The Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), developed by Dr. Valter Longo at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, aims to replicate the benefits of fasting without complete food restriction.

Fasting involves abstaining from food and is believed to offer various health benefits, leading to the development of methods like the FMD.

FMD consists of a plant-based diet over five days, with a daily intake of 700 calories, limited sugars and proteins, and a minimum of 70 ounces of water.

This diet triggers autophagy, a cellular cleansing process that removes damaged cells, which promotes healthy aging, better brain health, and reduced inflammation.

Research indicates that FMD may potentially reverse biological aging; a study showed it reduced the biological age of mice by 2.5 years.

A 2023 review suggested that FMD might help prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease, although further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness.

In addition to its anti-aging benefits, FMD has shown promise in enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness, with breast cancer patients experiencing more tumor shrinkage.

Moreover, studies suggest that FMD may improve symptoms and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease by preserving brain cells.

FMD may also reduce the risk of diabetes, as studies indicate improved blood sugar control among diabetes patients following the diet.

Furthermore, FMD is linked to improved gut health, reducing intestinal inflammation and promoting protective gut bacteria, as demonstrated in studies on mice.

While FMD is generally considered safe, it may cause side effects like increased hunger and fatigue, so consulting a doctor before starting the diet is recommended.

Interestingly, a 2021 study found that mice on a poor diet could live as long as those on a healthy diet when supplemented with five days of FMD.