FMD (Fasting Mimicking Diet) reach the goal, no more starving

The history of FMD or Fasting Mimicking Diet is a concept developed by Dr. Valter Longo, a biology researcher and aging expert from the University of Southern California, USA. Dr. Longo has long studied the effects of fasting on health and lifespan, and has developed FMD as another dietary approach that yields results similar to IF (Intermittent Fasting), allowing the body to benefit from fasting without actually fasting.

Benefits of FMD

1. Helps regenerate cells and stimulate the Autophagy process

2. Reduces inflammation in the body

3. Improves metabolic function

4. Helps control weight and reduce body fat

5. May reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease

6. May slow aging and increase lifespan

How to Do FMD

1. FMD is typically done for 5 consecutive days

2. During these 5 days, calories are limited to about 34-54% of normal intake (800-1100 kcal)

3. The diet should be high in fat, low in carbohydrates, and low in protein

4. Should mainly consume plant-based foods such as vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils

5. Drink sufficient plain water and calorie-free herbal teas

6. After 5 days, gradually return to normal eating

Interesting Studies

1. A 2017 study by Wei et al. found that FMD helped reduce body weight, abdominal fat, and blood pressure in healthy adults

2. Research on mice by Brandhorst et al. in 2015 found that FMD may slow aging and reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes

3. A 2019 study by Choi et al. showed that FMD may help improve blood sugar control in patients with type 2 diabetes

However, this dietary approach may not be suitable for everyone. Those with pre-existing conditions should consult with experts or their treating physicians before doing FMD to avoid any potential adverse effects.

References

• Wei, M., Brandhorst, S., Shelehchi, M., Mirzaei, H., Cheng, C. W., Budniak, J., ... & Longo, V. D. (2017). Fasting-mimicking diet and markers/risk factors for aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Science translational medicine, 9(377), eaai8700.

• Brandhorst, S., Choi, I. Y., Wei, M., Cheng, C. W., Sedrakyan, S., Navarrete, G., ... & Longo, V. D. (2015). A periodic diet that mimics fasting promotes multi-system regeneration, enhanced cognitive performance, and healthspan. Cell metabolism, 22(1), 86-99.

• Choi, I. Y., Piccio, L., Childress, P., Bollman, B., Ghosh, A., Brandhorst, S., ... & Longo, V. D. (2019). A diet mimicking fasting promotes regeneration and reduces autoimmunity and multiple sclerosis symptoms. Cell reports, 27(10), 2911-2925.