about the human body's true capabilities16. This mindset can lead people to distrust scientific evidence and instead rely on anecdotal stories and subjective experiences.

Finally, some experts believe that breatharianism can serve as a cover for eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. By framing extreme fasting as a spiritual practice, individuals may feel they have a more socially acceptable reason to restrict their food intake and pursue dangerous levels of thinness17.

Conclusion

Breatharianism is a dangerous and unscientific belief that can lead to serious health consequences, including death. While stories of people claiming to live without food may seem intriguing, there is no evidence that such a feat is physically possible for humans.

If you or someone you know is considering attempting a breatharian fast, it is crucial to seek professional medical and psychological help. Remember, there is no shame in needing to eat and drink to survive - it is a fundamental requirement of the human body.

Ultimately, the breatharian movement persists because it appeals to deep human desires for transcendence, control, and escape from the limits of physical reality. However, true health and spiritual growth come from accepting and working with the needs of the body, not denying them. By taking care of ourselves with proper nutrition, hydration, and medical care, we can build a strong foundation for a fulfilling life in the real world.

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