Modern lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of physical activity place significant pressure on the human metabolism. This leads to problems such as insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and metabolic syndrome, threatening overall health. However, in recent years, Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), which stimulates autophagy and thus promotes cellular regeneration, has emerged as a promising approach in combating these problems. In this article, we will discuss the effects of FMD on cellular regeneration, inflammation control, and metabolic health.
What is a Fasting Mimicking Diet?
The fasting-mimicking program is a five-day program based on healthy, natural products and ingredients . However, your body doesn't recognize that it's being nourished, causing it to enter fasting mode. This dietary model was developed by Professor Valter Longo, Director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California , and his team, through 30 years of clinical research. These clinical studies, conducted at major universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and California, have been published in over 40 top-tier journals, and research continues in new areas. A fasting-mimicking diet cycle leads to a lower biological age in humans by reducing insulin resistance, liver fat, and signs of aging in the immune system. Reducing calorie intake activates cellular repair mechanisms in the body and optimizes metabolic processes. This diet aims to meet essential nutritional needs while sending "hunger" signals to the body.
What are the benefits of a hunger-mimicking nutrition program?
1. It supports autophagy and cellular regeneration.
Calorie restriction forces the body to conserve energy and activates cellular repair mechanisms. This process extends the lifespan of cells and reduces the risk of diseases such as cancer. Autophagy is a process by which the body breaks down damaged or dysfunctional cellular components, converts them into energy, and renews them. This mechanism has been explained in detail by the Japanese scientist Prof. Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Medicine . Thanks to autophagy, the body meets its energy needs while simultaneously undergoing a cellular-level cleansing and renewal process, such as removing damaged organelles, proteins, and toxic accumulations. In this process, special cellular structures called autophagosomes eliminate harmful substances by combining them with lysosomes. Autophagy also optimizes energy production and supports cellular survival in stressful situations. This process reduces inflammation, helps prevent diseases, and supports overall metabolic health. Mesenchymal stem cells emerge to replace the cleansed cells, and cellular renewal takes place. Thus, damaged organs are repaired.
2. It helps reduce inflammation .
This dietary model helps prevent inflammation-based diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer's, and rheumatoid arthritis because it helps clear harmful molecules that trigger inflammation. It also contributes to slowing down the progression of chronic diseases by reducing inflammation markers.
3. Supports metabolic health .
Fasting-mimicking nutrition breaks down insulin resistance, regulates blood sugar, contributes to weight loss, and reduces the risk of diabetes by shifting the body from a state of nutrient surplus to a state of nutrient restriction. It also plays an important role in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Metabolic flexibility is gained with this dietary model because fat metabolism begins to function.
How to implement Simulated Hunger Feeding?
The Fasting Mimic Nutrition (FMD) program, developed by Prof. Dr. Valter Longo and his team, is available worldwide and in Turkey under the name Prolon . With over 2 million uses to date and recommended by 25,000 healthcare professionals, FMD is a nutritional protocol that mimics the benefits of fasting without actually fasting. The main goal is to reap the benefits of fasting without stimulating the three main nutrient pathways (mTOR, PKA, IGF1). This protocol includes herbal teas, vegetable soups, almond bars, olives, plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and mineral and vitamin supplements. The aim is to provide the micro and macronutrients the body needs while keeping energy intake to a minimum.
This diet lasts 5 days and only foods specified in the program are consumed. This physiological nutrition program consists of organic foods that are GMO-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, and free of additives; no external food intake is allowed. The package contents are vegetarian. Only 2-3 liters of water and 30 minutes of brisk walking are sufficient. This diet activates fat metabolism, providing metabolic flexibility, and triggers autophagy, initiating cellular renewal processes. After 5 days, you will see fat-focused weight loss, breaking down stubborn weight, reduced insulin resistance, preservation of muscle tissue, and increased skin radiance. All of these contribute to a general sense of well-being and an energetic body.
What should the duration and frequency of application be?
FMD is generally applied for 5 days. Depending on the individual's health status and goals, it may be repeated every 3 to 6 months. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for general information and frequency of application before starting the diet. It may not be suitable, especially for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and individuals with chronic diseases. The transition back to a normal diet after the diet should be done carefully, avoiding sudden increases in calories.