#335: Longevity and the Fasting Mimicking Diet with Dr. Valter Longo
“So now we're shown for diabetics that we can cause regression, diabetes regression. And this is in two different clinical trials. 70 % of our patients are now reducing drug use, and then within a couple of years we're starting to see people, unlike what you see with GLP -1, we're starting to see people go back to full health, no drugs, and so, yeah, so these are some of the big range of things that the FMD can do”–Dr. Valter Longo
Can the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) be a sustainable lifestyle choice for promoting healthier habits, and what scientific evidence supports its regenerative effects on the body?
In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview Dr. Valter Longo on his research in aging and longevity. He defines the longevity diet, why he recommends a low protein intake, and whether plant protein is as harmful as animal protein. He also describes the fasting-mimicking diet and its benefits.
Discover how a musician turned biochemist revolutionized the way we approach aging, introducing the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) as a groundbreaking strategy for enhancing lifespan and combating chronic diseases. This episode is a deep dive into the science behind this innovative diet, shedding light on its ability to reduce biological age, decrease systemic inflammation, and improve crucial health markers such as cholesterol and IGF-1. Dr. Longo challenges conventional notions of protein intake, especially from animal sources, and provides a comprehensive framework for healthy aging tailored to individual needs. Hear about the transformative potential of the FMD, with its regenerative effects and practical approach that makes it accessible to everyone, even those new to fasting.
Learn how FMD offers a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional fasting, the challenges and triumphs of implementing FMD in clinical trials, and its role in disease prevention and management. With insights into Dr. Longo's personal dietary practices and his vision for the future of nutrition, this episode offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in enhancing their quality and length of life through informed dietary choices.
Dr. Valter Longo is a renowned expert in longevity and age-related diseases, recognized for his groundbreaking research on fasting and its effects on lifespan. His team notably extended the lifespan of a simple organism tenfold and identified key genetic mutations in humans linked to protection against cancer and cognitive decline. He developed the fasting-mimicking diet, leading to over 30 clinical trials demonstrating its potential in reducing biological age and aiding cancer patients. As a Professor at USC’s Longevity Institute, he authored the bestselling book "The Longevity Diet" and was named one of TIME magazine's 50 most influential people in healthcare in 2018. Additionally, he founded non-profit organizations aimed at promoting healthy longevity.
Discussion points:
(00:00) Guest intro - Dr. Valter Longo and his pioneering work on longevity
(08:30) Insights from historical diets like Mediterranean and Okinawan
(08:30) Dr. Longo discusses the fasting-mimicking diet's benefits on health
(12:39) Keeping protein low- counterintuitive but accurate, animal vs. plant protein, protein intake recommendations
(18:45) The potential of FMD for regeneration and disease prevention
(26:00) Using fasting as a way to identify food sensitivities, and as a preventative measure
(30:46) Challenges of water-only fasting compared to FMD are examined
(33:20) How the FMD works, what foods and when?
(36:00) Dr. Longo's personal diet and views on time-restricted eating
(39:00) Closing questions, what we wish people knew
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Dr. Valter Longo
Professor of Gerontology and Biological Science and Director of the Longevity Institute
Dr. Valter Longo is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of longevity and age-related diseases. After extending the lifespan of a simple organism tenfold by a combination of fasting and genetic mutations and discovering one of the most important pathways in longevity research, his group identified in humans an equivalent mutation associated with protection from cancer, diabetes, cognitive decline, and cardiovascular damage.
His laboratory later described and developed the fasting-mimicking diet and published on its effect on multi-system stem cell activation, reprogramming, and regeneration. This led toover 30 clinical trials on longevity and age-related disease, some demonstrating the effect of fasting-mimicking diet cycles inreducing biological age, causing diabetes regression, and potentially increasing survival in cancer patients.
Dr. Longo is a Professor of Gerontology and Biological Science and Director of the Longevity Institute at the School of Gerontology of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, one of the world’s leading centers devoted to teaching and research on aging.
His book, “The Longevity Diet”, is an international bestseller, translated into over 25 languages and sold in more than 30countries around the globe. In 2018 he was included among the 50 most influential people in healthcare by TIME magazine.
He is the founder of the non-profit organizations Create Cures Foundation in the US and the Valter Longo Foundation in Italy, which provide lifestyle education for children and adults, and nutritional assistance to optimize healthy longevity.
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.