Fasting-Mimicking Diet: FMD A Five-Day Regimen with Potential Health Benefits and Age Reversal, According to Study”
A recent study conducted by the FMD University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggests that a five-day fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) high in unsaturated fats and low in overall calories can not only improve overall health but also reverse biological age. Developed by Prof. Valter Longo and his team, this diet mimics the effects of a water-only fast while providing essential nutrients, making fasting more manageable.
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FMD
During the five-day FMD cycles, participants consumed plant-based soups, energy bars, energy drinks, chip snacks, and tea, along with nutritional supplements. The diet aims to promote stem cell regeneration, reduce chemotherapy side effects, and diminish signs of dementia in mice. Benefits observed in humans included immune system rejuvenation, reduced diabetes risk, and potential anti-aging effects.
Nutritionist Sonia Bakshi explains that the FMD allows individuals to experience the benefits of fasting without enduring prolonged hunger and nutritional deprivation. It involves a reduced calorie intake, making it more like modified fasting, where small amounts of nutrient-dense foods are consumed. The diet aims to trick the body into a fasting state without causing severe hunger.
Pros of the Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) include:
Weight loss: FMD induces calorie restriction, promoting fat burning and preserving lean muscle mass.
Improved metabolic health: FMD is associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.
Cellular rejuvenation: FMD triggers cellular repair processes, removing damaged cells and promoting the regeneration of healthy cells.
Enhanced cognitive function: FM may improve cognitive function by reducing inflammation and promoting neuroplasticity.
Longevity: FM is proposed to extend lifespan by promoting cellular repair, reducing inflammation, and improving metabolic health.
According to Bakshi, the diet may lower cancer risk, support a healthy brain, and assist in managing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
However, potential risks and cons of FMD include:
Not suitable for certain populations: FM may not be suitable for pregnant women or individuals with certain medical conditions.
Limited long-term data: There is limited data on the long-term safety, efficacy, and sustainability of FM.
Individual variability: Responses to FM can vary widely among individuals.
Disruption of social dynamics: Following FM may disrupt social interactions centered around food.
Risk of overeating post-fasting: Some individuals may be tempted to overeat or indulge in high-calorie foods after completing FM.
It is crucial to approach FM with caution, especially for specific populations, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals when necessary.
