The Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a low-calorie, plant-based diet designed to mimic the effects of fasting without requiring complete food restriction. Developed by Dr. Valter Longo, it typically lasts for 5 days and aims to provide the body with essential nutrients while still triggering some of the beneficial effects of fasting, such as cellular rejuvenation and metabolic changes.
Here’s a brief overview of how it works:
- Day 1: Consume around 1,100 calories.
- Days 2-5: Consume around 725 calories per day.
- The diet is high in unsaturated fats, low in proteins and sugars, and includes foods like healthy fats (olive oil, avocados), plant-based proteins (legumes, lentils), fruits, whole grains, and vegetables.
The FMD has been associated with benefits such as reduced abdominal obesity, lower insulin resistance, and a positive impact on the immune system. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet plan, especially one as restrictive as this.
The Fasting-Mimicking Diet (FMD) has shown promising results in boosting anti-tumor immunity. Here’s how it works:
- Metabolic Switching: The FMD triggers metabolic switching, which promotes cellular repair and reduces inflammation. This metabolic shift can help the body better fight cancer cells.
- Gut Microbiota Modulation: Research has shown that the FMD can enrich certain gut bacteria, like Bacteroides pseudolongum, which in turn induces the generation of memory CD8+ T cells. These cells play a crucial role in suppressing tumors, particularly colorectal cancer.
- Immune System Enhancement: The FMD has been found to reshape systemic and intratumor immunity by contracting immunosuppressive cells and enhancing Th1/cytotoxic responses. This leads to an increase in immune cells that are effective in attacking cancer cells.
- Reduction in Blood Glucose and Growth Factors: The diet results in a consistent decrease in blood glucose and growth factor concentrations, which are known to feed cancer cells. This reduction can help starve cancer cells and inhibit their growth.
- Clinical Trials: Studies have shown that the FMD is safe and feasible when combined with standard antitumor therapies. It has been associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with various types of cancer.
These mechanisms collectively contribute to the FMD’s potential in enhancing anti-tumor immunity and improving outcomes for cancer patients.