The fast that prolongs life: all about the FMD diet

With the rise in popularity of nutritional methods that include intermittent fasting, in recent years the discourse about the benefits of intermittent fasting as a way of life has expanded. One of the developing methods is called “Fasting Mimicking Diet” – FMD). It is not too demanding, and its contribution to longevity and health is extremely significant.The evidence in mice led to research in humans

The inventor and developer of the method is Dr. Walter Longo. Together with his partners, he discovered in his research that mice have periodic cycles in which they apply the diet method. He also discovered that this diet allows them to protect healthy cells while eliminating damaged cells, including cancer cells and autoimmune cells These cycles reduce inflammation levels, encourage multi-system regeneration and prolong life.

At the end of several cycles of applying a fasting-like diet, the mice were able to cure pancreatic beta cells and cure diabetes, they were able to cure chronic autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis. In another study, a fasting-like diet was able to cure intestinal inflammation, colitis, change the composition of the microbiome (the composition of the bacteria in the intestines) and stimulate the activity of stem cells in the intestines. In one of the most interesting studies, the application of the cycles among mice led to an extension of life in more than 45% of them, thanks to the regeneration of the stem cells, the reduction of visceral (abdominal) fat, a significant reduction of cancer cells in the body and more.

These optimistic findings led Dr. Longo and his staff to expand the research on humans as well. In 2024, a study was published in NATURE magazine in which participants were tested who did three rounds of a five-day diet simulating fasting. On the other days of the month, they continued to implement a normal diet. The result was surprising – the proof The most significant was the reduction of the average “biological age” (as opposed to chronological age) by 2.5 years. That is, the fasting blood diet improved the state of the body’s systems.

Benefits also for those dealing with serious illnesses

Dr. Longo and his partners are even focusing on examining the benefits of the method for patients dealing with cancer. In the studies they performed, Dr. Longo combined the method alongside conventional chemotherapy treatments. According to him, fasting around the conventional cancer treatment weakens the cancer cells and makes them more exposed and vulnerable to the chemical treatment, while at the same time it strengthens the normal and healthy cells and protects them.

 

 

 

how does it work

The guiding principle is a protocol of five days a month. The duration, i.e. the number of months, varies from person to person depending on their health condition. The protocol guidelines include the number of daily calories and the ratio of macronutrients that make up these calories. for example:

Protocol A will include on the first day a limit of 1,100 calories – 500 from complex carbohydrates, 500 from healthy fats and 25 grams of plant-based protein are also allowed (about 100 calories). The protein in the protocol will come mainly from nuts. During the remaining four days, the daily calories will be limited to 750-800 calories per day. 400 from complex carbohydrates and about 400 from healthy fats.

The sixth day is considered a transition day, during which, for 24 hours, the “fasting” will adhere to a diet consisting of complex carbohydrates (vegetables, rice, fruits, etc.) and low in protein, without animal products.

During the “fasting” days it is recommended to drink a lot of water, avoid alcohol and reduce drinks containing caffeine. It is recommended to rest and perform light physical activity, and to ensure quality sleep.

In summary: Although restricting calories is a difficult challenge both physically and mentally, applying the “diet that mimics fasting” method makes it possible to avoid severe diets and fasts that cannot be sustained, and still enjoy enormous health benefits.

Yigal Kotin (ND) is naturopathsenior lecturer at Ridman College of Integrative Medicine, Practitioner in Chinese medicine and Indian medicine (Ayurveda), clinical herbalist, and expert in fasting and support for those facing cancer.