The Controversial Practice of Living Without Food
Some individuals claim to subsist on little more than sunlight and air, a practice known as Breatharianism or Inedia. This philosophy, rooted in ancient ascetic traditions, is experiencing a modern resurgence, often promoted by wellness influencers and gurus. However, critics warn of its dangerous pseudoscientific nature.
Modern Advocates and Their Claims
Akahi Ricardo and his wife, Camila Castello, are among those who assert they have been sustained by the ‘universe’s energy’ since 2008. Castello even described a ‘Breatharian pregnancy,’ stating she consumed no food during her nine months of carrying their child, believing her son would be nourished by her love.
While Ricardo and Castello acknowledge occasional consumption of fruits or vegetable broth, they maintain that their primary nourishment comes from earth’s energy. They now offer workshops to individuals interested in learning about Breatharianism.
Insights from a Practitioner
Nicolas Pilartz, a Breatharian living in rural Italy, describes the practice as achieving a state of ‘food freedom,’ where eating and drinking become optional rather than a necessity. He believes that modern society suffers from ‘food addiction,’ citing high obesity rates and the prevalence of diet-related illnesses in younger populations.
Pilartz, who adopted Breatharianism in his early 40s after struggling with his health, initially experimented with complete fasting. Finding it detrimental, he transitioned to a liquid-only diet. He now consumes about a liter of hot chocolate daily, sometimes with broth in the evenings, and solid food only once a month. He also hosts the annual Pranic World Festival in Italy, a 12-day event for Breatharians.
Pilartz emphasizes a gradual transition, guiding students from solid foods to liquids like broth, yogurt, milk, and coffee. He states, “There’s gonna be a moment in your life where you’re going to be done with food.”
Historical Figures and Controversies
Australian spiritual teacher Jasmuheen (Ellen Greve) is another prominent figure associated with Breatharianism, advocating for total dry fasting and survival solely on ‘prana,’ a life force from air and sunlight. Her teachings have faced strong condemnation from the scientific community as potentially lethal pseudoscience.
In 1999, an experiment under medical supervision to prove Jasmuheen’s claims was halted after four days due to severe dehydration, elevated blood pressure, and significant weight loss. Despite this, she continued to promote Breatharianism globally. Critics have linked at least five deaths to followers who attempted to emulate her teachings, including two women who died from dehydration during extended fasts.
The Breatharian Institute of America
Wiley Brooks, founder of the Breatharian Institute of America, claimed to have lived for 19 years without food, sustaining himself on air and sunlight. He controversially suggested that hunger strikers died from a “death wish” rather than starvation.
Brooks later faced scrutiny after being repeatedly photographed consuming fast food. He then incorporated fast-food establishments into his philosophy, claiming they were built on sites with special spiritual energies. He encouraged followers to consume large quantities of Diet Coke and burgers before meditating, stating, “I highly recommend that you eat at McDonalds when ever possible. All McDonalds are constructed on properties that are protected by 5th Dimensional high energy/spiritual portals.”
Brandon Dey, Brooks’ successor, stated that he followed the diet for several years, reaching an ‘enlightened state’ and experiencing oneness with God through consuming burgers and Diet Coke. He now practices a more moderate form, consuming about one meal a day or nothing at all, favoring whole, plant-based foods.
The Institute offers programs teaching followers to overcome food addiction and achieve ‘ascension,’ with prices ranging from $15,000 to millions for ‘immortality workshops.’ They also market a drink called the ‘elixir of the Gods,’ claimed to be sourced from mythical locations. Dey describes this elixir as water infused with energies of the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail, with prices reaching $1,000 a bottle, asserting that higher prices yield more energy.
Dey differentiates his approach by viewing Inedia as a spiritual movement focused on using food to promote the ‘higher self,’ rather than a lifestyle choice of complete abstinence.
Criticism and Tragic Outcomes
Breatharianism has drawn significant criticism, with some labeling it a cult. Actress Michelle Pfeiffer recounted an experience in her early career where she became involved with a controlling couple who were Breatharians, believing individuals in their highest state were Breatharian. She realized she was caught in a manipulative situation, comparing it to other cults.
In a tragic case in Russia, influencer Maxim Lyutyi was sentenced to eight years in prison after his newborn son starved to death. Lyutyi attempted to prove the infant could survive solely on sunlight and berries, also preventing the child’s mother from breastfeeding. Baby Kosmos died from pneumonia and emaciation. Lyutyi’s mother-in-law accused him of running a “sect” and described his wife as his “slave.””
Scientific and Medical Perspectives
There is minimal scientific evidence supporting the ability of humans to gain energy from the sun and air alone. The British Dietetic Association deems Breatharian diets ‘dangerous,’ emphasizing the essential need for food and liquid for survival.
Research into severe food restriction indicates that prolonged fasting leads to starvation, dehydration, and ultimately death. The body begins to break down its own tissues for energy in the absence of food. Naveena Shine, who attempted to live on light for 100 days, abandoned the experiment after 47 days due to severe light-headedness, nausea, and cold extremities, losing 30 pounds while consuming only water and tea. She later admitted her symptoms might have been due to starvation.
Some Breatharians, like Pilartz, claim their bodies avoid using reserves. Pilartz recounted a seven-day dry fast, an experience he described as extremely difficult but survivable. He believes in reaching ‘level four’ Breatharianism, where neither food nor liquids are consumed. He suggests that the perception of needing food is often a mental state influenced by belief systems and the placebo or nocebo effect, likening the process to training for a marathon.
