Discover The fasting mimicking : a revolution for health and longevity
Introduction to fasting mimicking
The fasting mimicking is a dietary method that can benefit from the benefits of fasting traditional while continuing to eat small amounts of food. This approach, popularized by Dr. Valter Longo (find these books on the subject), is based on a caloric restriction specific that triggers the same mechanisms that fasting classic, without causing extreme hardship.
In this article, we will explore in detail what is fasting mimicking, its health benefits, how to do and what they say to the scientific studies about it.
What is the fasting mimicking ?
The fasting mimetic, also called a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), is an approach that allows to mimic the effects of fasting while maintaining a power supply minimum.
Unlike the strict fasting whereone refrains completely from food, fasting mimetic allows a reduced consumption of calories for several days, usually between 3 and 5 days. This restriction pushes the body to enter ketosis, a state where it starts to burn its own fat to produce energy, thus promoting cell regeneration and longevity.
How does fasting mimicking ?
The principle of fasting mimetic is based on a limited consumption of :
✅ Calories : approximately 30% to 50% of the caloric needs daily.
✅ Protein : a significant reduction to activate autophagy (cellular cleaning process).
✅ Carbohydrates : in small quantity to maintain the state of ketosis.
✅ Healthy fats : predominantly unsaturated fatty acids to provide energy without stopping the effects of fasting.
The benefits of fasting mimicking
The fasting mimetic has several health benefits, validated by scientific studies.
🔹 1. Promotes cell regeneration and autophagy
When the body is in a calorie deficit, it activates a process called autophagy, which eliminates the damaged cells and promotes cell renewal. This mechanism is essential for the prevention of aging-related diseases.
🔹 2. Improves longevity
Research has shown that calorie restriction, regular, such as that practiced with the fasting mimetic, helps prolong the life expectancy by slowing down the cell aging.
🔹 3. Reduction of chronic disease risk
The fasting mimetic has been studied for its positive impact on the reduction of the risk of :
✅ Diabetes : improvement of insulin sensitivity.
✅ Cardiovascular disease : decreased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
✅ Cancer : studies suggest that fasting mimetic could slow tumor growth.
🔹 4. Better weight management
By promoting the use of fat as an energy source, the fasting mimetic help to reduce body fat without causing muscle wasting excessive.
🔹 5. Positive effects on the brain
Fasting mimetic stimulates the production of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), a protein essential for the protection of neurons and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
How to practice fasting mimicking ?
Recommended duration
Fasting mimetic is commonly performed on 5 consecutive days, but it can be adapted depending on objectives and tolerance of each.
Example of food programme
| Jour | Calories | Composition |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 100 kcal | Vegetables, nuts, olive oil, small portions of whole grain |
| Day 2 to 5 | 700 kcal | Broths, vegetables, oilseeds, nuts, small amounts of plant protein |
During this period, it is recommended to use natural foods and are rich in nutrients such as avocados, nuts, seeds, green vegetables and legumes.
Fasting mimetic vs other forms of fasting
| Type de jeûne | Alimentation | Durée | Objectif |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intermittent fasting | Alternating between periods of fasting and normal eating | Daily (ex : 16/8) | Weight management, energy |
| Prolonged fasting | No power | 24 hours to several days | Cell regeneration, ketosis |
| Fasting mimetic | Reduction in calories without complete removal | 3 to 5 days | Effects of fasting without deprivation |
Precautions to take
Although the fasting mimicking is generally well tolerated, some precautions are necessary :
🚨 Persons at risk : pregnant women, diabetics under treatment, and people with eating disorders should consult a doctor before trying this method.
💧 Hydration : drink plenty of water and herbal tea to avoid dehydration.
⚡ Listen to his body : in the event of excessive fatigue or discomfort, it is better to stop and take a recovery food gradually.
Conclusion on fasting mimetic.
The fasting mimicking is an innovative approach that combines the benefits of fasting traditional with a controlled diet. Its effects on health, including cell regeneration, prevention of chronic diseases and the improvement of cognitive functions, make a strategy more and more popular.
If you want to try fasting mimetic, it is essential that you inform and adapt the method to your lifestyle and your needs. Please do not hesitate to consult a health care professional for personalised support.
