Medical News Today (MNT)Fasting-like Diet May Help Reverse Biological Aging by 2.5 Years

Unraveling the Impact of a Fasting-Mimicking Diet on Biological Aging and Systemic Health

Recent studies highlight the potential of a fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) to significantly reverse biological aging and improve markers of health without altering lifestyle. The diet, designed to imitate the effects of fasting, has shown promising results in reducing risk factors for various diseases and improving metabolic health. This summary distills key findings and practical implications for physicians to consider in their practice.

Key Points:

• The fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) involves a specific regimen of consuming formulated foods with controlled macro and micronutrient levels for five days, followed by a standard diet for the remaining 25 days of the month.
• Clinical trials demonstrated that participants on FMD experienced reductions in biomarkers related to insulin resistance, liver fat, and inflammation, which are pivotal in the aging process.
• Over three to four monthly cycles of FMD, individuals showed a notable decrease in HbA1c levels, fasting glucose, abdominal and liver fat, alongside improvements in immune system markers.
• The studies reported a reduction in biological age by an average of 2.5 years, assessed using the biome method developed by Morgan Levine at Yale.
• The diet’s composition is primarily plant-based, high in unsaturated fats, and low in proteins and calories, aligning with the principles of a Mediterranean-style diet.
• Despite its benefits, FMD is not recommended for certain populations, including pregnant individuals and older adults, due to their unique nutritional requirements.
• FMD’s potential to assist in the prevention and management of chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s is underlined by its impact on biological age and systemic health.

Intermittent fasting has been shown to extend lifespan in rodent models by up to 30%, suggesting potential translational benefits of fasting-related diets in humans.

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