Written by the HHC Nutrition Team
July 2, 2021
I am excited to share information about the Longevity Diet and Fasting Mimicking Diet.
The Fasting Mimicking Diet has been developed by scientistic researcher Valter Longo PHD. He has spent decades researching longevity and developed this concept. It is basically what it sounds like, a specific 5-day eating program that was designed to mimic a traditional fasting period. The purpose of the diet is so that individuals can reap the potential benefits of fasting without eliminating important nutrients. Extended periods of fasting support autophagy which is the body’s process of removing and repairing damaged cells and tissues.
What are the potential benefits?
Engaging in periodic cycles of the Fasting Mimicking Diet is one aspect that’s often incorporated into the Longevity Diet also developed by Dr, Longo. This is a lower in protein diet, (mainly plant based diet) that has been studied to help reverse and prevent certain diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune conditions.
According to a randomized study, following the Fasting Mimicking Diet once a month for 3 consecutive months was correlated with fat loss (5-8 pounds), reductions in blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and inflammatory markers.
Other factors of consideration
It’s important to follow the 5-day diet exactly as it’s laid out in the program which is called ProLon and make sure to follow the transitional diet (plant based, low sugar) on the 6th day.
The frequency of undergoing the fasting mimicking diet depends on a person’s overall health and personal goals but can be followed from as often as once a month to once every six months.
Both Dr. Bernstein and I have researched and studied this approach and are excited to support patients interested. We have the ProLon 5-day program with all you need at the office.
It’s best to consult with the Doctor or me before trying the Fasting Mimicking Diet, especially if you have health conditions like diabetes, heart failure, cancer or a history of fainting. You should not try the diet if you are underweight, have any type of disordered eating patterns, are pregnant/breastfeeding or outside the age range of 18-70.
To assure better results and implementation of these plans, please schedule an appointment to review the diet and protocol.