Weight Loss Tips & Tricks: Is Fasting Mimicking Diet Healthy?

Fad diets that include fasting or at least, mimic fasting, are taking the nation by storm as they boast of helping an individual lose weight while keeping the body safe and healthy.

Fox News writes that according to a study published in Cell Metabolism, diets that copy fasting or make an individual fast can help in lessening risk factors for cancer, diabetes, heart disease and even aging.

Researchers from the University of Southern California (USC) have examined the potential effects on mice and humans of a diet restricted in calories. They have found out that in as little as five days, several noticeable changes have occurred in the body.

The people who have taken the Fasting Mimicking Diet have resulted in lower levels of fat and cholesterol, and a healthier, positive change as compared to the individuals who did not take the diet.

As for the mice, the Fasting Mimicking Diet has strengthened their immune system and has increased the number of stem cells in their organs, which include the brain, thus boosting the mice's regeneration and improving cognitive function.

Pulse Nigeria adds that the good effects of the Fasting Mimicking Diet have lasted even after the participants have returned to their regular caloric intake.

Daily Mail UK also reports that a similar study that has been conducted in USC noted that Fasting Mimicking Diet or any diet that actually uses fasting as its main weight loss tool has showed an increase in life expectancy of a person.

Tests also found that over a three-month period, blood glucose levels lowered to 10 percent during the fasting days but have remained at 6 percent on average. IGF1, a chemical agent that is associated with diseases surrounding ageing, has also been reduced by 24 percent.

Fox News adds that medical experts advise that finding a good way to reduce calories without experiencing any adverse medical effects while on Fasting Mimicking Diet could be the key to making this diet work properly. Prolonged fasting should be avoided at all costs, as this may lead to muscle wasting and nutrition-related issues.

For individuals with other medical conditions and would like to try Fasting Mimicking Diet, it is best to consult with a physician first and probably should work on long-term weight loss. Practicing  healthy lifestyle, avoiding processed foods and eating smaller portions may help in weight management as well.