The Fasting-Mimicking Diet: What is it and how can it benefit Kidney Disease Patients.
WHAT IS THE FASTING-MIMICKING DIET?
The Fasting-mimicking diet entails consuming fewer calories than usual in a specific ratio of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. This tricks the body into thinking it is fasting.
The diet is usually performed for five consecutive days per month. It can be repeated monthly or less frequently. During this five-day period the body shifts into a state of ketosis, promoting autophagy (the breakdown and recycling of old cell parts), and allowing for subsequent health benefits. Once the five-day period is over, a regular diet is resumed.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS?
Studies show that for people at risk for chronic disease, the fasting-mimicking diet (when completed once a month for three months) reduces body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, IGF-1 (which stimulates protein synthesis and breakdown of fatty acids), triglycerides, cholesterol, and markers of inflammation (National Institute of Health).
HOW CAN THIS DIET BENEFIT PEOPLE WITH KIDNEY DISEASE SPECIFICALLY?
The fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease! This is possible by:
Shifting metabolism from glucose to fat oxidation.
This means that the body will burn fat instead of stored sugars and preserve muscle.
Decreasing amounts of protein in the urine.
In early stages of kidney disease, protein starts to leak into the urine. Protein should stay in the blood as the body needs protein to build muscle and bones, regulate fluid, fight infection, and repair damaged tissue.
Improving insulin sensitivity.
Insulin sensitivity allows cells to use glucose from the blood efficiently and thus lowering blood glucose levels.
Reversing inflammation and oxidative damage.
Inflammation and free radicals can damage cells in the body. Reducing harmful particles in the body and increasing antioxidant activity can help prevent this damage and potentially reverse some that has already been done.
** Note this is not applicable to End Stage Renal Disease/Stage 5 Kidney Disease
For more information, contact me!
