Waiting to Inhale
The Baffling Existence of Breatharianism
In an age characterized by scientific advancements and empirical evidence, it is indefinitely perplexing to me to witness the endurance of beliefs that defy logic and have been repeatedly debunked. Among these, and just this side of barely known to the average person, is the Breatharian movement, which asserts that it is possible to subsist solely on air and light and to live entirely without food and water. Or what physicians might describe as "bizarrely and needlessly omitting that which is necessary to not die."
The Breatharian movement is rooted in the idea that humans can survive without consuming any physical food or water, deriving all necessary nutrients from sunlight, air, and prana—a Hindu concept referring to a vital life force. Something which is, of course, unmeasurable, unprovable, unfalsifiable, and, therefore, almost certainly nonexistent. Proponents claim they can sustain their health and energy levels by practicing meditation, breathing exercises, and aligning themselves with cosmic energies. This belief is often associated with extreme asceticism and spiritual purification, echoing practices from various religious and mystical traditions.
Historically, the origins of Breatharianism are often tied to ancient Indian and Taoist practices, particularly those found in yogic and tantric traditions. Hindu texts like the Upanishads discuss the concept of prana, which refers to life-sustaining energy flowing through all living beings. This energy is harnessed through pranayama (breath control), and some sects have taken the idea to the extreme by suggesting that prana alone can sustain the human body. Taoist practices similarly emphasize qi (or chi) as a vital energy, with practitioners believing that mastering the flow of this energy can lead to health, longevity, or even immortality. However, none of these ancient traditions advocated the complete cessation of eating and drinking, making modern Breatharianism a distortion rather than a continuation of those beliefs.
Despite its supposed ancient and esoteric origins, a few charismatic leaders and self-proclaimed gurus (read: charlatans) have propagated the modern iteration of Breatharianism. Figures such as Jasmuheen (born Ellen Greve) and Wiley Brooks have gained notoriety for their claims of living without food, although both have been caught consuming food on several occasions.
Brooks claimed that he had lived without food for 19 years, subsisting only on air and prana. He made several television appearances, including on popular shows such as Tom Snyder's Tomorrow Show in 1981, where he claimed his diet was spiritually enlightened and physically possible for all people. Brooks also famously stated that junk food, particularly Diet Coke and McDonald's cheeseburgers, was compatible with Breatharianism for him, an odd exception he chalked up to the "toxicity" of modern environments, which required some food intake.
Despite these outlandish claims, Wiley Brooks was frequently caught eating solid food. One notable incident occurred in 1983 when he was spotted leaving a 7-Eleven with a hot dog, Twinkies, and a Slurpee. When confronted, he explained that food was necessary to ground him when he returned to the "lower vibrational plane" of human society. Despite these public embarrassments, Brooks maintained a small but loyal following and continued to promote his brand of Breatharianism until his death in 2022.
In the 1990s, Jasmuheen published several books promoting the idea that humans can live without food by absorbing nutrients from sunlight and prana. Jasmuheen claims that she has practiced this lifestyle since 1993. Her notoriety grew with the publication of Living on Light, which became a best-seller in the New Age community. According to her, anyone can follow her path by aligning their chakras and meditating to absorb cosmic energy. She has described this process as "liberating," offering freedom from the need to consume physical food and purifying the spirit.
However, Jasmuheen's claims were met with extreme skepticism, especially after she agreed to participate in a controlled scientific experiment in 1999. The Australian TV program 60 Minutes placed Jasmuheen in a monitored environment without food or water. Within 48 hours, doctors noted symptoms of dehydration, and after four days, they were forced to end the experiment when she showed signs of life-threatening starvation. Jasmuheen blamed the poor results on the environment, claiming that the air in the city was polluted and disrupted her ability to absorb prana effectively.
Despite these public failures, Jasmuheen continues to promote her lifestyle. She defends the deaths of followers who have tried to emulate her teachings by suggesting that their failure to properly connect with prana or adhere to her methods resulted in their demise. Predictably, numerous individuals who have attempted to follow Breatharian practices have suffered severe health consequences, including death.
31-year-old German schoolteacher Timo Degen died in 1997 after attempting to live on light alone for a prolonged period. He was admitted to the hospital in a comatose state and passed away shortly after.
In 1998, Lani Morris, a 53-year-old Australian woman, died after following the Breatharian regimen under the guidance of self-proclaimed guru Jim Leung. The cause of death was dehydration and kidney failure.
In 1999, the body of 49-year-old Verity Linn was found in Scotland. She had embarked on a spiritual journey, inspired by Jasmuheen's teachings, attempting to live without food. An autopsy revealed that she died of hypothermia and dehydration, compounded by severe malnutrition.
Beyond these high-profile cases, several less-publicized deaths have been linked to Breatharianism. In 2012, a Swiss woman, known only as Anna Gut, died after attempting to live on light alone, inspired by a documentary about Jasmuheen. Her body was discovered after she had reportedly gone for weeks without eating.
So, what happens to the human body when deprived of food and water?
In the first three days without food or water, the body undergoes significant changes. Since about 60% of the body is water, this fluid is crucial for all functions, from cellular health to temperature regulation. Without water intake, the body draws on its stored fluids, but dehydration quickly sets in.
