The element of water dries up if food is not taken. The element of air disappears if the breath is controlled. The element of space disappears if the excretions cease. So also the element of fire disappears if food does not go in.
नश्यन्त्यापो ह्यनाहाराद् वायुरुच्छ्वासनिग्रहात्। नश्यते कोष्ठभेदात् खमग्निर्नश्यत्यभोजनात्॥