Introduction
Longevity, or living a longer, healthier life, is a desire fundamental to humanity. While various factors contribute to this pursuit, nothing has emerged quite as promising as diet interventions. An intriguing diet intervention that is gaining traction among researchers and consumers alike is the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) or Regular Fasting. This article aims to shed light on how such diets influence longevity.
What is a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD)?
The Fasting Mimicking Diet, developed by Dr. Valter Longos and his team at the University of Southern California, involves reducing calorie intake for a specified period – typically five days per month, which simulates fasting while still feeding the body. When strategically and consistently incorporated into a lifestyle, an FMD supposedly affects multiple pathways in the body that have implications for longevity.
The Science behind FMD and Longevity
FMD’s potential impacts on lifespan arise from several interconnected biological mechanisms. Understanding these mechanisms starts with recognizing cell stress pathways that FMD targets, ties to aging and disease, and how FMD can tip the tide in favor of healthier, longer lives.
1. Autophagy: Autophagy is a cellular cleanup process triggered by deficit conditions like fasting. It helps remove defective components, like damaged proteins and organelles such as mitochondria, reducing cellular aggregation, improving cellular function, and possibly reducing disease risks.
2. Stem Cells Activation: FMD has shown potential in triggering stem cell regeneration, particularly in the immune system, vital for maintaining a robust immune response, preventing diseases, and promoting longevity.
3. Reduced Inflammation: Age-related inflammation has associations with several chronic diseases. Studies suggest that FMD may reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines and promote a healthier inflammatory response.
Evidence of FMD’s Impact on Longevity
In various animal and some human studies investigating FMD’s role in promoting longevity, the results seem promising.
Animal Studies
In mice, FMD has shown great potential by invariably extending lifespan, lowering visceral fat, reducing cancer incidence and skin lesions, rejuvenating the immune system, and improving cognitive function.
In a compelling study published in ‘Cell Metabolism’, mice on an FMD not only lived longer but also had fewer cancers and inflammatory diseases, highlighting the diet’s potential effects on aging markers.
Human Studies
While there is limited FMD research in humans compared to animal research, early studies are yielding promising results. A pilot trial showed that three cycles of a-prolonged FMD reduced risk factors/biomarkers for aging, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Practical Applications of FMD for Longevity
If you decide to practice FMD for longevity, understanding the correct and practical implementation is crucial.
1. A typical FMD cycle: FMD usually involves five consecutive days of low calorie and low protein diet per month. On these days, you consume about 35-54% of your normal calorie intake.
2. Suitable foods: In order to mimic fasting, the diet during these five days consists majorly of healthy fats, with minimal carbohydrates and proteins. This could include foods like olives, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.
3. Precautions: Fasting diets are not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, underweight individuals, or those with nutritional deficiencies or certain medical conditions should not engage in an FMD without obtaining medical advice.
Conclusion
In summary, Regular Fasting or a Fasting Mimicking Diet appears to influence several biological pathways that promote healthier aging and longevity through processes like autophagy, stem cell activation, and reduced inflammation. While more research, especially large-scale human trials, is necessary, the initial findings set an exciting premise worth exploring further in the quest for a longer, healthier life. As with any diet intervention, it’s crucial to approach FMD with a balanced perspective, understanding that it’s just one piece of the longevity puzzle that also includes regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and managing stress.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8932957/
https://blog.insidetracker.com/intermittent-fasting-impacts-longevity-summary-research