Fasting Mimicking Diet: What It Is & The Benefits

Are you interested in the idea of fasting for health but hesitant to take on the challenges of a traditional, prolonged fast? Fortunately, there's a science-backed solution called the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) that offers a beneficial alternative. 

Unlike typical fasting practices, the FMD lets you experience the effects of a prolonged water fast while still nourishing your body with essential nutrients. Let’s talk about what exactly the FMD entails and explore the health benefits it can provide.

What Is the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD)?

FMD is a specially formulated nutrition plan designed to promote the effects of a prolonged water fast, while still providing essential sustenance. Unlike extended periods of complete food restriction or even popular intermittent fasting, the FMD utilizes a scientifically designed nutrient plan to make the body think it is fasting.

The primary distinction between FMD and conventional, prolonged water fasting lies in the specific combinations and amounts of nutrients and ingredients. During the FMD, the participant follows a structured meal plan with specific foods formulated to stay below nutrient-sensing pathways (NSPs). NSPs play a crucial role in how the body responds to nutrients, initiating processes that control energy expenditure, metabolism, and cellular repair. When these pathways detect the presence of nutrients, they send signals that either activate or suppress certain functions, ensuring that nutrients are used and distributed efficiently. 

This strategic approach keeps the body in a fasting-like state and facilitates various physiological changes associated with a prolonged fast  - without the struggle of water-only fasting or extreme nutrient deprivation that can lead to muscle loss or dehydration.

By restricting the intake of specific macronutrients, such as simple carbohydrates and proteins, while incorporating plant-based and nutrient-rich ingredients, FMD aims to stimulate autophagy, the body’s natural cellular rejuvenation system, as well as other biological processes associated with fasting, such as ketosis (when the body begins burning fat for fuel - more on that below).

Prolon’s patented FMD program spans five consecutive days, during which time participants adhere to a structured meal plan that includes soups, bars, drinks, and supplements. This precisely-crafted combination of nutrients is scientifically designed to provide maximum benefits of fasting while ensuring that the body receives adequate nourishment.

What Are the Potential Health Benefits of the Fasting Mimicking Diet?

Following the FMD can potentially have a range of benefits for your overall health and wellness. Here’s a closer look at just some of them:

When beginning the FMD, one of the significant benefits you might experience is the loss of fat, particularly abdominal fat. By limiting intake of calories, especially from simple carbohydrates, the body enters a state that prompts it to utilize fat stores for energy, ketosis (keto), relying on fat as the primary energy source instead of carbohydrates or glucose. 

Ketosis helps transition to burning fat for fuel, potentially leading to a reduction in body fat and body weight. As you adapt to this fuel source switch, your body becomes more efficient in utilizing fatty acids for energy rather than contributing to body mass. 

With most traditional fasts and diets, the loss of muscle mass accompanies weight loss. This can have potential detrimental effects, as maintaining muscle mass is crucial in achieving sustained metabolic and weight management results. However, the FMD includes a small amount of glucose, with the aim of the body bypassing the breakdown of lean body mass, and studies have shown that the FMD does protect muscle mass while promoting fat loss. 

Cellular Rejuvenation

One of the key aspects of the FMD is its impact on cellular rejuvenation and renewal. Prolonged fasting is known to trigger a cellular process called autophagy, wherein the body clears out or recycles old, damaged cell parts. This contributes to overall cellular rejuvenation and repair,  and has been shown it may support longevity and healthspan (the length of time a person is healthy, not just alive). In fact, a study showed that three monthly consecutive cycles of FMD may reduce a person’s biological age score by an average of 2.5 years. 

Prolon is the first and only patented nutrition program to support longevity through cellular rejuvenation, scientifically formulated to keep your body in a fasted state. 

Support for Healthy Metabolic Markers

In addition to its effects on fat-burning and cellular regeneration, the FMD has been associated with an array of healthy metabolic markers. For instance, research has indicated that following  the FMD can help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol, and may support overall cardiovascular markers.

Furthermore, as part of a comprehensive program for those with metabolic conditions, periodic and regular use of the FMD has demonstrated decreased insulin resistance and blood sugar levels. L-Nutra Health, the medical division of L-Nutra, offers nutrition-based, dietitian-guided, comprehensive programs to address the root cause of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

 *Before starting the FMD or any dietary intervention, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional if they have pre-existing medical conditions. 

How Can You Implement a Fasting Mimicking Diet?

Following Prolon’s FMD Meal Plan

The Prolon FMD is scientifically formulated, and to maximize its benefits, you must adhere exactly to the structured meal plan.

Here's an overview of what to expect:

• Meal Plan: You will be provided a detailed meal plan outlining what to consume each day during the FMD. This plan ensures balanced nutrition while staying under the body’s NSPs.
  
  
• Plant-Based and Nutrient-Rich Products: The Prolon meal plan includes a variety of plant-based products, including soups, bars, drinks, and supplements, specifically formulated to provide essential nutrients while keeping macros and calorie intake low. They are carefully designed to support the body's needs during the fasting state of the FMD.

• Incorporating Herbal Teas and Additional Hydration: While on the FMD, staying hydrated is important. Drink plenty of water and as many of the Prolon-provided herbal teas as desired. Staying properly hydrated aids in satiety, helps to flush out cell waste, and supports overall well-being during the FMD.

Considerations for Specific Populations

In certain situations, additional effects of fasting may need to be considered when participating in the FMD:

• Medical Conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical or conditions, or are taking medications, consult your healthcare provider to determine if the FMD is right for you. 

• Pregnancy or Breastfeeding: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, it's important to prioritize the mother's and child's nutritional needs. The FMD is not recommended during this period due to the potential impact on milk supply and infant nutrition. Consult with a lactation specialist or healthcare professional for personalized advice.

• Safety Precautions for Those with Eating Disorders: Individuals with a history of, or current struggles with, eating disorders should approach any dietary intervention, including the FMD, with caution. Working closely with an experienced healthcare professional who can assess any risk factors and provide appropriate guidance, support, and monitoring is imperative.

The Takeaway 

Prolon’s FMD offers a patented, science-backed approach to fasting that may provide numerous health benefits. By following a structured meal plan designed to mimic the effects of prolonged water fasts, individuals may experience fat-burning and cellular rejuvenation through the process of autophagy that supports healthy aging, fat-focused weight loss, and healthy metabolic markers. 

Get started on your 5-day journey today!