A 1-month-old baby died from starvation Friday in Sochi, Russia, because of his parents allegedly putting him on an extreme diet. The diet, known as "prana eating," consists of no food or water and “feeding on the sun," Yahoo! News reported. The boy’s mother, 33-year-old Oxana Mironova, is being investigated on charges of negligence. Her influencer partner, 43-year-old Maxim Lyutyi, has been separately detained on charges of trying to resist local law enforcement.
The mother and her partner founded a health and wellness club for Russians called Living Man. Both followed an extreme food diet and health-conscious lifestyle they reportedly tried to force on the newborn.
The couple followed a strict diet and lifestyle.
Lyuti and Mironova were allegedly both promoting and following prana eating, a diet with periods of no food or water and “feeding on the sun." Lyutyi is an influencer known for being a “radical raw foodist” who has authored his own methods of "cleansing the body," reported Zvezda News per Yahoo! News. Allegedly, the couple tried to get the baby to follow the same "diet/lifestyle" they prescribed too.
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The couple faces charges.
The mother has been placed under investigation for death caused by negligence, and a judge has ordered her put under house arrest for two months, per Yahoo! News.
“The preliminary version of the infant's death is severe exhaustion … that the blogger tried to instill his nutrition system in the baby,” Zvezda News reported, according to Yahoo! News.
The events and circumstances that contributed to the baby’s death have led to a criminal case being launched and examined by the Russian Investigative Committee. Reportedly, the couple’s home was searched and authorities discovered the baby was born at home.
"The man is suspected of torturing a baby," the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation said in a statement, according to Business Insider. "After the birth of the child, the suspect took the baby from the mother at least three times between February and March of this year and deprived him of the opportunity to eat for a day," the statement continued.
The influencer posted concerning content on his social feeds.
Prior to the incident surrounding the death of the newborn, Lyutyi was reportedly sharing concerning content and claims on his social media. Apparently, claims were made by Lyutyi about 3D printers being from another century and Greta Thunberg being an "actress," according to Yahoo! News.
These claims, along with the questionable practice of prana eating, have left questions surrounding the stability of Lyutyi’s state of mind.
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Sadly, the incident points to the dangers of following 'extreme diet trends.'
The phenomenon, which began in recent years, has people following "extreme diets" or
"diet trends" that they find via social media, especially on Instagram and TikTok.
Whether it’s growing up with an “almond mom” or something more extreme, fad diets often lead to dangerous and disordered eating behaviors as well as resulting in harm to yourself and others if you are promoting it.
They are especially harmful to teens and young children because they are still developing and growing and have very specific and necessary nutritional needs.
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
