ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet: Benefits, Science, and How It Works
Fasting is one of the most powerful health interventions known to science. From improved metabolism and fat loss to cellular renewal and longevity, fasting triggers a cascade of beneficial physiological responses. But for many, the thought of not eating for days is daunting—if not impossible.
Enter the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD): a groundbreaking 5-day nutritional program scientifically designed to mimic the effects of water-only fasting without complete food deprivation. Backed by over two decades of research, ProLon offers the benefits of fasting in a safe, structured, and sustainable way.
This article explores everything you need to know about the ProLon FMD, including its origins, how it works, the benefits, clinical evidence, and who should consider it.
What Is the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet?
The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet is a 5-day, plant-based meal program created by Dr. Valter Longo, Director of the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California. Unlike typical calorie-restricted diets, ProLon is designed to:
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Trick the body into a fasting state
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Avoid triggering nutrient-sensing pathways like mTOR and IGF-1
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Activate autophagy and stem cell regeneration
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Maintain lean body mass while reducing visceral fat
Each day of ProLon includes specially formulated meals and snacks made from whole food-derived ingredients, such as nut bars, vegetable soups, kale chips, olives, and herbal teas. The kit comes with everything you need for the 5-day period—including supplements and L-drink, a glycerol-based drink for energy support during days 2–5.
The Science Behind Fasting Mimicking
Fasting mimicking is not just about calorie reduction—it’s about nutrient signaling.
In traditional fasting, the absence of food suppresses:
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Insulin signaling
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IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)
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mTOR (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin)
These nutrient sensors are responsible for growth and aging. When suppressed, the body enters a protective, repair-driven mode, triggering autophagy (cellular cleanup) and stem cell activation.
ProLon provides about 750–1100 calories per day, but its precise macro- and micronutrient composition is calibrated to avoid reactivating nutrient-sensing pathways. This allows your body to remain in a fasting-like state while still receiving nourishment.
What’s in the ProLon Box?
Each ProLon kit contains 5 daily boxes labeled Day 1 through Day 5. Each box includes:
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Nut-based bars for breakfast
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Dehydrated soups for lunch and dinner
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Herbal teas
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Olives and kale chips for snacks
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L-Drink (glycerol-based drink for cellular protection)
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Supplements such as algal oil and vegetable capsules
Meals are vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO, developed in partnership with leading nutrition scientists.
Benefits of the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet
The benefits of ProLon extend well beyond weight loss. Clinical research shows that FMD can:
1. Activate Autophagy and Stem Cell Regeneration
One of the most profound effects of fasting is autophagy, the cellular process of cleaning out damaged components. On days 3–5 of the ProLon diet, your body transitions into full fasting physiology:
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Old or damaged cells are removed
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Stem cells are activated in the bone marrow and gut
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New immune cells and tissue repair are initiated
Post-fast refeeding (after Day 5) is the trigger for these regenerative processes to complete.
2. Enhance Cognitive Function and Neuroprotection
Fasting increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and supports synaptic plasticity. Animal studies also show that FMD may reduce:
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Brain inflammation
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Alzheimer’s disease pathology
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Cognitive decline in aging
A 2021 mouse study found that monthly cycles of FMD improved cognition and reduced amyloid plaque load in Alzheimer’s-prone mice.
3. Support Weight Loss and Visceral Fat Reduction
A 2017 human clinical trial published in Science Translational Medicine showed that 3 cycles of ProLon over 3 months resulted in:
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Average 5.7 lb (2.6 kg) weight loss
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Reduction in trunk (visceral) fat
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Preservation of lean muscle mass
Unlike many calorie-restricted diets, ProLon spares muscle while targeting harmful fat around the organs.
4. Improve Cardiometabolic Markers
The same 2017 trial reported statistically significant improvements in:
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Total cholesterol
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Triglycerides
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Blood pressure
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Fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity
Notably, those with higher baseline risk (pre-diabetes, hypertension, or obesity) saw greater improvements, suggesting ProLon is particularly beneficial for metabolic syndrome.
5. Reduce Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Multiple studies report that fasting mimicking diets reduce pro-inflammatory markers such as:
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CRP (C-reactive protein)
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IL-6
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TNF-α
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Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
By inducing a low-inflammatory state and triggering cellular cleanup, ProLon supports tissue health and slows the aging process.
6. Lower IGF-1: A Marker of Longevity
IGF-1 is a growth hormone linked to aging and cancer. In both animal and human studies, ProLon significantly lowers IGF-1 levels—aligning with findings from centenarian populations with naturally low IGF-1.
