Valter Longo, Ph.D. on Fasting-Mimicking Diet & Fasting for Longevity, Cancer & Multiple Sclerosis

Immune Regeneration

Fasting plays a crucial role in regenerating the immune system by activating autophagy, which clears damaged cells and stimulates stem cell renewal. Valter Longo explains that during prolonged fasting, a significant portion of white blood cells is destroyed and then replenished upon refeeding, leading to a more youthful immune profile 1. This process is particularly impactful on hematopoietic stem cells, which shift from glycolytic to oxidative energy production, enhancing their ability to self-renew and differentiate 2.

Fasting is probably the most powerful way to shrink a system, make the liver a lot smaller, make all these organs a lot smaller, the immune system, and then regenerate it.

--- Valter Longo

This rejuvenation has significant implications for aging, potentially reversing immunosenescence and improving resistance to infections and diseases 3.

   

Inflammation Control

Fasting significantly reduces systemic inflammation, a key factor in aging and many diseases. Rhonda Patrick highlights research showing that lower inflammation correlates with healthier aging and longevity 4. Longo adds that fasting helps reset the body's systems, reducing inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, which are crucial indicators of health 5.

Inflammation as a marker is a very important one. If you look at C-reactive protein, for example, or interleukin six in an intervention that you do, you want to see them coming down.

--- Valter Longo

This reduction in inflammation allows the body to repair and regenerate tissues more effectively, contributing to overall health and longevity 6.

   

Stem Cell Dynamics

The impact of fasting on hematopoietic stem cells is profound, as it enhances their ability to rejuvenate the blood and immune systems. Longo notes that fasting shifts these stem cells from a glycolytic state to one that relies on oxidative phosphorylation, which is more energy-efficient and conducive to self-renewal 2. This metabolic shift is crucial for the regeneration of healthy blood cells and the maintenance of a robust immune system.

Our decision has been always to understand enough the mechanisms to be able to not or minimize the chance of making mistakes, get to the clinical trial and then go back and fill it in.

--- Valter Longo

Additionally, fasting-mimicking drugs like spermidine and resveratrol can mimic some of these effects, offering potential benefits without the need for prolonged fasting 7.