NEWS
FMD and Mental Health: A Closer Look at the Mind-Body Connection
Millions of people worldwide struggle with mental health daily. Here at L-Nutra, we strive to go beyond the physical benefits of our science-backed nutrition to better understand the connection between mental and physical well-being. While we know that traditional treatments such as psychotherapy and medication are highly effective for many who are dealing with mental health conditions, there’s growing interest in complementary approaches that address the mind-body connection – including utilizing the benefits of the Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) in conjunction with standard of care treatment.
As a company committed to helping you live a healthier, happier life, starting at the cellular level, let’s explore what recent research findings suggest about the role FMD might play in supporting mental wellness.
Is There More to FMD Beyond Physical Benefits? What Does the Research Suggest?
When combined with standard of care psychotherapy, the research looks promising for those suffering from depression. A study observed the efficacy of adding a Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) to a structured psychotherapy protocol for treating depression. According to the results, three cycles of the 5-Day FMD paired with psychotherapy was effective in reducing depression as well as increasing self‐esteem and quality of life. In fact, functional therapy (which uses cognitive and emotional techniques to boost self-esteem) combined with FMD was significantly more effective than functional therapy alone in improving psychological quality of life.
The study underscores the “usefulness of working through depression by following an integrated approach that involves food as a medicine for improving the outcomes of psychotherapy.”*
Additionally, FMD may also have a positive effect on brain health. Promising preclinical research found that FMD cycles could impact the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by reducing cognitive decline in mouse models with AD in part by reducing neuroinflammation and/or superoxide production in the brain.
Emotional & Behavioral FMD Benefits
But the impact of FMD on mental health goes beyond dedicated mental health studies. In fact, a recent study examining the effects of FMD on skin health also found that three consecutive FMD rounds once a month over a three month period contributed to user-reported increase in confidence and self esteem.
Additionally, according to L-Nutra’s FIT trial exploring FMD’s effects on type 2 diabetes markers, participants were shown to make positive lifestyle changes post-fast, including adding more physical activity to their routine and self-initiating healthier daily habits. Participants in the study undergoing 5-day FMD fasting cycles increased their physical activity by four hours per week over 12 months. Conversely, the control group saw a concerning six-hour-per-week decrease in activity levels. “Patients felt rejuvenated – lighter, stronger, more vibrant after the FMD periods,” explains L-Nutra Chief Medical Officer Dr. William Hsu. “This unlocked an intrinsic inspiration to start moving their bodies more.”
While research studying FMD and approaches to mental health treatment is still underway, initial findings point to FMD supporting not only a physical reset but potentially a mental and behavioral reset that could lead to a happier, healthier way of life.
Those who have completed our 5-Day Program have reported feeling:
A sense of accomplishment: Many users experience a profound sense of accomplishment after completing the 5-day fast. The challenge of sticking to the program and its rewarding results can foster a sense of pride that may positively impact other areas of life.
Improved mindfulness and a healthier relationship with food: FMD may promote greater awareness of food choices and eating habits, with many users reporting a positive shift to more mindful eating – leading to better portion control, improved food decisions, and a healthier approach to their nutrition.
Each of these benefits has been shown to support an improved mental outlook – a crucial step in one’s wellness journey.
While mental wellness is highly personal and varies from individual to individual, we believe that mental and physical well-being are deeply connected. By potentially supporting both the psychological and biological factors that contribute to depression, this integrated approach could be a game-changer for those who have struggled with conventional treatments alone.
As with any treatment plan, consult with a medical professional to understand if it’s a suitable option for you.
- Sources:
*Efficacy of a fasting-mimicking diet in functional therapy for depression: A randomised controlled pilot trial
Fasting-mimicking diet cycles reduce neuroinflammation to attenuate cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s models
The Effects of a Fasting Mimicking Diet on Skin Hydration, Skin Texture, and Skin Assessment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Self-initiated lifestyle changes during a fasting-mimicking diet programme in patients with type 2 diabetes: a mixed-methods study