FMD Protocol Simulator

Low-Calorie, Low-Protein Plant-Based Formula

A specific 5-day plant-based formula supplies limited calories and protein.

• 5 days: Typical duration (per cycle)
• ~750–1100: Calorie range (kcal per day)
• Low: Protein content (plant-derived)
• Plant-based: Diet composition (soups, bars, teas)

What the formula contains

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Why calories stay low

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Why protein stays low

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Mimicking Fasting Biology While Eating

Nutrient composition tricks the body into fasting-like signaling.

• Reduced: IGF-1 signal (growth signaling drops)
• Lowered: Glucose trend (mild hypoglycemia-like)
• Elevated: Ketone bodies (shift toward ketosis)
• Reduced: Insulin signal (lower insulin secretion)

Hormonal shifts

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Metabolic switch

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Cellular stress response

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Multi-Day Periodic Cycle Structure

A 5-day fasting-mimicking block is repeated on a periodic schedule.

• 5 days: Cycle length (FMD block)
• ~25 days: Refeed window (normal eating)
• Monthly: Typical frequency (per cycle)
• 3–12: Studied cycle count (cycles in trials)

Cycle timing

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Refeeding phase

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Adherence over cycles

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Stem Cell Regeneration Signal Hypothesis

Repeated cycles are hypothesized to prompt stem cell-based renewal.

• Preclinical: Hypothesis origin (mouse studies)
• Stem/progenitor: Proposed target (cell pools)
• Regrowth phase: Signal driver (after depletion)
• Emerging: Evidence strength (human data limited)

The regeneration hypothesis

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Rebound after depletion

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Caveats and open questions

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Periodic Use vs Continuous Restriction

Periodic short cycles are compared against continuous calorie restriction.

• Cyclic: Periodic pattern (brief restriction bursts)
• Sustained: Continuous pattern (ongoing restriction)
• Lower: Adherence difficulty (for periodic approach)
• Built-in: Recovery time (refeed between cycles)

Why periodicity matters

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Continuous restriction trade-offs

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Practical takeaway

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