Scientific Research Supporting ProLon
ProLon is one of the few commercial dietary programs with peer-reviewed, published clinical trials. Here are some of the most important studies:
1. Wei et al., 2017 – Science Translational Medicine
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Study design: Randomized, controlled human trial
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Participants: 100 healthy adults
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Intervention: 5-day ProLon diet once per month for 3 months
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Outcomes:
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↓ Body weight, BMI, and waist circumference
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↓ Fasting glucose, IGF-1, triglycerides
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↓ C-reactive protein
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No loss of lean muscle mass
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2. Brandhorst et al., 2015 – Cell Metabolism
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Animal model: Mice on a periodic FMD for 4 days bi-monthly
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Results:
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↑ Lifespan
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↓ Tumor incidence
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↑ Cognitive performance
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↑ Hematopoietic stem cell regeneration
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↓ Inflammatory markers
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3. Rangan et al., 2021 – Cell Reports
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FMD cycles improved cognitive performance and reduced amyloid beta and tau pathology in mouse models of Alzheimer’s
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Suggests benefit for neurodegenerative disease prevention
How Often Should You Do ProLon?
ProLon is not meant to be done weekly. It is designed as a periodic intervention, and the frequency depends on your health goals:
| Goal | Frequency |
|---|---|
| General wellness | 1 round every 3–4 months |
| Fat loss/metabolic reset | 1 round per month for 3 consecutive months |
| High-risk metabolic profile | Monthly or as directed by a clinician |
Many people experience long-lasting metabolic improvements from just 1–3 cycles, especially when paired with healthy diet and lifestyle choices afterward.
Is ProLon Safe?
ProLon is clinically tested and generally safe for most healthy adults. However, it’s not recommended for:
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Pregnant or breastfeeding women
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Underweight individuals (BMI < 18.5)
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Children under 18
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Individuals with diagnosed eating disorders
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Anyone with insulin-dependent diabetes (unless supervised)
As with any fasting protocol, consult a healthcare provider before starting if you have chronic health conditions or take prescription medications.
What to Expect During the 5 Days
Day 1: You’ll feel normal—calories are closer to 1100 this day.
Day 2–3: Mild hunger, possibly some fatigue or brain fog as your body transitions into ketosis and autophagy.
Day 4: Fewer cravings, increased mental clarity, lightness.
Day 5: Many report a sense of calm, focus, and "lightness."
Refeeding Day 6: Important to reintroduce whole foods gradually (avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and sugar).
Most users report feeling energized, clearer-minded, and less inflamed by Day 6.
How to Maximize Your Results
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Hydrate well – Drink at least 64 oz of water per day
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Get plenty of sleep – Rest supports autophagy
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Avoid intense exercise – Light movement like yoga or walking is best
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Don't snack outside the plan – It breaks the fasting effect
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Avoid alcohol – It disrupts liver metabolism during cellular cleanup
Functional Medicine Perspective: Why We Recommend ProLon
At Revolution Health & Wellness, we see ProLon as a powerful tool for:
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Patients with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance
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Individuals with chronic inflammation or autoimmune conditions
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Those seeking neuroprotection or longevity strategies
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People who struggle with adherence to traditional fasting
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A post-holiday or seasonal reset for metabolism and gut health
Unlike many “cleanses,” ProLon is rooted in rigorous science, with clinically validated outcomes. It’s not a gimmick—it’s a therapeutic intervention that aligns with our philosophy of healing from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
Fasting is one of the most effective ways to trigger cellular regeneration, improve metabolic health, and extend lifespan—but it’s not always practical or safe for everyone. The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet provides a scientifically engineered solution, allowing you to reap the benefits of fasting while still eating.
With benefits ranging from fat loss and metabolic improvements to stem cell activation and brain support, ProLon stands apart as a true evidence-based innovation in nutritional therapy.
Ready to Try ProLon?
Revolution Health & Wellness can help you integrate the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet into a personalized functional medicine plan. Whether you’re resetting your metabolism, supporting longevity, or addressing inflammation, we’re here to guide you safely and effectively.
Contact us today to learn more about how ProLon can be a powerful step toward your health goals.
References
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Wei, M., et al. (2017). Fasting-mimicking diet and markers/risk factors for aging, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Science Translational Medicine.
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Brandhorst, S., et al. (2015). A periodic diet that mimics fasting promotes multi-system regeneration, enhanced cognitive performance, and healthspan. Cell Metabolism.
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Rangan, P., et al. (2021). Fasting-mimicking diet cycles reduce autoimmunity and multiple sclerosis symptoms. Cell Reports.
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Longo, V. D., & Panda, S. (2016). Fasting, circadian rhythms, and time-restricted feeding in healthy lifespan. Cell Metabolism.
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Cummings, N. E., et al. (2018). Fasting and immune system regeneration. Immunity.