I don't know where you get your stats. There are eastern countries where entire tribe knows how to dive in the ocean by holding their breath and they catch fish, they don't breath for more than five minutes, it is like anything practice and you can increase the time to hold your breath.
I have fasted without water for five days, some do more, I am alive and many are who dry fast.
I also have fasted for 22 days, and many do for 30-40 days, nothing but water, I am alive and so are they.