Even just mimicking a fast can help lower risks for disease and reduce your biological age, according to a new study, but experts warn the diet may not be practical for everyone.
Researchers with the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology suggested in a study published Tuesday that a fast-mimicking diet (FMD) can lower a person's risk of disease, extend their life expectancy, and potentially slow their rate of aging.
USC Leonard Davis School Professor Valter Longo, the lead author of the study, told TechTimes that he believes most people should consider undergoing the diet on a regular basis.
"I think everyone but especially those with high blood pressure, high A1c, high cholesterol, high crp [C-reactive protein] or inflammatory issues, or those overweight or obese should consider three cycles a year of the FMD," he said.
The researchers argued that potential benefits, such as lowered insulin resistance and liver fat, are seen when individuals undergo the diet in a five-day cycle several times a year, on an annual basis.
The FMD mimics a water-only fast without cutting out food completely. Instead, individuals are limited to food that is high in unsaturated fats and low in protein, carbohydrates, and calories. In the recent study, participants consumed pre-packaged meals from ProLon, which included vegetable-based soups, energy bars, energy drinks, chip snacks, tea, as well as a supplement for key vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.
After completing the diet over five days, once a month for three months, participants saw their total and visceral fat lowered as well as lower insulin resistance. The authors claimed these findings provide evidence that FMD can be considered a "therapy" to prevent metabolic syndrome and diabetes.
The study also suggested the findings show the diet can overall improve a person's immune system and lower their biological age - meaning the age of your cells and tissue - by multiple years.
Longo explained that the individuals can copy the diet used in the study by purchasing a ProLon nutrition program that is commercially available across the globe.
However, experts warn the FMD may not be practical for many people in their everyday routine, particularly as ProLon's diet retails for $195 for one cycle.
"In an era where widespread food access is still an issue, not everyone would easily be able to access or afford these special products," said Dalia Beydoun, a registered dietitian located in Newport Beach, California.
While the research on the FMD is still relatively new, Beydoun has concerns on whether the diet can be replicated with homemade alternatives or if it even should be given its strict regimen.
"It's a very low calorie and protein plan that can be tough for people to stick with over time," Beydoun told TechTimes. "Even a short-term commitment of just five days may lead to undesirable effects such as weakness, fatigue, and potentially harmful shifts in one's relationship with food. It's important to me as a dietitian to promote a diet that easily fits into our daily lives and doesn't feel too restrictive."
Catherine Gervacio, a dietitian and exercise nutrition coach with E-Health Project, agreed that the FMD can be "far too drastic,", particularly for those who have diabetes, kidney issues or cardiovascular disease.
However, she acknowledged the potential benefits provided in the study, and explained that a better way to achieve longevity goals would be slowly adjusting to the diet rather than in a quick five-day cycle.
Gervacio informed TechTimes that the approach may encompass consuming nutrient-dense meals, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, as well as ensuring ample hydration through water, herbal teas, and other non-caloric beverages. During the diet period, Gervacio said it is important to monitor energy levels, signs of fatigue, dizziness, headaches, blood sugar fluctuations, and blood pressure. Several experts have suggested working alongside a healthcare professional or dietitian for such support.
Before even committing to a diet, though, Kimberly Gomer, a dietitian and director of nutrition at Body Beautiful Miami, told TechTimes there are two key steps people should take if they want to pursue similar effects as the FMD: cut out alcohol and highly processed foods.
Gomer said that even if someone pursues a diet provided by ProLon, the potential benefits won't stick if that person's lifestyle doesn't change at the same time.
"Fasting can be great, depending on who you are. You can go to an environment, and you can fast for a week or whatever, but then you have to go back into the real world, right?" she said.
"I think that's really the goal of every professional dietitian like me or anyone else who's trying to help people make healthy, sustainable change."
She explained that instead of focusing on a short-term diet multiple times a year, individuals should aim to change their eating practices for at least a year or more.
"The damage will come back if you don't change your lifestyle," Gomer warned.
About the author: Callie Patteson is freelance journalist jointly based out of Amsterdam, Netherlands and New Hampshire. She is currently studying to receive her Erasmus Mundus Master's' Degree in political communication and data journalism at the University of Amsterdam. Previously, she worked as a national politics reporter for the New York Post as well as an Associate Breaking News Editor for the Washington Examiner. Find her online at https://calliepatteson.squarespace.com/
