For individuals grappling with chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, or mold toxicity, the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) is a promising approach to health management. This diet offers a scientifically backed method to:
Let's explore how the FMD may be a game-changer in your journey to better health and potentially alleviate symptoms without the extreme measures of traditional fasting.
The Fasting Mimicking Diet is an innovative dietary plan that mimics the effects of fasting while allowing for some nutrient intake. Developed by Dr. Valter Longo and his team, it is a five-day program involving reduced calorie consumption (750 to 1,100 calories per day) primarily from plant-based foods. This approach helps the body enter a fasting-like state, promoting various health benefits without complete food deprivation.
In FMD you eat a calorie restricted diet for 5 days that provides a limited mix of nutrients designed to trick the body into a fasting state. The mix of fats, carbs, and proteins is critical to avoid triggering the bodies nutrient sensing pathways.
Cellular rejuvenation is the process of renewing damaged cells, crucial for managing chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia, and mold toxicity. The FMD triggers autophagy, a cellular cleanup process that removes damaged cell parts and stimulates the production of new ones. This not only aids in maintaining cellular health but also supports the regeneration of tissues, ultimately enhancing longevity and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
For those living with chronic Lyme disease, Bartonella, Babesia and mold toxicity effective management often involves a comprehensive approach. The FMD may support this by
A robust immune system is vital for individuals dealing with chronic infections and mold toxicity. The FMD enhances immune function by promoting the regeneration of immune cells and supporting a balanced response. This strengthens the body's defense against infections and reduces inflammation, offering an immune system boost crucial for better health and longevity.
Mold toxicity symptoms can be debilitating, but dietary changes like the FMD offer relief by addressing underlying inflammation and oxidative stress. The FMD supports detoxification and cellular repair, helping to manage and alleviate mold toxicity symptoms effectively.
Consult Your Doctor: Before starting the FMD, consult with a healthcare provider to ensure safety, especially if you have pre-existing conditions.
Timing and Frequency: Ideally, initiate FMD after reducing germ load or mold toxin levels, typically a year into treatment.
Follow the Protocol: Adhere to the five-day meal plan, ensuring appropriate caloric intake while monitoring symptoms and energy levels.
I became interested in prolonged fasting and FMD to help patients based on the experience of one of my patients. After two years on antibiotics, she regained about 80% of her health, but something was still missing. Over the course of a year, she underwent several prolonged fasts, which restored her health to 100%. In my opinion, she benefited significantly from the cellular rejuvenation and its health-promoting effects that I mentioned earlier.
Studies have also shown FMD’s efficacy in increeasing longevity, reducing markers of inflammation and improving cellular and metabolic health. A clinical trial noted that participants experienced reduced insulin resistance and lower levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) after completing FMD cycles.
According to a 2024 study, after three monthyl FMD cycles over three consecutive months participants had a decreased biologic age score that was reduced by 2.5 years.
While there is currently no specific research that examines the effects of FMD on humans or animals with chronic tick-borne infections or mold toxicity, the theoretical basis for its potential benefits is compelling. Individuals suffering from these conditions often experience inflammation, oxidative stress, and impaired cellular function, all of which are areas where FMD has shown promise in other contexts. The diet's ability to promote autophagy and cellular renewal improving immune function and decreasing chronic inflammation may help alleviate the dis-ease caused by these chronic ailments.
For those interested in trying a Fasting Mimicking Diet, I highly recommend the Prolon* program developed by Dr. Valter Longo, a leading expert in the field of fasting and longevity. The Prolon diet is designed to provide the benefits of fasting while providing essential nutrients, making it a scientifically backed choice for safe and effective fasting. Prolon is a calorie restricted diet with the correct mix of plant-based fats, proteins, and carbs designed to hide from the nutrient sensing pathways.
I have arranged special pricing for my readers through Prolon. You can access this exclusive offer through Marty Ross MD Supplements by clicking on the "Start Now!" button. This is a convenient way to start your FMD journey with a trusted and reliable product.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Marty Ross, MD is a passionate Lyme disease educator and clinical expert. He helps Lyme sufferers and their physicians see what really works based on his review of the science and extensive real-world experience. Dr. Ross is licensed to practice medicine in Washington State (License: MD00033296) where he has treated thousands of Lyme disease patients in his Seattle practice.
Marty Ross, MD is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine and Georgetown University Family Medicine Residency. He is a member of the International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ILADS), The Institute for Functional Medicine, and The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).
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