Research has revealed that “fake fasting” may offer the same age-reversing health benefits as forsaking food.

Known as the fasting mimicking diet (FMD), the diet is designed, as the name implies, to mimic the effects of water fasting by targeting blood glucose, ketone levels and other biomarkers.

While traditional fasting is characterized by the utter absence of food, FMD allows for a limited intake of specific nutrients and is set up in cycles; typically, people adhere to FMD for five days out of the month and maintain their regular diet for the remainder of the month.

While the utter absence of food characterizes traditional fasting, FMD allows for a limited intake of specific nutrients and is set up in cycles. Katecat – stock.adobe.com

Previous research has indicated that brief, periodic FMD cycles can support weight loss, promote stem cell regeneration and lessen chemotherapy side effects. Other trials have found that FMD may be able to reduce the signs of dementia.

This latest study, published in the journal Nature Communications, revealed that FMD can reduce signs of immune system aging and — by decreasing insulin resistance and liver fat in humans — can lower a person’s biological age by an average of 2½ years.

“Biological age” is a measure of the function of the person’s cells and tissues, as opposed to chronological age

“This is the first study to show that a food-based intervention that does not require chronic dietary or other lifestyle changes can make people biologically younger,” senior author and University of Southern California professor Valter Longo said in a statement.

FMD can reduce signs of immune system aging and, by decreasing insulin resistance and liver fat in humans, can lower a person’s biological age by an average of 2½ years. kerkezz – stock.adobe.com

Researchers describe FMD as a “five-day diet high in unsaturated fats and low in overall calories, protein and carbohydrates, and is designed to mimic the effects of a water-only fast while still providing necessary nutrients and making it much easier for people to complete the fast.”

Caloric intake is reduced to about 40-50% of a person’s normal daily requirement, and protein and carbs are severely restricted to trigger cellular and metabolic responses similar to those initiated by a water fast.

The diet relies heavily on calories from unsaturated fats, which are known to reduce inflammation and promote heart health.

Participants in the USC study underwent three to four monthly cycles of the FMD, following the diet for five days before switching back to a “normal” or Mediterranean-style diet for 25 days.

While restricted to the FMD, participants filled their plates with plant-based soups, energy bars, chips, energy drinks, and tea. They were also given a supplement with high levels of minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids.

Study authors maintain that these results support the potential of FMD as an accessible intervention that can reduce disease risk and improve overall health without requiring extensive lifestyle changes. KMPZZZ – stock.adobe.com

The study found that following FMD lowered diabetes risk factors, reduced liver fat, slowed immune system aging, and decreased the risks of age-related illnesses, resulting in a lower biological age.

“This study shows for the first time evidence for biological age reduction from two different clinical trials, accompanied by evidence of rejuvenation of metabolic and immune function,” said senior study author Professor Valter Longo.

Study authors maintain that these results support the potential of FMD as an accessible intervention that can reduce disease risk and improve overall health without requiring extensive lifestyle changes or the considerable willpower needed to go food-free for days at a time.

Experts note that while the FMD may be helpful for some, it is not suitable for all.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with a history of disordered eating, or preexisting conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease should consult with a medical professional before engaging with this protocol.

For those who opt for a fake fast, experts underscore the importance of proper hydration and recommend consuming at least 70 ounces of water per day.