Breatharianism, the belief that humans can thrive on little more than sunlight and air, has been linked to at least five deaths, according to a report on the movement .. Popularized by influencers and wellness gurus, the practice draws on ancient ascetic traditions but has taken a deadly turn in its modern guise . Australian spiritual teacher Jasmuheen, who promotes total dry fasting, has faced particular scrutiny after followers died attempting her methods.

At least five deaths tied to Jasmuheen's dry fasting teachings

According to the report, critics have connected at least five fatalities to followers of Jasmuheen, a key figure in the Breatharian movement. Jasmuheen advocates for complete abstinence from food and water, a regimen that medical experts say can lead to severe dehydration, organ failure, and death. The source notes that in 1999, an Australian television program challenged Jasmuheen to prove her claims under medical supervision; the experiment was abandoned after just four days when doctors observed sveere dehydration, rising blood pressure, and rapid weight loss.

The 'Breatharian pregnancy' of Akahi Ricardo and Camila Castello

Another prominent couple in the Breatharian community, Akahi Ricardo and his wife Camila Castello, claim they have been 'living off the universe’s energy' since 2008, as reported by the source. they took the practice to an extreme with what they call a 'Breatharian pregnancy,' during which Castello reportedly ate nothing throughout the nine months she carried her first child. the source does not provide evidece of medical oversight duing this pregnancy, raising questions about the health of both mother and child.

Nicolas Pilartz's Pranic World Festival: A moderate alternative

Not all Breatharians adhere to such extreme regimens. The source describes Nicolas Pilartz, who consumes only liquids and occasionally eats fruits or vegetable broth a few times a week. Pilartz credits his peak health to the practice and has founded the Pranic World Festival in Italy, an annual 12-day event for Breatharians. This moderate approach, while still lacking scientific backing, appears less immediately dangerous than total dry fasting, yet it underscores the movement's spectrum of risk.

What the 1999 medical test revealed about Breatharian claims

The 1999 televised challenge remains one of the few documented attempts to test Breatharian claims under controlled conditions. As the source reports, Jasmuheen’s experiment was halted after four days due to clear signs of medical distress: severe dehydration, elevated blood pressure, and rapid weight loss.. No peer-reviewed study has ever validated the claim that humans can survive without food or water for extended periods. the source does not indicate whether any Breatharian has since submitted to similar rigorous testing.

The movement continues to grow online, driven by social media influencers and wellness personalities. One key open question: how many followers are currently attempting extreme fasts without medical supervision? Another: what role do platforms like Instagram and TikTok play in amplifying these dangerous practices? The source does not provide data on the number of active Breatharians worldwide or any recent cases of hospitalization.