By the end of day three, severe dehydration occurs. A person typically feels dizzy, fatigued, and disoriented. The mouth, throat, and nose dry out, making swallowing and speaking difficult. Urine production slows, and what little is produced becomes dark and concentrated. At this point, headaches, low blood pressure, and heart palpitations are common. Cognitive function declines, leading to confusion and poor decision-making.
During the first week, organ failure begins. The kidneys, which filter toxins, start to shut down due to lack of fluid, causing a dangerous waste buildup. Thickened blood strains the heart, leading to elevated heart rate and eventual failure.
By the end of the week, electrolyte imbalances cause muscle cramps, seizures, and possible coma. Death from dehydration usually occurs within 7 to 10 days, depending on health, environment, and activity.
If water is consumed but not food, the body enters starvation mode. In the first 24-72 hours, glycogen stores in the liver and muscles are used for energy. After three days, the body turns to fat reserves through ketosis, but without nutrients, this process can't be sustained for long.
Fat stores are depleted by the second week without food, and muscle tissue is broken down to provide energy. Muscle wasting weakens the body and immune system, impairing vital organs. The brain suffers from a lack of glucose, leading to cognitive decline, hallucinations, and delirium. The person becomes increasingly immobile as the heart muscle deteriorates.
By the third week, severe malnutrition weakens immune function, leaving the body vulnerable to infections. Skin loses elasticity, hair falls out, and painful bloating occurs due to impaired digestion.
Death from starvation usually happens within 45 to 70 days, depending on body fat, health, and water intake. However, most Breatharian followers don't survive this long due to the combined effects of dehydration and malnutrition. This process is painful and illustrates the dangers of defying basic human biology. The belief that one can live on air and light, as Breatharianism claims, leads only to inevitable suffering and death.
The persistence of the Breatharian movement is reminiscent of another scientifically disproven belief: the flat Earth theory. Despite centuries of evidence supporting the spherical nature of our planet, a surprising number of people continue to advocate for a flat Earth. Flat Earthers often rely on cherry-picked data, pseudoscience, and conspiracy theories to support their claims, ignoring the vast body of empirical evidence and the consensus of the global scientific community.
Like Breatharians, Flat Earthers often deeply mistrust established scientific authorities and institutions. They posit a grand conspiracy to conceal the truth from the public. What truth? And what is the purpose of this conspiracy? Well, they claim to not have to tell you because, firstly, they themselves have no idea, and, more importantly, your decision to ask the question allows them the refuge of accusing you of being at least a minor actor in the conspiracy. This distrust is fueled by a combination of cognitive biases, including confirmation bias (favoring information that confirms preexisting beliefs) and the Dunning-Kruger effect (overestimating one's knowledge and expertise in a particular area).
The adherence to such implausible beliefs, despite their evident falsity and the dire consequences they can entail, can be attributed to several psychological and sociological factors. Still, I believe we need not dwell on cognitive dissonance and Dunning-Kruger as an explanation. The long and the short is this: belonging to a group with shared beliefs provides a sense of identity and community that is, for some reason, found to be otherwise lacking. Additionally, it allows someone who feels otherwise unremarkable to feel special. Part of a secret club, complete with handshakes, decoder rings, and rites of passage. Breatharians' beliefs become intertwined with their identity and social connections. This makes it nearly impossible to abandon these beliefs without losing a part of themselves and their community.
You know, like a cult.
Despite clear evidence of its dangers, the Breatharian movement's persistence mirrors the uncompromising adherence to other disproven views. It highlights a general tendency to cling to comforting or identity-affirming beliefs, regardless of their veracity. This tendency is not easily swayed (sometimes downright impossible) by logic or evidence, as it is rooted in deeper psychological needs and social dynamics. A delusion, especially one inexorably linked to someone's identity, cannot be reasoned with.
Engaging with adherents of such beliefs poses a considerable challenge. Rational discourse often falls short because these beliefs are based on more than just rational considerations. Again, they are intertwined with identity, community, and deeply held values. Attempts to debunk these beliefs can be perceived as personal attacks, further entrenching individuals' views.
The persistence of dangerous beliefs like Breatharianism raises ethical questions about freedom of belief (or, more accurately, faith) versus protecting public health. While individuals have the right to their beliefs, promoting practices that can lead to harm or death poses a moral dilemma. There is a fine line between respecting personal freedom and preventing the spread of harmful misinformation. To what extent does someone have the right to encourage others to practice suicide in slow motion? And to profit from it.
Ultimately, the Breatharian movement illustrates the lengths to which people will go to adhere to beliefs that have been conclusively disproven. It is a testament to the power of belief, the compulsive need for community and identity, and the influence of charismatic leaders. Despite the tragic consequences and definitive scientific refutations, movements like Breatharianism and the Flat Earth theory (believe me, I cannot believe this is being typed right now) continue to attract followers.
People are determined—it is, in fact, their favorite toy—that they are entitled to their opinions without challenge, however unlikely and however inaccurate.
This frustrates me. I imagine it frustrates you. So count to ten, take a breath, and then eat something.
It's good for you.