Can You Really Age Backwards with Fake-Fasting? Expert Shares Insights

In the world of wellness, several trends come and go, and the current buzzword everyone’s been talking about is the fake fasting. This is because of one big claim its making, which is, it may help slow down ageing and even reverse some markers of ageing in certain cases. While this sounds a little too good to be true, this style of eating has been studied for its ability to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support cellular repair. 

But what is fake fasting, and can it actually make you age in reverse? In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Aayesha Parveen, Consultant, Nutritionist, Kinder Women’s Hospital and Fertility Centre, Bangalore, explained to us the science, benefits, and precautions behind this trend that's gaining momentum. Read ahea to find out.

What Exactly Is Fake Fasting?

Fake fasting, also known as the water-only fasting, refers to a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD), which is an overall pattern of eating that is designed to achieve the full biological effect of no food intake while still partially eating.

Aayesha explained, “On a fake-fast, you could have a typical five-day low-calorie program where you take very minimal calories, usually anything between 300 to 600 depending on your size and intake. This sends a signal for the body to behave as if it were in a fast, even though you are consuming some food.”

This temporary reduction in calories has effects similar to water fasting on your metabolism, including cellular repair processes, reduced glucose levels, and improved insulin sensitivity.

Also Read: THIS Simple Habit Will Lower Your Blood Sugar Faster Than Any Supplement, Expert Shares

Can Fake Fasting Really Slow Down Ageing?

According to several research, the fasting mimicking diet may help reduce biological age markers. Here’s how: 

Aayesha said, "When you follow fake fasting, your body goes into autophagy, a natural process in which the body clears damaged cells and regenerates new cells. That is the body's innate anti-ageing mechanism." Here is how fake fasting affects ageing:

1. Enhances Cellular Regeneration

Through the induction of autophagy, the body repairs damaged cells, improves mitochondrial function, and reduces overall oxidative stress, leading to healthier tissues.

2. Supports Hormonal Balance

Fasting has been proven to control insulin and the growth hormone, all of which play a major role in ageing, metabolic, and fat distribution processes.

3. Reduces Inflammation

Chronic inflammation accelerates the process of ageing. A low-calorie fasting-mimicking diet has shown a reduction in inflammatory markers.

4. Improves Metabolic Health

TThe most crucial contributing factors to long-term longevity are better blood sugar control, improved lipid levels, and increased metabolic flexibility, all of which happens during a fake-fast.

Aayesha added, “While fake fasting can support anti-ageing from within, it’s not a magic pill. Healthy ageing comes from a consistent lifestyle that includes whole foods, good sleep, and stress management.”

Also Read: Does Lack of Sleep Affect Cholesterol? Cardiologist Explains

Who Should Try Fake Fasting?

Fake fasting may help individuals who want to:

• Reset metabolism
• Improve digestion
• Reduce inflammation
• Support weight loss
• Improve energy levels
• Cellular repair for improved skin health.

It is not recommended for pregnant women, medicated diabetics, people with eating disorders, or those with chronic illnesses not under medical supervision.

How to Follow Fake Fasting Safely

Here are some expert-approved guidelines recommended by Aayesha:

• Follow the five-day fasting-mimicking diet once every one to three months.
• Keep calorie intake between 300 to 600 per day, mostly from soups, vegetables, nuts, and light broths.
• Keep hydrated with water, infused water, or herbal teas.
• Avoid doing heavy exercise for five days.
• Resume normal eating gradually to avoid digestive stress.

Bottomline

Fake fasting could be beneficial to trigger anti-ageing biological processes, improve metabolic health, and enhance cellular repair. But it works best when you add balance in lifestyle. Always consult a nutritionist before trying it, especially if you have underlying health conditions.