Woman claims she no longer needs solid food, instead praises 'Breatharianism'

Audra Bear (Photo: Instagram)
Audra Bear (Photo: Instagram)

A Minnesota woman claims she “no longer needs solid food.” Instead, she says she gets all the nutrients she needs from water, juices, and...air.

Though she previously followed a raw vegan diet for four years, Audra Bear, 25, now says she followers a “pranic” lifestyle and gets energy from breathing and fasting. Following a plan known as “Breatharianism,” Bear claims her fast can last for up to 97 days at a time.

“My energy is heightened, my senses are stronger, and I’m feeling the healthiest I’ve ever been. I feel relaxed about life and a deeper connection to myself,” says Bear, according to Fox News.

Bear practices “breath work” for up to three hours a day. She occasionally eats solid foods, but usually for celebratory events alongside friends and family.

“It wasn’t until I started practicing the breathing exercises that I realized I had no appetite for solid or dense foods,” says Bear. “Most days I just drink teas, fruit juices, green juices and fresh coconut waters.”

Delving into her practice of Breatharianism, Bear claims she sustains herself.

“Prana is another word for energy, also known as Qi or Chi, It is a life-giving force that flows in, through and around all things, it’s in the air we breathe, the sunshine, nature, connections with people and all living things,” says Bear. “It is a powerful energy that actually has the ability to fuel and sustain us as humans.”

But health experts are quick to dispel Bear’s wellness plan. Nutrition scientist Helena Gibson-Moore told LADBible that Bear’s system of consuming only fruits and vegetables, particularly through juicing, is “not healthy” and could “be harmful if sustained over time."

"A diet that only includes fruit juices and teas is likely to be low in energy so although initial weight loss may occur, in the long term you will be missing out on important nutrients for good health,” says Gibson-Moore.

Gibson-Moore adds that there is no evidence that Bear’s diet will prevent disease. However, she does confirm that there is legitimate, scientific data that says a balanced diet will promote better health.

“Fruit and veg, whole grains, good sources of protein like oily fish, pulses (beans) and nuts, some dairy or dairy alternatives, some unsaturated fats and lower intakes of fatty processed meats, refined grain, salt, saturated fat and sugary foods and drinks is associated with better health outcomes,” says Gibson-Moore.

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