The breatharian diet is based on the notion that you can maintain a slim figure and attain a spiritual state by not eating any food and often not even drinking water. The premise of the diet is that the body can exist merely on air and sunlight. Needless to say, this diet is dangerous and has lead to many deaths from dehydration, notes the Diet Choices website.
History
Wiley Brooks, founder of the Breatharian Institute of America, claims to have been a breatharian for 30 years, and is also a self-proclaimed spiritual teacher and "interdimensional traveler." According to Brooks, a breatharian is someone who, under the correct conditions, can live without food. Brooks found fame in 1981 on the national TV show "That's Incredible," when he lifted almost 10 times his own body weight.
Significance
Breatharianism, also called inedia, is characterized by the complete absence of eating food. A true breatharian is said to be able to keep the body working perfectly despite lack of food or water by attaining a level of raised consciousness. In this sense, a breatharian needs only light and air to nourish the body. Some breatharians do sometimes drink water or tea, however. Others may eat a little cheese, fruit or horseradish from time to time, but merely to satisfy the taste buds.
Considerations
People who drink water or juice on a regular basis but do not eat food are not considered to be true breatharians, but are known as liquidarians. People who are on a temporary fasting or starvation diet are also not considered to be breatharians. Some breatharians describe inedia as a side effect of raised consciousness that may occur as the sudden or gradual cessation of the need for food.
Misconceptions
Although fasting is a common dietary and spiritual practice, it is usually done in moderation for brief periods of time, after which food and water is gradually reintroduced into the diet. The breatharian diet is very dangerous and can lead to death from hypothermia or dehydration.
Warning
Not eating or drinking can cause serious health problems such as dehydration, confusion, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle deterioration and hallucinations. If you are considering fasting, consult your medical practitioner first.
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